“No. See You In Court”: Helen Zille Flatly Rejects Julius Malema’s Apology Demand

Helen Zille Rejects Malema’s Apology Demand With Brutal “See You In Court” Response

The political battle between Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has taken a dramatic turn after Zille’s legal representatives rejected his demands for a public apology and retraction over controversial allegations involving the City of Johannesburg.

In a strongly worded response, the attorneys representing Zille and the DA made it clear that they would not withdraw the statements or comply with the demands issued by Malema’s legal team.

“The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court,” the attorneys stated in their formal correspondence.

The response followed a letter of demand dated 9 November 2026, which was sent by Malema’s legal representatives, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc. His lawyers accused Zille of making false and defamatory statements during an eNCA interview on Sunday, 8 November.

During the interview, Zille alleged that Malema had significant influence over decisions made in the City of Johannesburg during Herman Mashaba’s time as mayor between 2016 and 2019.

She claimed that Mashaba allowed the EFF leader to dictate major municipal decisions, including matters involving City Power and the city’s fleet tender. Zille further alleged that these decisions benefited Malema and companies she described as his front companies.

Another serious allegation concerned the appointment of former senior police officer Shadrack Sibiya to head Johannesburg’s anti-corruption unit.

Zille claimed that Mashaba made the appointment at Malema’s instruction and allegedly justified the arrangement as the price of maintaining political support to remain in power.

However, Malema’s legal team strongly rejected the claims, arguing that they portrayed their client as dishonest, corrupt and someone who used political influence for personal benefit.

His attorneys demanded that Zille publicly retract the allegations, apologise, publish a formal statement across her social media platforms and provide a written undertaking that she would not repeat the claims.

The EFF also demanded that the wording of the proposed apology be submitted for approval before publication.

Zille was given until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November, to comply. Her legal representatives have now rejected the demands and invited Malema’s lawyers to serve any court application by email.

The dispute is unfolding at a politically sensitive time, with Zille campaigning to become Johannesburg’s next mayor ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The latest development could therefore have implications beyond the courtroom, as both political leaders remain influential figures in the country’s political landscape.

For now, neither side appears willing to back down. Malema’s legal team has threatened to pursue damages and an interdict, while Zille’s attorneys have made their position clear.

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