Malema Wanted Helen Zille to Apologise and Retract Her Statements, But Her Response Was Unexpected

Helen Zille Rejects Julius Malema’s Defamation Demands: “No. See You in Court.”

DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille has refused to apologise to EFF leader Julius Malema or retract allegations she made about his alleged influence over decisions in the City of Johannesburg, setting the stage for a possible legal battle between the two political figures.

In a letter addressed to Malema’s attorneys, Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc., lawyers representing Zille and the Democratic Alliance confirmed receiving a letter of demand dated 9 November 2026. However, they rejected all the demands made by the EFF leader.

Delivering a firm response, the attorneys stated: “The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court.”

The legal dispute stems from an interview Zille gave to eNCA on Sunday, 8 November, during which she made allegations about Malema’s influence during Herman Mashaba’s tenure as Johannesburg mayor between 2016 and 2019.

Zille claimed that Malema had influence over municipal appointments, tenders and certain decisions involving City Power. She also alleged that Mashaba had described the arrangement as the price of maintaining the coalition government.

Malema’s legal representatives have dismissed the allegations as false and defamatory. They demanded a public apology, a retraction and a written commitment from Zille not to repeat the claims.

The attorneys gave Zille until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November, to comply, warning that failure to do so could result in further legal action, including a damages claim and an interdict.

However, Zille’s legal team appears unwilling to back down, inviting Malema’s attorneys to serve any court application by email.

The confrontation comes amid growing political competition ahead of the 2026 local government elections, with Zille campaigning for the position of Johannesburg mayor.

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