Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille has rejected Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s demands for a retraction and public apology over allegations she made about him.
In a brief response addressed to Malema’s legal representatives, Zille’s lawyers, Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc., said they acted on behalf of both the DA and Zille.
The three-point letter confirmed receipt of Malema’s lawyers’ correspondence dated 9 November 2026 before rejecting all the demands.
“The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court,” the lawyers wrote.
Malema’s legal team, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc., had demanded that Zille retract statements she made during an eNCA interview on 8 November, issue a public apology and undertake in writing not to repeat the allegations.
The allegations concerned claims that Malema influenced decisions in the City of Johannesburg during Herman Mashaba’s tenure as mayor, including matters involving City Power, municipal fleet tenders and the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya to head the city’s anti-corruption unit.
Malema’s lawyers described the remarks as false and defamatory and gave Zille until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November, to comply. They warned that failure to do so could result in further legal action, including a claim for damages and an interdict.
Zille’s lawyers’ response indicates that their clients will not comply with the demands, leaving the dispute potentially headed for court.
