Mining businessman Solomon “MySol” Soka Madibela has hit back at Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema after the politician referred to him as a “small boy” during a party rally in the North West.
Malema made the remarks while addressing supporters at the EFF’s Tshela Thupa Rally at Letlhabile Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
During his speech, Malema criticised the concentration of mining wealth in the hands of a few individuals and argued that mineral resources should benefit communities.
He specifically targeted Madibela, saying the country’s mines would serve the people rather than the businessman.
Madibela responded through his WhatsApp status on Sunday, 25 October, dismissing Malema’s remarks and turning the “boy” label back on the EFF leader.
“Malema o ngwana boy. O je bogobe,” Madibela wrote.
The remarks can be loosely translated as, “Malema, you are a child, boy. Eat porridge.”
Madibela also urged people to screenshot and share his response, as he does not use social media platforms in the conventional way.
The exchange follows earlier tensions between the businessman and Malema. Madibela previously claimed that the EFF leader turned against him after he declined an invitation to one of the party’s fundraising gala dinners.
The public exchange has brought renewed attention to the disagreement between the businessman and the EFF leader, with mining ownership and the distribution of mineral wealth featuring prominently in Malema’s criticism.
