Politics in South Africa just got a little spicier.
During the EFF’s 12th anniversary rally in Khayelitsha, party leader Julius Malema dropped a headline-making bombshell — and it was aimed straight at KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop.
Malema publicly invited Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to join the Economic Freedom Fighters, praising the police commissioner for standing his ground against corruption and political meddling.
“We’ve Got a Spot for You,” Malema Tells Mkhwanazi
With thousands of supporters cheering him on, Malema didn’t mince words.
“General Mkhwanazi, if they fire you for standing against corruption, the EFF has a place for you,” he said, earning roars of approval from the crowd.
It was more than just a shoutout. Malema took it a step further by backing Mkhwanazi for an even bigger role — national police commissioner.
According to him, Mkhwanazi has the kind of integrity and leadership that South Africa needs at the top of the police force.
The Tensions Behind the Invite
This bold gesture wasn’t out of the blue.
Mkhwanazi recently made waves when he publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of blocking investigations into political assassinations.
That stirred up serious political dust.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa put both Mchunu and Sibiya on special leave and launched a judicial inquiry to dig into the allegations.
A Country Divided on the Proposal
Malema’s invitation sparked a flurry of debate across the country.
Some see the move as smart politics — standing behind a whistle-blower who’s clearly under pressure.
Others feel it’s a stretch, saying Mkhwanazi’s career in law enforcement doesn’t really align with the EFF’s more radical political approach.
But whether people agree or not, the conversation is heating up.
What’s Next for Mkhwanazi?
Here’s the twist — Mkhwanazi’s contract as KZN police commissioner ends in December 2025.
That gives him time to weigh his options, but the big question is whether he’ll stick with the South African Police Service or take a leap into the political arena.
So far, he hasn’t responded publicly to Malema’s invitation, but all eyes are on him.
