South African politics is heating up once again as Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, took a swipe at Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema this week.
The comparison comes at a sensitive moment: Malema is currently appearing in court in East London, awaiting judgment on a criminal case.
A Twitter Taunt Sparks Debate
McKenzie shared two striking images on his X account. One showed Malema in court, while the other captured McKenzie himself after being released from prison years ago for armed robbery.
His caption? Simply, “I know the feeling.” The tweet rekindles a long-running feud between the two politicians, who have never shied away from trading barbs publicly.
Accusations and Allegations
This is not the first time McKenzie has drawn parallels between himself and Malema.
Back in July, during a Facebook Live session, he accused the EFF leader of sharing more than just political ambition with him.
“Do you know what Malema and I have in common? We are both bank robbers,” McKenzie said.
“He was involved in VBS. We are ex-criminal colleagues. I used to rob banks…he is robbing banks too.”
McKenzie was referencing allegations against Malema and his former deputy Floyd Shivambu, who are accused of siphoning millions from the now-defunct VBS Bank for personal gain.
EFF Under Fire
McKenzie didn’t stop there. He also criticized Malema’s leadership style and the state of the EFF: “The EFF is in the ICU.
They’re waiting for the day the machine is shut off. There is no politics; there is just gossip. That leader, Malema, is like an old auntie who just gossips.
He doesn’t talk about his party, his policies, or what they’re going to do.”
Malema Fires Back
Malema didn’t let the remarks go unanswered. Speaking to EWN, he rejected McKenzie’s claims outright.
“I never went to jail, I never got arrested for stealing. I’ve never robbed anything in my entire life. Never,” he said, addressing the “bank robber” label.
Malema also warned of legal action: “I will take him on. Don’t lie about me… If you become personal, I will sue you. I don’t play games.”
A Political Feud That Shows No Signs of Cooling
With Malema facing court proceedings for allegedly unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm, and McKenzie eager to continue his verbal attacks, South Africa’s political scene remains as dramatic and headline-grabbing as ever.
Both figures are set to keep the country watching closely as the saga unfolds.