‘The devil’s pact’: Suspicion mounts over Malema, Zuma tea party

EFF leader Julius Malema has turned heads this week, after he pursued a meeting with Jacob Zuma via Twitter. Sure enough, Msholozi broke his social media hiatus to agree to a ‘tea date’ with his one-time political adversary, and speculation about the true intentions behind this agreement has been rife.

Thank you Baba, I will make a plan to arrive, possibly this weekend. I will take it further with your young man @mzwandileMasina for final details. Thank you for accepting my request promptly. It is in the best interest of our country. 🙏🏿

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021

When is Julius Malema meeting Jacob Zuma for tea?

Julius Malema spent most of Wednesday evening pushing back against detractors online. One notable interaction took place between him and the former ANC Minister for Tourism, Derek Hanekom. The party veteran reminded Juju of the backlash he encountered when meeting up with an EFF member – not that Malema cared, though…

Is a meeting of black people, if you don't mind,

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021

Julius Malema stands his ground

Criticism for the tea party continued to pour in throughout the evening, but Julius Malema has never been swayed by public opinion. He was told to ‘stay out’ of anything relating to Jacob Zuma, and ex-Wits University Principal Adam Habib branded their meeting as ‘the devil’s pact’. Again, the political firebrand retorted with ferocity.

I've been advised to stay out of politics, including by my mother. I didn't listen to such because I always thought politics is my thing. Please don't ask me to abandon politics for mangoes, I refuse. Nnako!

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021

You will be strong; the pact happened at Mangaung when your favourite became his deputy, or you conveniently forgot about it because it is working for you.

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021

Jacob Zuma and the EFF – best of enemies?

Could a pact be formed between Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema? The pair do seem to have common ground, with shared views on economic transformation and free higher education. However, a new shared philosophy seems to be uniting the EFF with Msholozi – a disdain for the State Capture Inquiry.

With Zuma refusing to return to the Commission, speculation is swirling about the plans that could be hatched during a high-profile meeting in Nkandla. Indeed, Floyd Shivambu said last night that the Inquiry served as ‘factional nonsense’. Something is brewing in our political heartlands – and it’s not just a pot of tea.

“This factional nonsense of a Commission only chooses members and ex-members of Parliament who will justify and validate their pre-conclusions. The EFF fought for the Commission to be established and yet they will never speak to us because we are not factional puppets. Sies!”

Floyd Shivambu