EFF leader Julius Malema has confirmed his friendship with controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has acknowledged that he knows controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo, but denied being involved in criminal activities.
Malema made the revelation during an EFF press conference on Thursday.
Malema was responding to claims made against him at the Madlanga Commission by suspended Gauteng police sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
“They never said we got a list from the EFF,” Malema said.
“They said someone brought the list and claimed it was from the Red Berets. They never said the Red Berets sent that list.”
Nkosi, who is allegedly linked to criminal activities, told the commission that he received internal tender documents and engaged in discussions related to a controversial Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) security tender.
The discussions allegedly involved former MMC for corporate and shared services, Kholofelo Morodi.
Evidence presented before the commission, including WhatsApp exchanges, allegedly links Morodi to the sharing of tender-related material.
Nkosi, who is an organised crime officer, testified that he received documents from her concerning a land lease tender and claimed she was involved in efforts to influence procurement outcomes.
The parties implicated in the matter include the Economic Freedom Fighters and ActionSA.
In 2024, the TMPD advertised a tender for security companies to protect municipal infrastructure for three years.
According to evidence before the commission, the TMPD’s deputy chief, Umashi Dlamini, compiled a list of seven preferred companies that he allegedly received from the EFF.
The list was passed to Nkosi, who forwarded it to the municipality’s chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi.
Malema said the claims rely on hearsay.
“Someone said it was an EFF list and asked others to verify it. No one came to me to confirm whether it was from the EFF,” he said.
He added that the commission failed to establish whether the list was ever verified with him or any EFF leadership.
“If you call that implication, then you must go back and verify the source,” Malema said.
“There is nothing that links the EFF or its leadership to this matter.”
Malema further argued that individuals were invoking the EFF’s name without evidence.
“There is no one from the EFF involved in this,” he said.
He also denied any personal involvement in wrongdoing. “I do not engage in criminal activities. I am not a criminal,” he said.
Malema confirmed that he knows Nxumalo, who has also been implicated at the commission.
Allegations presented include claims that Nxumalo had unusual access to police documents and pressured authorities to arrest controversial blogger Musa Khawula.
“Zé is my friend,” Malema said. “Anyone from the northern suburbs would know him. He is a well-known socialite.”
Malema also defended Nxumalo’s background, noting his family’s political history.
He said Nxumalo is the son of a prominent Inkatha Freedom Party figure.
"I know Ze. Ze Nxumalo is a child of Professor Nxumalo, who was the founder of the IFP. He was the first general secretary of the IFP.”
He accused critics of selectively mentioning his name while ignoring Nxumalo’s broader network of associates.
“They mention me because they are looking for me,” Malema said.
“But they ignore others who are connected to him.”
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