EFF leader Julius Malema

ActionSA confirmed that it is exploring legal action against Malema. Image: Julius Malema/ EFF

Julius Malema: ActionSA ‘considering’ legal battle against EFF leader

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has confirmed the party is considering a legal battle against Julius Malema.

EFF leader Julius Malema

ActionSA confirmed that it is exploring legal action against Malema. Image: Julius Malema/ EFF

ActionSA has revealed that it is considering legal action against EFF leader Julius Malema. In a statement issued by the party, Herman Mashaba confirmed that it is reviewing plans to head to court.

“ActionSA has received communication from the National Assembly Acting Registrar of Members’ Interests communicating its finding acquitting Julius Malema of his remarks encouraging illegal immigration. Our Senate will consider initiating a legal review of this absurd decision.”

Herman Mashaba

Action follows complaint laid against Malema

Mashaba explained that the loading legal battle is in response to a complaint laid by the party with the Speaker of the National Assembly.

“This follows a complaint laid by ActionSA with the Speaker of the National Assembly after Malema made remarks in a televised press conference held on 14 January 2021. The remarks made during the lockdown openly encouraged residents of SADC countries to cross South Africa’s borders in violation of our immigration laws and covid regulations at the time.”

Herman Mashaba
EFF leader Julius Malema
ActionSA confirmed that it is exploring legal action against Malema. Image: Julius Malema/ EFF

EFF leader’s comments at centre of drama

Malema was quoted as saying the following by ActionSA in the statement early last year:

“So let the borders be open and if the gates are not for SADC, fellow SADC people please find a creative way this is your home, your families are here. There is no way anyone is going to close you out here. Lesotho and Free state are one thing, Mpumalanga and Swaziland are one thing, North-West and Botswana are one thing, Limpopo and Zimbabwe are one thing. What is the point, there is not point at all…”

Julius Malema

Mashaba condemned the decision taking by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests over the matter.

“Astonishingly, 15 months later, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests found that Malema did not breach the Code of Ethical Conduct when making these remarks. In the letter communicating this outcome to ActionSA, the Acting Registrar found that “the words uttered by Hon. Malema is [sic] open to different interpretations.””

Herman Mashaba

“ActionSA stipulates that there was no ambiguity in Malema’s remarks which are a blatant invitation for people from neighbouring countries to enter South Africa illegally at a time in which the greatest number of deaths were being recorded from Covid-19 in South Africa. Any interpretation beyond this just serves to further how our National Assembly has become a place that protects Members of Parliament and not South Africans.”

Herman Mashaba

In conclusion, Mashaba highlighted his desire to send a clear message not only to Malema, but all other public officials as well.

“This is why ActionSA’s Senate will consider instituting a high court review of this ridiculous decision by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. ActionSA will send a message to Julius Malema, and all other MPs, that positions of public service will not be used to drive anarchy and lawlessness in South Africa.”

Herman Mashaba