Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene has rejected calls for an apology from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema in an escalating defamation dispute, stating that he will defend himself in court and present evidence to support his position.
The legal battle originated from Kunene’s comments during a February 2026 episode of Podcast and Chill with MacG, where Malema alleges that Kunene defamed him by referring to him as ‘a boy’, a term he claims carries significant racist undertones within the South African context.
Defamation Allegations
Malema also takes issue with Kunene’s claims about him leaving businessman Adriano Mazzotti’s ‘backroom’ at night to meet the late taxi boss, Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi, a member and leader of the so-called ‘Big Five’ cartel. Kunene highlighted that it is a matter of public record that Malema attended and even spoke at Msibi’s funeral, a detail he insists is pertinent in the ongoing legal battle.
According to the South African Government website, defamation is a serious offense that can have significant consequences. Kunene’s refusal to apologize has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression and the limits of defamation in South Africa.
Freedom of Expression
Kunene has described Malema’s legal actions as ‘shameless abuse of our courts’, pointing out that this lawsuit marks the third such accusation from Malema, whom he accuses of believing he alone possesses the right to freedom of expression. Kunene has stated that he looks forward to his day in court, indicating his readiness to confront the legal battle head-on.
Some of the key points in the case include:
- Malema’s allegations of defamation against Kunene
- Kunene’s refusal to apologize and his decision to defend himself in court
- The significance of the case in the context of freedom of expression in South Africa
As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the courts navigate the complex issues of defamation and freedom of expression in South Africa. For more information on the country’s laws and regulations, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
