By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has rejected the narrative that the revelations at the Madlanga commission of Inquiry surrounding its leader Julius Malema, have hurt the party.
Malema was implicated through leaked WhatsApp messages and affidavits alleging a coordinated political-criminal nexus.
The core allegations involve collusion with suspended Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan and businessman Mohammed Sayed.
Briefing the media at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel on Thursday, 30 July 2026, Malema said, the EFF’s name coming up several times in testimonies at the commission has not affected the party.
“There is no negative perception,” he said.
Malema said the recent rally that his party had in Limpopo is proof that the EFF is still a well-supported party. He maintained that the EFF continues to enjoy massive backing and will not be buried by political opponents or critics.
He stated that there is no factual or concrete evidence linking the EFF to any wrongdoing, dismissing negative commentary as mere political rhetoric.
He further explained that despite his personal relationship with SAPS crime head Feroz Khan, he had not shielded him from appearing at the Parliament ad hoc committee, investigating corruption and malfeasance in the criminal justice.
Khan is also expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission after being linked to a high-profile corruption and precious minerals syndicate.
“If there is anything wrong that Khan has done, then the commission must take him on, “he said.
He also denied any corrupt relations with Khan.
Malema has stood by his praise for former IDAC head Andrea Johnson, saying his views were based on her testimony at the Ad Hoc Committee.
Johnson appeared before the committee last year, Malema commended her for her bravery, likening her to struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela–Mandela.
“My comparison to Winnie Mandela is in comparison to what she presented at the committee. The ad hoc committee and the Madlanga commission are not the same thing and they do not use the same style of investigation and the same style of interrogation.
“She might have impressed me at that ad hoc committee and impressed me in the Madlanga commission, I do not know. Or in the Madlanga commission, she might have said things that were not put forward in the ad hoc committee, and therefore comparing the two would be unreasonable.
Johnson has had damning allegations made against her at the commission and she has made several concessions about the abuse of power within IDAC during her testimony this week.