‘I am very ruthless’: Malema cautions leaders against conspiring behind his back

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema cautioned leaders in the party against conspiring behind his back, including his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, warning that he has never lost an internal contest and can be ruthless.

Speaking at the EFF’s tenth-anniversary gala dinner in Boksburg on Thursday night, a jovial Malema told attendees he has never dreamt of a day where he’d hear that Shivambu was trying to destroy him.

The pair have a long history, stemming from their African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) days.

Malema said if his deputy should one day be weary of his leadership, he needs to play open cards with the red berets’ president.

The EFF is due to hold its own elective conference in 2024.

If anything, Thursday night was a glimpse into some of the internal battles in the tightly controlled party.

“The problem starts when you start organising against me and I hear it in the corners. I am very ruthless.”

Malema, in what can be seen as a dig at the officials serving alongside him, said he expects leaders to remain loyal to the cause.

“All of us, we are here to serve. We don’t have to be the best of friends, we don’t have to be the relatives, don’t force yourself to do the EFF work. It must come from your belly.”

He said officials need to refrain from talking as if they are doing the party a favour.

The EFF is also working towards filling FNB Stadium, where it will be holding a birthday rally on Saturday.