Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, has agreed to formally apologize to Judge Keoagile Matojane of the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), moving towards a resolution of a nearly five-year dispute over his conduct during a judicial interview.
This development was announced on Monday, August 31, 2026, as the Powers and Privileges Committee of Parliament mandated that Malema’s apology must be presented in the National Assembly by September 30, 2026.
Malema to Deliver an Apology
The issue traces back to April 2021, when Malema was a member of the JSC and scrutinized Judge Matojane during interviews for a Supreme Court of Appeal appointment.
Malema’s questioning focused on a previous ruling involving the EFF and former finance minister Trevor Manuel, which led to a complaint from Lawson Naidoo of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.
The Ethics Committee of Parliament later concluded that Malema had violated the Code of Ethical Conduct and recommended that he apologize to both Matojane and the JSC.
Prolonged Dispute Over Sanction
Initially, Malema did not deliver the apology, opting to contest Parliament’s decision in court instead.
The Western Cape High Court temporarily halted the sanction’s enforcement while Malema pursued a review. However, his legal challenge was ultimately unsuccessful.
EWN reported that the High Court dismissed all five grounds of Malema’s review last year, upholding the parliamentary sanction.
February Deadline Missed
Following this, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza instructed Malema to submit his apology by February 2026, which he failed to do.
His non-compliance led to the matter being referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee in June for potential action.
Committee chairperson Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe subsequently requested Malema to address allegations that his failure to apologize could be deemed contempt of Parliament.
Change of Heart from Malema
In a significant turn, Malema has recently communicated his willingness to comply with the request for an apology.
On August 11, he expressed his intention to apologize and asked the committee chairperson for a date to do so.
The committee has now set the deadline for the apology to be delivered by the end of September.
Malema is expected to coordinate with the Speaker’s office to ensure the apology is made during a session of the National Assembly.
Context of Malema’s Questioning
The controversy revolved around a previous ruling in which Judge Matojane had ordered the EFF to pay damages to Trevor Manuel for defamatory comments concerning the appointment of former SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter.
During Matojane’s appearance before the JSC, Malema questioned him regarding that judgment.
Parliament’s ethics bodies ruled that Malema had inappropriately used the JSC platform for matters in which he and his party had a vested interest.
Although Malema contested this finding, the courts ultimately upheld the sanction.
Apology Must Be Made in Parliament
With the latest decision, the focus has shifted from whether Malema would apologize to determining when he will do so.
“The deadline is now September 30, 2026.”
This event could represent a significant moment in the National Assembly, as Malema—one of South Africa’s most prominent opposition leaders—will formally address a sanction related to his actions as a member of the judicial appointments body.
The specific date for Malema’s apology has yet to be announced.
