Mbalula shades Malema for ’emptying’ EFF manifesto launch attendance

EFF leader Julius Malema took to Twitter on Friday night to proudly post pictures of the recent EFF Manifesto Launch held at the 18,000 capacity Giant Stadium in Soshanguve, Pretoria.

ANC elections head Fikile Mbalula, however, was not impressed. He responded “Mtshana emptying” along with many laughter emojis. Mbalula had likely noticed that in one of the pictures posted by Malema, there are several empty stands above where a sea of red berets can be seen.

Responses to Mbalula’s tweet ranged from EFF supporters slamming him for being “obsessed with the party”, suggesting the EFF is giving him “sleepless nights” and saying he will probably “secretly vote EFF”, to people who suggested he wouldn’t be able to attract the amount of supporters the EFF did if he started his own party and said he’s not “in the same league” as Julius Malema, to people who found the tweet funny and joined Mbaks in mocking his political rivals.

A few people also suggested that the ANC’s ability to attract more people than the EFF is down to them giving out food parcels.

In the past, Malema and Mbalula have appeared to have a good relationship for the most part.

In 2017 the EFF leader complimented Mbalula, who was minister of police at the time, for his tweets about crime, calling him a “reliable activist”.

“Your anti-crime tweets inboxes are super. We have made more arrests accurate no prank keep it up,” earning a few encouraging words from the EFF leader.

Mbalula in return had kind words for Malema on Anele Mdoda’s talk-show Real Talk.

“There is nothing Julius can tell you besides the struggle,” he said. Malema had always fought for what he believed in and was a brave man, said the minister.

“If he believes in something, he’ll fight for it.”

He further told Mdoda that Malema was not the kind of person who “buys” friendship.

“Even if the previous night you were drinking with him, he will tell you that you’re a coward the following day if you are disagreeing on something.

“He is very intelligent,” Malema said.

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