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Julius Malema on Eusebius McKaiser’s show on talk radio 702 in 2017. Picture: Screenshot.
702 and Cape Talk host Eusebius McKaiser had harsh words for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and their leader, Julius Malema, after the party reportedly cancelled a radio interview scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning.
According to McKaiser, the interview was confirmed in correspondence between a communications manager from the EFF and his show’s producer.
The EFF tweeted from their official account that the party “notes” the advertised interview, but had “communicated with the producers at Radio 702, prior to the advert being circulated, that the CIC will not be available due to the schedule in Cape Town ahead of the Sona”.
The EFF canceled the interview with Julius Malema I was meant to have today and which had been confirmed by one of their communications managers to my producers over the weekend. My apologies to my radio listeners. Politicians are politicians are politicians. @Radio702 @CapeTalk
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) February 6, 2019
The EFF's manifesto is filled with promised that are not feasible. At 10am we explore the questions I wanted to put to Julius about very specific parts of their manifesto that I have looked at closely, and in details. Several analysts will join me. Tune in. @Radio702 @CapeTalk
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) February 6, 2019
The EFF notes the advertisement that CIC @Julius_S_Malema will be on Radio 702 tomorrow.
We have since communicated with the producers at Radio 702, prior to the advert being circulated, that the CIC will not be available due to the schedule in Cape Town ahead of the SONA.
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 5, 2019
McKaiser went ahead with a show about the EFF’s new manifesto without Malema, talking to analysts, and at the beginning of the show made his opinion of the party and the manifesto clear.
He slammed the party’s new manifesto as “bullshit”.
According to prominent EFF supporter Sentletse Diakanyo, who owns local furniture company Sinuous Lines Design, McKaiser also called the EFF “big-headed” and “unprofessional”, adding that Malema had “run for the hills” to avoid difficult questions on the show.
He described McKaiser’s take-down of the EFF and their manifesto as a “meltdown”.
“The EFF manifesto quite frankly is bullshit!” – @Eusebius pic.twitter.com/qeMEfhHZPH
— Mr Moloi to you! (@chatlas) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sentletse/status/1093045458182770688
McKaiser divided opinion on Twitter. EFF supports were, unsurprisingly, quick to defend Malema for what they felt was a reasonable cancellation and slate McKaiser for his reaction.
Criticism did not only come from EFF supporters, however, with Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi taking exception to McKaiser’s assertion on Twitter, following the cancellation, that “politicians are politicians are politicians”.
“But really @Eusebius, now we must all be painted because someone declined your interview. With this generalisation, who will be keen to be a politician in future?” Lesufi replied.
Others took Eusebius’ side, agreeing that Malema’s cancellation was probably a sign of the leader of the red berets running scared.
I’m not defending Malema that’s not my space. I’m referring to the cancellation of an interview. Eusebius should accept that it was cancelled and an explanation was given. I deal with this everyda. We should not behave as though we’re entitled as journalists https://t.co/WXTzaPFCFH
— Katekani Makhubele (@Katekani_A) February 6, 2019
He's just being a drama queen that one MEC. EFF indicated they won't make it because of SONA. In his intelligent world Malema must give him an interview and forget SONA. Wanyela
— Tumi Olehile (@Tumi_Olehile) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/DavisMathevula/status/1093057636034113536
Personally I was so ready to vote @EFFSouthAfrica until this morning @Eusebius told me that CIC @Julius_S_Malema will no longer be on #MalemaOnEusebius.. NXA!!!!!!
— #WhenInDoubtGoForARun (@wandilebrian) February 6, 2019
So this coward Malema decided not to honour the invitation but will not stop u from discussing that empty manifesto promises @Eusebius https://t.co/467PReYIw1
— Kgomotso Moche (@kgomza99) February 6, 2019
I still don’t understand why he would flip flop, Hlaudi & Mzwanele could take the heat. Is Juju saying that he can’t stand the heat? Quite disappointing for a seasoned politician.
— Miss K 🇿🇦📻🚜🏌️♀️🎤🥬🐏🐝🎓🏃♀️👩🏽🌾 (@porklady) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sotho_The_Stona/status/1093042816064933891
What does Malema have to prepare for SONA?He's not the president n will NEVER be.He is like most of the politicians in the ANC and EFF, prefer the optics of the camera+ radio doesn't offer their minions excitement of shouting outside a Vodashop or attacking lifeless mannequins.
— SLAVA UKRAINI (@hiltandchuckdog) February 6, 2019
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