We haven’t tried to persuade Mandela sisters to join EFF, says Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema said the picture shared by Dali Mpofu of him with Zindzi and Zenani Mandela at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s house in Soweto should not give anyone “heart palpitations”.

Malema said people should not make a big deal out of family members having a private moment and taking pictures while at it. Though the Mandela sisters were seen wearing EFF caps, Malema said even that is not enough to make conclusions on whether they had ditched the ANC.

He told EWN: “I don’t know [if they are joining the EFF], I think the two and Dali can explain, I think they were just embracing one another as family. They were having a private moment, it really doesn’t mean anything, it shouldn’t give anyone palpitations. Today Mam Zenani is wearing ANC colours, there shouldn’t be an issue out of family members fooling around, playing with each other, taking pictures. It was just a lighter moment among family members and we shouldn’t think high of exchanging of caps.”

The EFF leader said though they haven’t tried to persuade the Mandela sisters of joining the red berets, Zenani has always wanted to have a conversation about the EFF with him.

“We haven’t tried [to persuade them to join the party], we’ve had a discussion with Mam Zenani and she has always said to us we must find time to come and explain to her why the EFF, and we haven’t found that moment but when the time is right we’ll go and have that conversation.”

Mpofu, Zindzi and Zenani sparked speculation on social media after posing for a picture with Zenani wearing an EFF cap.

The EFF chairperson said he was invited to campaign in Soweto, where the Madikizela-Mandela house is.

Mpofu’s caption on the picture left many wondering if late ANC veterans Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s daughters had joined the red berets.

He wrote: “I was invited to do a door-to-door visit somewhere in Orlando West… April is going to be a rather difficult month but these two voters are.. almost in the bag? Watch this space!”

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