Outspoken podcaster Ngizwe Mchunu has sparked national controversy after declaring that Julius Malema is no longer welcome in KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking during an anti-foreigners march in Durban on Wednesday, Mchunu made explosive allegations, claiming Malema is linked to fraud within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
Mchunu alleged that former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu told him that Malema and his associates were involved in looting municipal funds. According to Mchunu, more than R10 million is allegedly being fraudulently claimed every month from the municipality’s security department.
No evidence has been presented to support these claims, and Shivambu has not publicly responded. He left the EFF in 2024 and later joined uMkhonto weSizwe Party led by Jacob Zuma.
Mchunu further escalated tensions by declaring that Malema is not welcome in KwaZulu-Natal, accusing him of disrespecting KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The Economic Freedom Fighters in KwaZulu-Natal quickly hit back, rejecting Mchunu’s remarks and defending their leader.
EFF KZN spokesperson Mongezi Thwala dismissed the claims as baseless and dangerous.
“There is no Ngizwe who will declare KZN a no go area for the CIC and the EFF. This is not the first time he has made such unsubstantiated claims, especially during key political periods,” said Thwala.
The party warned that such statements risk inflaming tensions in a province already grappling with political violence.
“We are particularly disturbed by remarks suggesting that President Julius Malema is not welcome in KwaZulu-Natal. This province belongs to its people and remains a democratic space where leaders are free to engage communities without intimidation,” Thwala added.
The EFF has called on Mchunu to provide credible evidence to law enforcement authorities, warning that serious allegations should not be made without proof.
“Allegations of this magnitude cannot be tried in the court of public opinion. If there is evidence, it must be presented through proper legal channels. If not, such statements only damage reputations and destabilise public confidence,” said Thwala.
The situation continues to unfold as tensions rise between political voices and social commentators, with calls for accountability and restraint growing louder.