Johannesburg – EFF leader Julius Malema and his wife, Mantwa Matlatsi-Malema, have issued a fierce demand for a public apology from controversial blogger Thabo “TBose” Radebe after he spread baseless claims of their divorce on social media.
In a scathing statement released on Monday, the couple slammed Radebe’s TikTok video, which alleged Malema was secretly separating from Mantwa amid “irreconcilable differences” and “extramarital affairs.” The post, viewed over 500,000 times, ignited a firestorm of speculation across X and Facebook, with users divided between supporters decrying “fake news” and critics amplifying the gossip.
“These malicious lies are a desperate attempt to tarnish our family and distract from the EFF’s fight for economic freedom,” Malema declared during a press briefing at the party’s Luthuli House headquarters. Mantwa stood firmly by his side, adding, “Our marriage is stronger than ever, rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect. We will not tolerate attacks on our family.”
The Malemas’ legal team has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Radebe, threatening defamation proceedings unless he retracts the claims and issues an on-camera apology within 48 hours. Sources close to the blogger say he’s scrambling to verify his “sources,” but no evidence has surfaced.
This isn’t Radebe’s first brush with controversy; last year, he faced backlash for unverified corruption allegations against ANC figures. Political analysts see the incident as part of a broader pattern of digital smears targeting opposition leaders ahead of local elections.
Malema, known for his unyielding rhetoric, vowed to “expose those weaponizing lies against revolutionary families.” As the saga unfolds, it highlights the perils of unchecked online journalism in South Africa’s polarized media landscape