The EFF has reiterated its intention to ban civil rights group AfriForum should it come into power, following the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema.
Malema was handed a five-year prison sentence by the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on 16 April 2026 for unlawful possession of a firearm. He also received an additional two years for possession of ammunition, which will run concurrently with the five-year sentence.
Malema has since been released pending an appeal. In the wake of the ruling, EFF Member of Parliament Leigh-Ann Mathys placed blame on AfriForum, accusing the organisation of playing a central role in bringing the case before the courts.
Mathys questioned why AfriForum is permitted to operate in South Africa, drawing comparisons to the banning of the African National Congress (ANC) during apartheid. She said the EFF would not tolerate the organisation if it were to govern, further alleging that AfriForum spreads misinformation about the party.
Malema has previously echoed similar sentiments, stating, ‘We cannot have an organisation that advocates purely racial hatred and say it is a legitimate organisation. Our constitution does not allow that, therefore, we need a decisive government that will say this is a terrorist organisation and we can’t co-exist with it.‘
The EFF would move to outlaw the group if elected into power. He has accused AfriForum of promoting racial division and argued that such an organisation should not be recognised as legitimate under the Constitution.
AfriForum, however, has rejected these claims. Spokesperson Jacques Broodryk dismissed accusations of racism and said the focus should remain on Malema’s conduct rather than the organisation itself.
Broodryk welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as proof that all individuals are equal before the law, regardless of political standing. He characterised the ruling as a victory for law-abiding citizens and criticised the EFF’s response, saying the party’s reliance on racial arguments is outdated.
He further stated during proceedings in East London that the case centred on accountability for what he described as reckless and unlawful actions by the EFF leadership.
Ahead of the sentencing, AfriForum had expressed confidence in a fair outcome, noting that the State had sought a minimum sentence of 15 years for at least one of the charges. The organisation also warned that a lenient sentence could raise concerns about the integrity of the justice system.
Tensions surrounding the case spilled over outside the East London Magistrate’s Court, where members of the EFF and AfriForum clashed following Malema’s court appearance. Videos circulating on social media show heated exchanges between supporters of both groups, with insults traded as crowds dispersed.
@podcastaffirmation Tensions Rise as AfriForum Members Confronted After Malema Case Members of AfriForum were reportedly confronted and harassed by supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters following developments in the case involving Julius Malema. The incident highlights rising tensions between the groups, with emotions running high after the court proceedings. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation. #BreakingNews #EFF #AfriForum #SouthAfrica ♬ original sound – Podcast Affirmation SA
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