Malema formally apologises to Judge Matojane over 2021 JSC questioning - IOL

EFF leader Julius Malema has delivered an apology to a judge in his home language after Parliament adopted a Powers and Privileges Committee report concerning his conduct during the 2021 JSC interviews.

EFF leader Julius Malema has apologised to Judge Elias Matojane and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in the National Assembly over questions he asked the judge during JSC interviews in 2021.

Malema was required to enter the apology after the Ethics Committee found that he had violated provisions of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests during the interview process.

The matter relates to questions Malema put to Matojane, then a Gauteng High Court judge and a candidate for appointment to the Supreme Court of Appeal, about a ruling ordering the EFF to pay former finance minister Trevor Manuel R500,000.

The Ethics Committee recommended in November 2021 that Malema apologise to Matojane and the JSC. The House adopted the recommendation in December that year.

Malema later challenged the decision in the Western Cape High Court, but his review application was dismissed.

In December 2025, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza directed Malema to enter the apology in the House by February 27.

After he failed to do so, the matter was referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee.

IOL previously reported that Malema subsequently indicated he would apologise to Matojane and the JSC, with the committee setting September 30 as the deadline for the apology.

On Tuesday, Didiza reminded the House of the recommendation before calling on Malema to apologise.

Malema delivered his apology in his home language.

“Honourable Malema, in vernacular, in his home language, which is South African language, has given an apology as it was required by the powers and privileges,” Didiza said.

Malema was not the only EFF MP required to apologise in the House.

The National Assembly also adopted the Powers and Privileges Committee report concerning EFF MP Sinawo Tambo and his conduct towards DA MP Kevin Mileham at a security entrance while members were queuing to enter the venue for the Budget Speech on February 25.

“Honourable Tambo, I now ask that in accordance with the recommendations the House has agreed to, you enter an apology for your conduct,” she said.