Malema: Apology for Parliamentary Ethics Breach to Matojane

• Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, formally apologized to Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Keoagile Matojane for questions posed during a 2021 interview.
• The apology followed a ruling that Malema breached Parliament's ethical code by retaliating against Judge Matojane, who had previously ordered the EFF to pay damages to Trevor Manuel.
• Malema delivered the apology in Parliament by the September 30 deadline set by Speaker Thoko Didiza, using a Sepedi proverb.
• Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni is set to return to the Madlanga Commission after being questioned about messages referring to a R500 million contract.
• Groups including March and March and the Insizwa Nobunsizwa Development Foundation are planning new protests against illegal immigration, demanding stricter government action.

The parliamentary ethics breach by Malema was specifically identified as retaliation against Judge Matojane.

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has formally issued an apology to Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Keoagile Matojane. This action comes after Malema was found to have violated Parliament's ethical code. The breach stemmed from questions Malema posed to Judge Matojane during a Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview conducted in 2021.

The apology was delivered in Parliament, meeting a strict September 30 deadline set by Speaker Thoko Didiza. Malema had initially resisted apologizing for his conduct. In his address, he employed a Sepedi proverb, emphasizing the importance of correcting individuals through love and guidance, rather than confrontation. This public statement marks a significant development following the parliamentary ruling against him.

The parliamentary ethics breach by Malema was specifically identified as retaliation against Judge Matojane. This retaliation was linked to a prior judicial decision where Judge Matojane had ordered the EFF to pay damages. The recipient of these damages was former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, following claims made by the EFF concerning the appointment of Edward Kieswetter as the former South African Revenue Service commissioner.

The ruling by Parliament's ethics body underscored the necessity for public officials, including Members of Parliament, to adhere to established codes of conduct, particularly when engaging with the judiciary. The Speaker's intervention and the subsequent deadline highlighted the formal process for addressing such ethical transgressions within the legislative framework, ensuring accountability for parliamentary members.

Beyond the parliamentary ethics matter, other notable developments are unfolding across South Africa's political and social landscape. Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni is slated to reappear before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria. This follows previous questioning regarding messages that referenced a substantial R500 million contract for the Moloto Road project. Sibanyoni maintained to the commission that he neither authored nor knew the sender of these messages, suggesting they might have been forwarded to him.

Further messages presented to the commission included one about a contractor reporting to a farm for projects in Soshanguve, which also contained the phrase "new sheriff in town." The commission posited that this phrase could allude to Sibanyoni emerging as a new influential figure after the death of former taxi boss Mswazi Msibi. Sibanyoni, however, rejected this interpretation, stating his preference to be addressed as "the president."

In a separate but related development, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo also extended an apology to Democratic Alliance MP Kevin Mileham. This apology concerned an unrelated assault complaint. Meanwhile, several groups, including March and March and the Insizwa Nobunsizwa Development Foundation, are organizing new demonstrations against illegal immigration. These planned protests follow similar actions on June 30, during which R600 million was allocated for management and police visibility was heightened.

The groups are demanding more stringent government measures to combat illegal immigration and the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa. Despite the previous protests, no government commitments have been announced in anticipation of the upcoming Wednesday action. Activist Nkosikhona "Phakelumthakathi" Ndabandaba has indicated that these groups intend to continue their protests if the government fails to address their concerns by the close of the year.

Source: Reporting via EWN and SABC News