The aftermath of Julius Malema’s public request for an urgent meeting with former president Jacob Zuma is still being felt a day later.
Jacob Zuma accepts Malema’s tea request
The EFF leader sent shockwaves across social media when he tweeted the embattled Zuma, calling for an urgent meeting. In the midst of all the backlash, the commander-in-chief’s request was accepted by the former president.
“I have seen your request to share a cup of tea. As you know, Nkandla village is home for me and that is where my time is spent these days. Tea I have plenty of, you are more than welcome to come over for a cup,” an elusive Zuma wrote back.
SA politics react to controversial meeting
Suffice it to say, Malema’s perceived alignment with a political leader shrouded with controversy was not received well. Soon, former EFF allies and ANC cadres who once served below the former president reacted to the brewing bromance between Juju and Msholozi.
Any chance of the Malema & Zuma meeting being a storm in a tea cup ?
— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) February 3, 2021
What a joke! The man who called me an enemy agent for having coffee with Godrich Gardee now invites the President of the EFF to his home for tea! https://t.co/Ks8MkEJSS6
— Derek Hanekom (@Derek_Hanekom) February 3, 2021
https://t.co/2aRZpTivw2 pic.twitter.com/7K6iaTdCFQ
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) February 3, 2021
When is the meeting happening?
There is always the possibility that the exchange between Malema and Zuma was orchestrated to cause the outrage it achieved. After all, the two leaders have always shared good comradery. Lest we forget Malema’s fiery declaration as a Zuma die hard supporter back in his ANC Youth League days.
Alas, the meeting is most certainly happening and it seems the person who has managed its coordination is Ekurhuleni ANC leader Mzwandile Masina.
Tea session of @PresJGZuma and @Julius_S_Malema will be interesting and I’m sure the two men who contributed to the constitutional being of SA will provide a grate insight of how mature our democracy has become. Count down starts now, keep you posted!!!!
— Mzwandile Masina (@mzwandileMasina) February 3, 2021
Malema, on the other hand, has availed himself for a trip to Nkandla this coming weekend. Those of us who wish to be a fly scouring the walls of that meeting room will resort to tailing the leaders’ movements online.
Thank you Baba, I will make a plan to arrive, possibly this weekend. I will take it further with your young man @mzwandileMasina for final details. Thank you for accepting my request promptly. It is in the best interest of our country.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021
Will Zuma appear before the State Capture Inquiry?
Zuma has a tough month ahead. If he sticks to his defiant attitude towards an inquiry he commissioned, he may spend the rest of February in jail, serving time for being in contempt of court.
The Zondo commission made it clear that if the former president fails to show up on the week of 15-22 February, an announcement will be made on the day “what further action it will take in regard to such conduct.”