Portrait of Julius Malema
Politician · person
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Julius Malema on Herman Mashaba

Vocal critic (strong)

TL;DR

Julius Malema strongly criticizes Herman Mashaba, labeling him an arrogant crook involved in political rackets.

Key Points

  • He labeled Mashaba an "old crook" during a fiery attack over proposed VAT hikes in April 2025.

  • Malema suggested in July 2025 that Mashaba’s perceived arrogance could jeopardize the stability of the Tshwane coalition.

  • He publicly connected Mashaba to an alleged rent-seeking and 'elaborate racket' concerning a supposed deal with the EFF.

Summary

Julius Malema has consistently taken a strongly negative stance against Herman Mashaba, frequently leveling personal and political attacks against him. Malema has characterized Mashaba as an "old crook" in fiery statements, particularly concerning policy disagreements like value-added tax (VAT) hikes. Furthermore, he has accused Mashaba of being involved in political dealings and alleged corruption, suggesting that Mashaba's alleged arrogance could destabilize the political arrangement in Tshwane.

The historical friction appears rooted in their differing political trajectories and personalities, with Malema often using strong language to dismiss Mashaba’s political legitimacy and conduct. These criticisms often surface in the context of coalition politics and broader governance issues in the region, with Malema framing Mashaba as an untrustworthy political operator engaged in a self-serving 'racket.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Julius Malema's position on Herman Mashaba is consistently and strongly negative, characterized by harsh personal and political criticism. Malema frequently targets Mashaba with accusations of being corrupt and politically untrustworthy in public statements.

Julius Malema has called Herman Mashaba an "old crook" and accused him of displaying arrogance in political dealings. These statements were part of broader attacks regarding policy decisions and coalition governance.

Based on the available public discourse, Julius Malema maintains a stance of direct opposition to Herman Mashaba, offering no indication of political alignment or agreement. The public record shows a consistent pattern of harsh criticism from Malema toward Mashaba.