Julius Malema intensifies war against Nhlanhla Nene, threatens to reveal ‘dark secrets’

The EFF leader has threatened the finance minister with perjury charges if he lies at the Judge Zondo inquiry into state capture.

October 3, 2018

1 minute read

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema adresses the media. Picture: Mokone Mphela

EFF leader Julius Malema appears to have launched an all-out war against Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, who he has accused of being “captured” by the Guptas.

According to SAfm host Stephen Grootes, Malema has tried to push Nene into resigning, threatening to reveal his “dark secrets” if he doesn’t.

Julius Malema says if Nhlanhla Nene doesn't resign today it will reveal "dark secrets" about him. Who do you believe here? Why? Do you expect the truth to come out at the Zondo Commission today? #SAfmSunrise @SAfmRadio

— Stephen Grootes (@StephenGrootes) October 3, 2018

Malema also told News24 that he will approach the courts and attempt to lay charges of perjury against Nene if he lies under oath while giving testimony at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday: “He must answer honourably. Otherwise, we will approach the court for perjury.”

Nene is expected to be confronted over his links to the controversial Gupta family while in the hot seat. TimesLive reported yesterday that Nene had several secret meetings with the Guptas during his first term as finance minister.

Nene also allegedly met with the Guptas while he was deputy finance minister and chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), where they are believed to have asked for Nene to intervene in a deal between them and Iqbal Surve’s Sekunjalo Investment Holdings.The Guptas are alleged to have tried to buy a stake in the Independent News and Media group and asked Nene to get involved when Surve said no.The EFF has also recently alleged that Nene had connections and worked closely with the Gupta family during his tenure as the deputy minister of finance and chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).

The party said during this time, Nene “was captured by the Guptas and worked for them”.

“He negotiated business deals for them and bullied those who sought money from the PIC to submit to the demands of the Guptas.”

Malema and his party’s animosity towards Nene seem to be a dramatic departure from earlier views.

Some, including the EFF’s nemesis, Black First, Land First leader Andile Mngxitama, have accused him of flip-flopping in his views of Nene, pointing out that the party had welcomed his appointment and praised him as recently as February.

Nevertheless, we welcome changes in finance; the appointment of Nhlanhla Nene is a reaffirmation of confidence in black and African leadership. #CabinetReshuffle

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 26, 2018