‘I will not apologise’: Kenny Kunene fires back at Malema’s R1m lawsuit
· Citizen
Kenny Kunene, deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance, is opposing Julius Malema’s R1 million defamation lawsuit.
He says he will not back down or apologise.
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Kaya FM reports that Kunene is ready for a full legal battle and is planning to defend his statements in court with witnesses and affidavits.
Podcast remarks spark legal firestorm
The dispute traces back to comments Kunene made during a February 2026 appearance on the hit show Podcast and Chill with MacG.
During the interview, he alleged that Malema lives at a property linked to businessman Adriano Mazzotti. He also said Malema hosts meetings there with individuals he described as “cartel members”.
These claims now sit at the centre of Malema’s defamation case. His legal team is arguing that the statements are false and harmful to his reputation.
The lawsuit also challenges Kunene’s use of the word “boy” when referring to Malema. The EFF leader argues this term carries racial undertones rooted in South Africa’s apartheid past.
Kunene hits back
In his response, Kunene dismissed the accusations and rejected claims that his language was racially offensive.
He described the argument as laughable and suggested it reflects desperation rather than substance.
Kunene insisted his comments were made in response to previous attacks from Malema. He pointed to an ongoing back-and-forth between the two political figures.
He went further, questioning Malema’s political image, accusing him of contradictions, and challenging his revolutionary stance.
Kunene argued that Malema’s actions do not align with the persona he presents publicly.
Rivalry that refuses to die
Speaking on Point of View with Phemelo Motene, Kunene labelled the lawsuit an abuse of the courts. He also revealed that this is the third time Malema has taken legal action against him.
The latest clash adds another chapter to a long-standing feud. This feud has seen both men face off in highly publicised legal battles over the years.
Kunene maintains that his claims are backed by evidence. He also confirmed that he has already filed an answering affidavit in his defence.
Courtroom drama loading
With tensions escalating and neither side willing to retreat, the case is expected to unfold in court. Both leaders will present their arguments there.
For now, Kunene remains unwavering in his stance.
He will not apologise and appears ready to take the fight all the way. This sets the stage for a legal showdown that could once again capture national attention.
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