EFF Celebrates As High Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Apologise to Julius Malema, SA Divided by Ruling
- The Gauteng High Court upheld a decision made by the Equality Court in favour of Julius Malema
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the court's ruling against Kenny Kunene
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the ruling, with social media users divided over the pair
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG –The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed a court’s ruling against the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Kenny Kunene.
The Gauteng High Court ruled against the former Johannesburg Transport Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), ordering that he apologise to Julius Malema for comments he made about the EFF President.
The court found that Kunene had committed hate speech by calling Malema a cockroach and has ordered him to issue an apology to the Red Berets Commander-in-Chief (CIC) within 30 days. The court further interdicted Kunene from referring to Malema as a cockroach in the future and ordered him to pay costs.
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What did the EFF say?
The party is pleased with the judgment, saying that it would help prevent ‘vulgar individuals’ from bringing ‘prison-learned behaviour into politics.’
“In a judgment that affirms the right to human dignity of our President, the Gauteng High Court reflected on these utterances as outside the bounds of political discourse, stating that they enter the realm of dehumanisation,” the party said.
Malema sued Kunene for his 2021 comments, demanding R1 million in compensation. The Equality Court initially ruled that Kunene’s language violated the Equality Act, with the high court affirming that decision.
Kunene maintained that Malema was an irritating cockroach despite the Equality Court's ruling.
Source: Getty Images
What did Kunene say about Malema?
The case stems from an interview in 2021 on eNCA, in which Kunene repeatedly referred to Malema as a cockroach. He used the term after Malema labelled the PA as “a party of criminals,” following a coalition agreement between the PA and the African National Congress (ANC).
Malema argued that by describing him as a cockroach, Kunene means that he deserves subhuman treatment. The judge noted the term’s historical association with dehumanisation and violence, particularly during the Rwandan genocide. He said that the term carried genocidal connotations, crossing into hate speech.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on the court’s ruling, with some showing support for Malema, while others backed Kunene.
Moshabi Samuel said:
“If I were Kenny Kunene, I wouldn't apologise to Julius Malema, who frequently insults and divides people. I'd rather stand by my principles than back down to someone who incites violence and hatred. The justice system seems to favour Malema, and it's concerning that he's treated differently. I hope the Phala Phala case will be handled fairly and impartially, unlike Malema's cases, which seem to be influenced. Kenny Kunene's points are valid, and it's time for the justice system to uphold the law without bias or corruption.”
Thapelo Kgosieng asked:
“Malema once called Helen Zille a cockroach and a small girl. Did the court ever instruct him to apologise?”
Momelezi Tshalisi claimed:
“But Malema also calls people all kinds of names mos.”
Lwazi Mwelase stated:
“Kenny, apologise to the son of the soil.”
Samuel Sammy joked:
“He'd better do that. The time for sushi is long gone 😂”
Leonard Mashell Malatji said:
“Kenny must never apologise to that boy.”
Musa Gwetyana added:
“Calling someone a cockroach and a criminal are two different things. You will apologise.”
Moloantoa Johnson stated:
“An apology alone is not enough. It must be in the form of payment.”
Kunene insults Malema during an invitation to Donald Trump
Briefly News reported that Kunene insulted Malema in April 2025, while inviting Donald Trump to visit South Africa.
Kunene said that the President of the United States of America didn't need to worry about Malema because he was a harmless pest.
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South Africans were divided by Kunene's comments, with some annoyed that he wanted Trump to visit the country.
PA President Gayton McKenzie suspends Kenny Kunene from his position
In other Kenny Kunene news, Briefly News reported that Patriotic Alliance President, Gayton McKenzie, has taken action against his deputy, Kenny Kunene.
This was after Kunene was found outside the house of Katiso Molefe, who was arrested for the murder of DJ Sumbody.
Source: Briefly News
