By Tamlyn Canham
Julius Malema and former South African President, Jacob Zuma, plan to meet for tea – and it has raised more than a few eyebrows.
The politicians could be meeting as early as this weekend after the EFF leader reached out to Zuma on Twitter.
“@PresJGZuma can we please have tea urgently?” he tweeted on Wednesday.
@PresJGZuma can we please have tea urgently?
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021
Zuma responded positively to his one-time ally’s request.
“Thobela Moshabi. 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.”
Thobela Moshabi. 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. https://t.co/7Okdw94WAH
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) February 3, 2021
“It is in the best interest of our country”
Malema, who once called Zuma an “illiterate president”, wasted no time setting up the get-together.
“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.”
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
But what could the friends-turned-enemies possibly have to speak about that is so urgent?
ANC NEC member Derek Hanekom described the meeting as a joke.
“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!” he wrote.
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
An unfazed Malema told him to mind his business.
Is a meeting of black people, if you don't mind,
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021
What does Malema have up his sleeve?
But scores of South Africans are doing everything but minding their business as far as this tea party is concerned.
Some are questioning what Malema has up his sleeve.
#MalemaMeetsZuma trended on Twitter and it is clear many are divided over the meeting.
One Twitter user said President Cyril Ramaphosa needed to watch his back.
“@CyrilRamaphosa should be worried about this tea party this two they up to their old tricks ask Thabo Mbeki #MalemaMeetsZuma.”
@CyrilRamaphosa should be worried about this tea party this two they up to their old tricks ask Thabo Mbeki #MalemaMeetsZuma pic.twitter.com/67nHKotOHf
— Bhungane (@vuyisile_mabona) February 4, 2021
“The Devil’s Pact! There was a similar between Hitler and Stalin signed in 1939” – Political analyst, Adam Habib.
Political analysts believe the tea party could have something to do with the Zondo Commission of Inquiry.
Zuma has refused to appear before the commission, saying he would rather go to jail.
Political analyst Ralph Mathekga told EWN he believes Malema might be looking to form an alliance against the Zondo inquiry.
Political commentator and columnist, Adam Habib, did not mince his words when he shared his views on Twitter.
“The Devil’s Pact! There was a similar between Hitler and Stalin signed in 1939,” he wrote.
Malema told him to be “strong”.
“You will be strong; the pact happened at Mangaung when your favourite became his deputy, or you conveniently forgot about it because it is working for you.”
You will be strong; the pact happened at Mangaung when your favourite became his deputy, or you conveniently forgot about it because it is working for you.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 3, 2021
Both ANC and EFF supporters have mixed views about the meeting.
Here’s a look at what social media users had to say:
People on this App are angry by the tea meeting between President Zuma and CIC Julius Malema. They don’t even know the agenda of the meeting.
When Zille invited Malema for tea you were never this angry. 😏#MalemaMeetsZuma pic.twitter.com/EkjaHT5eXF
— Mmadikgosi Matshego (@Mmadikgosi_23) February 4, 2021
This one is a mover and shaker. A Master of his art. Fellow South Africans meet your incoming President Julius Malema 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 #MalemaMeetsZuma pic.twitter.com/oSivGrONrK
— Moleja🇿🇦🇷🇺 (@ModiselleLl) February 4, 2021
There are no permanent enemies in politics, stop taking politics personal, we can fight politically, but still be friends!
— Pan_Africanist (@Mutwanamba_SA) February 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/Fantastic_SoLo/status/1357242161855684608



