South Africa’s already heated political scene just turned up a notch, after Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene made headlines this morning with a bold claim: Julius Malema is all bark and no bite. And, apparently, this fiery assessment even reached the ears of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kunene, never one to shy away from controversy, took a direct jab at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader during a recent press appearance. His words, sharp and unapologetic, have since set social media ablaze and reignited long-standing tensions between rival political parties.
RECOMMENDED: Julius Malema Slams Trump in Fiery Statement — You Won’t Believe What He Said
“Julius talks tough when the cameras are rolling,” Kunene stated, “but when it comes to real political muscle and delivering for his supporters, there’s nothing to show.” According to him, Malema’s dramatic flair and outspoken style may stir headlines, but lack the follow-through needed to effect genuine change.
ICYMI: Kenny Kunene throws shade at Julius Malema, calling him all bark, no bite. Political drama or just another day in SA politics? #news #politics #juliusmalema #DonaldTrump #KuneneVsMalema #PoliticalClapbacks #southafrica #EFF #PA
Read on https://t.co/0FgnEPff9C pic.twitter.com/xoja8dEH4E— IOL News (@IOL) April 14, 2025
The feud between PA and the EFF isn’t new. The two parties have been locked in an intense struggle, especially in key municipalities across Gauteng, as they battle for influence through by-elections and coalition negotiations. Kunene accuses Malema of being power-hungry and unwilling to collaborate, even as the EFF leader criticizes smaller parties like PA for aligning with the ANC or DA to gain political ground.
Experts say this back-and-forth is part of a much broader contest to shape South Africa’s multiparty future. With the 2026 local elections looming, smaller parties are hustling to prove they can stand toe-to-toe with the country’s political giants and taking on a figure like Malema is one way to do it.
Whether Kunene’s remarks will ignite a political firestorm or fade into the usual noise remains to be seen. But what’s clear is this: South African politics is anything but quiet, and every bold statement adds a new twist to the ongoing drama.
