DURBAN - #FeesMustFall activist and former EFF member Bonginkosi Khanyile has accused the leader of the EFF, Julius Malema, of being a “narcissist”, saying he should focus on deejaying because he has the qualities of entertainers and not leaders.
Speaking to the Daily News on Thursday, Khanyile lambasted the EFF and said he had lost respect for the party after he received backlash from it and its supporters, who accused him of being ungrateful and a sell-out.
This was after Khanyile spoke in support of Nhlanhla Lux and the Operation Dudula movement.
On Monday, Khanyile addressed supporters of Operation Dudula at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court where Lux appeared for a bail application after he was arrested for allegedly raiding a man’s home for suspected drug dealing in Dobsonville.
During his address, Khanyile accused the leader of the Red Berets of being childish and anti-black.
He said every politician in the country had committed worse crimes but were never arrested or convicted.
In retaliation EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini said ex-EFF members like Khanyile, who have joined the ranks of “the enemy”, should be treated like enemies.
Khanyile told the Daily News that he was disappointed with Malema and the EFF.
“They go around saying I am ungrateful and my sin was to differ with Malema on his calls for police to arrest young people simply because they called for people to be documented and protected communities against drugs.
“As the leader he claims to be, the only sensible thing he could have done was to call Lux and speak to him on a personal level rather than publicly demonising him.
“I was attacked by EFF followers accusing me of selling out and claimed that they represented me when I was jailed. What they do not know is that there was a funder who deposited R1 million into the EFF as a donation meant to assist with my legal fees.
“That money motivated the EFF – without it, Malema would have done nothing.
“If he was genuine about helping people then why is he not doing so to those in the EFF who were arrested for various charges and bail them out or represent them in court?
“They will not do so because there are no cameras and media houses there. The EFF only jumps when there is media presence.”
Khanyile claimed the EFF commander-in-chief had an overwhelming desire to be noticed and that he was making everything about himself.
“He always wants to shine. He is spiteful and always sends his low self-esteem followers to insult everyone who differs.
“Next time they help people, they must make them sign contracts so they never criticise them.”
Approached for comment, and specifically asked about the R1m deposit, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said the party would not entertain political commentators: “The EFF is tasked with leading a monumental struggle of the return of the land in South Africa and the economic independence of the continent.”
Daily News