‘No-one can control us’: Malema clashes with Hill-Lewis during leadership debate

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis engaged in a heated exchange during a leadership debate organized by Arena Holdings on October 1, 2026.

During the debate, Malema strongly defended his party against allegations of corruption and instability within coalition governments. He asserted that since the inception of the EFF, none of its members or leaders have been convicted or charged with corruption in connection with holding public office.

No-one can control us.

Malema challenged his political opponents to provide concrete evidence to support their claims, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated. Conversely, Hill-Lewis accused the EFF of destabilizing coalition partnerships and engaging in misconduct, arguing that the party’s actions have hindered effective governance.