Controversial commentator and social media personality Ngizwe Mchunu has publicly withdrawn a series of damaging allegations made against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, issuing an unconditional apology following court intervention.

The apology comes after two court rulings delivered in May 2026 ordered Mchunu to account for remarks that were found to be defamatory and harmful to Malema’s reputation.

In a public statement released on Thursday, Mchunu said he had consulted with his legal team and now understood the seriousness and legal consequences of his comments. He acknowledged the court directives and formally apologised to Malema, adding that he would not repeat similar accusations going forward.

The withdrawn remarks included allegations that Malema had allegedly received millions from undocumented foreign nationals and drug traffickers in exchange for political protection. Mchunu also retracted claims linking the EFF president to the looting of VBS Mutual Bank and the misuse of public funds connected to Ekurhuleni projects and On Point Engineering.

Apart from the corruption allegations, Mchunu had also made several insulting personal remarks aimed at Malema. In previous public appearances and interviews, he referred to the politician using derogatory terms and made inflammatory comments challenging him to confront him in Nkandla.

One of the incidents referenced in court papers related to an interview conducted in Johannesburg on April 30, where Mchunu intensified his attacks on the opposition leader. During the interview, he described Malema in disparaging language and claimed the EFF leader belonged behind bars.

He further accused Malema of benefiting from corrupt dealings involving VBS and On Point Engineering while alleging that the politician was financially supported by undocumented foreign nationals.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that the statements amounted to defamation and issued an order prohibiting Mchunu from repeating the allegations in any form, whether directly or indirectly.

As part of his compliance with the court orders, Mchunu formally retracted all statements made before and after the legal proceedings and appealed to his supporters and members of the public to respect his decision to apologise.

The matter has once again drawn public attention to the growing number of defamation disputes involving political figures and online personalities in South Africa, particularly as political rhetoric increasingly spills onto social media platforms and public broadcasts.

Malema and the EFF have not yet publicly commented on Mchunu’s latest apology and retraction.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has acknowledged growing public concern over undocumented migration, warning that illegal immigration presents serious challenges for South Africa’s security, economy, and law enforcement systems.

Speaking during a media briefing following the ANC’s latest National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, Mbalula said the party recognises the urgency of addressing undocumented migration, particularly as concerns mount over its links to organised crime and social instability.

He said undocumented migration cannot be ignored, pointing to issues such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other criminal networks that exploit weak border systems and inadequate enforcement mechanisms.

Mbalula stressed that the ANC’s focus is on resolving the broader national problem rather than aligning itself with any protest movement, including anti-migrant group March and March, which has recently gained national attention through demonstrations calling for stricter immigration enforcement.

The organisation has threatened to stage a nationwide shutdown on June 30 if government fails to act on its demands, which include tighter visa controls, a review of asylum procedures, action against employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals, and restrictions on access to certain public services for undocumented migrants.

While distancing the ANC from the movement itself, Mbalula said many of the concerns being raised reflect genuine frustrations among South Africans, particularly around jobs, safety, and the pressure on public resources.

He highlighted government efforts already underway to tighten controls, including the strengthening of border management authorities and the planned deployment of 10,000 labour inspectors announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during this year’s State of the Nation Address.

According to Mbalula, these inspectors will play a critical role in identifying companies that employ undocumented migrants unlawfully, often at the expense of South African workers.

He warned businesses that violate labour and immigration laws could face serious consequences as authorities increase inspections and enforcement operations.

The ANC secretary-general also raised concerns about ownership trends in township economies, particularly the growing number of small businesses allegedly being operated by undocumented foreign nationals.

He suggested that in some communities, local businesses are being displaced or taken over under questionable circumstances, raising concerns about unfair competition and the possible sale of counterfeit or illegal goods.

Mbalula said government intervention must strike a careful balance—protecting South African citizens and local businesses while ensuring that frustrations over immigration do not lead to violence or unlawful actions.

His comments come as immigration policy continues to dominate political debate, with growing calls for government to strengthen border security and improve enforcement of existing laws.

As pressure builds ahead of the threatened June 30 shutdown, the ANC appears to be signalling support for firmer immigration controls, while urging calm and lawful engagement as the country navigates one of its most sensitive social and political challenges.

Residents of Witpoortjie Estate on Johannesburg’s West Rand are living in growing fear after three massive sinkholes opened up in different parts of their community, with illegal mining believed to be the main cause.

The sudden appearance of the sinkholes has intensified concerns in an area already struggling with frequent power outages, malfunctioning traffic lights, and ongoing crime. Community members say they now face the added daily anxiety of the ground beneath them potentially collapsing without warning.

Officials from the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), accompanied by Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, conducted oversight inspections in the affected area on Monday as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and the potential risks to residents.

Illegal and unlicensed mining has long been a major issue across parts of the West Rand, but locals say the emergence of these dangerous sinkholes marks a new and alarming threat to their safety.

Some of the sinkholes are estimated to be more than 10 metres deep and around five metres wide. One of the most concerning is located dangerously close to a children’s play area, raising fears that an accident could occur if urgent action is not taken.

Parents in the community say they are particularly worried about their children, with many concerned that the exposed craters remain accessible despite the obvious danger.

Residents say the sinkholes serve as a stark reminder of the long-term environmental damage linked to illegal mining operations, which have destabilised underground structures and left communities vulnerable to disaster.

Kunene has promised urgent intervention and assured residents that their concerns are receiving serious attention. However, for many in Witpoortjie Estate, such promises have become familiar, and frustration is growing over what they see as delayed action.

Community members are now calling for immediate safety measures, including securing the affected areas and conducting further investigations into the extent of underground damage before the situation worsens.

As authorities continue their inspections, residents remain on edge, hoping swift intervention will prevent tragedy and restore a sense of security to their neighbourhood.