MySol Fires Back at Julius Malema After ‘Small Boy’ Remark

Mining businessman Solomon “MySol” Madibela responds after EFF leader Julius Malema targeted him during a North West election rally.

Mining entrepreneur Solomon “MySol” Soka Madibela has publicly responded to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema after being referred to as a “small boy” during a political rally in the North West.

The exchange unfolded after Malema addressed supporters at the EFF’s Tshela Thupa Rally at Letlhabile Stadium on 24 October, where he criticized the concentration of mining wealth and argued that South Africa’s mineral resources should benefit ordinary communities rather than a small group of wealthy individuals.

During his speech, Malema singled out Madibela while discussing ownership of mining assets and the distribution of mineral wealth.

Madibela Responds

Madibela responded the following day through his WhatsApp status, dismissing Malema’s remarks and returning the criticism.

In his response, Madibela wrote:

“Malema o ngwana boy. O je bogobe.”

The phrase can be loosely translated as:

“Malema, you are a child, boy. Go eat porridge.”

The businessman also encouraged people to take screenshots and share the message, noting that he does not actively use conventional social media platforms.

Dispute Rooted in Earlier Tensions

The latest exchange appears to be part of a longer-running disagreement between the two figures.

Madibela has previously claimed that relations between himself and the EFF leader deteriorated after he allegedly declined an invitation to attend one of the party’s fundraising gala dinners.

While neither side has publicly detailed the full extent of the dispute, the latest verbal clash has once again drawn attention to their differences.

Mining Wealth at the Centre of Debate

At the heart of the disagreement is a broader political debate about ownership of South Africa’s natural resources.

Malema has consistently advocated for greater public benefit from the country’s mineral resources and has frequently criticized what he views as the concentration of mining wealth among a small number of individuals and corporations.

His comments at the rally formed part of the EFF’s broader message ahead of the upcoming local government elections, where issues of economic transformation, land and resource ownership remain key campaign themes.

Political Attention Ahead of Elections

The public exchange between Malema and Madibela has generated significant political discussion, particularly in mining communities where questions around ownership, economic participation and wealth distribution remain highly sensitive.

With local government elections approaching, the debate is likely to continue as political parties seek to position themselves on issues affecting communities and the mining sector.

For now, the latest war of words adds another chapter to an increasingly public disagreement between one of South Africa’s most prominent opposition leaders and a businessman who has become a frequent target of political criticism.