EFF leader Julius Malema’s criticism of political commentator and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa has sparked a public exchange, with Penuel issuing a lengthy response rejecting claims that he does not financially support his children.
During a recent media briefing, Malema questioned Penuel’s credibility, saying: “How do you finance someone like Penuel when he refuses to pay child maintenance?” The EFF leader made the remarks while criticising several online commentators whom he believes have unfairly targeted him and his party.
Penuel, popularly known as Penuel The Black Pen, has now responded, saying a screenshot circulating online had been taken out of context and insisting he has always supported his children financially.
He explained that the controversy stems from a video he posted on 7 December 2024 discussing Malema’s upbringing and the issue of absent fathers in South Africa.
“I posted this video about Julius Malema, his mom, his dad and his grandma… on 07 December 2024. It triggered me because I really want to fix this absent father pandemic in South Africa,” Penuel wrote.
He said the video was based on information Malema had previously shared during interviews on The Hustlers Corner and King David Studios.
Addressing the maintenance allegations directly, Penuel admitted that there had been a period when he withheld maintenance payments for two of his children but said it was linked to not having access to them.
“To all my haters: I support my children financially. I pay maintenance. I withheld maintenance for two of my kids for a few months when I didn’t have access to my kids but luckily that was resolved.”
He added that discussing the matter publicly had been a mistake.
“My mistake was talking about this publicly. I should’ve only discussed this in private circles. I take full accountability for this, because now it’s being used to lie about me.”
Penuel said he felt it was important to clarify the issue because many people look up to him and he did not want them to draw the wrong lessons about fatherhood or parenting.
“I need them to know the full story of what happened, so they don’t make bad decisions in their own lives and unnecessarily harm their kids.”
Despite defending himself, Penuel also reflected on Malema’s personal journey, saying he sympathised with the EFF leader over the hardships he has faced throughout his life.
“I feel sorry for Julius Malema because he has lost so much: He didn’t know his dad. He’s lost his gran. He’s lost Mama Winnie. He was shunned by Jacob Zuma, whom he used to admire. He was spat out of the ANC that used to be his home.”
He also pointed to political setbacks, including the departure of former senior EFF leaders such as Floyd Shivambu, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Advocate Dali Mpofu, while claiming the party has struggled to grow.
Penuel concluded by saying that although he still believes Malema is one of the most influential political figures of his generation, he feels the EFF leader has alienated many supporters.
“Julius Malema has been the greatest leader of our generation. He’s unfortunately just lost our support due to his behaviour, his arrogance, his narcissism and his refusal to listen to the people on the ground. I hope he changes… but if he doesn’t, that’s also okay. Dankie CIC.”
The exchange has fuelled widespread debate on social media, with supporters of both men weighing in on issues ranging from fatherhood and accountability to political leadership and the role of independent commentators in South Africa’s public discourse.
