JOHANNESBURG – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has appeared to defend Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s remarks during the land imbizo, saying the Zulu monarch’s remarks are nothing compared to what white people said during public hearings on land expropriation without compensation.

Malema was speaking during a joint briefing between the EFF and the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) following a meeting between the organisations.

On Wednesday, King Zwelithini warned against provoking the Zulu nation, saying KwaZulu-Natal is prepared to become its own state if the government continues to consider taking land away from the Ingonyama Trust.