Cape Town – Popular podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho says he has no intention of engaging in a public feud with Julius Malema after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader launched a blistering attack on him during a recent press briefing.
Malema accused MacG and his co-hosts of using their podcast platform to influence young people while steering them away from politics. He argued that the podcast had effectively become a political organisation whose purpose was to “depoliticise the youth”, claiming it promotes behaviour and ideas that distract young people from meaningful political engagement.
“Thing is called MacG Podcast. It’s a political party, that thing. It’s a political party. Its role is to depoliticise the youth. That’s why he drinks alcohol during presentations, making alcohol fashionable, and telling those who call themselves ‘chillers’ that when you are chilling, you must drink.”
The EFF leader went on to accuse MacG of speaking recklessly about Black and African people, saying the podcast frequently targets prominent public figures.
@newsnexussa #newsstories #incaseyoumissedit #southafricatiktok #newsnexussa ♬ original sound – NewsNexusOfficial
“He speaks loosely about everything Black and African. He wears flip-flops and insults and attacks every Black person. He attacked Minnie Dlamini and all of these people. Why would any serious thinker be shaken by something like that? Why would you follow something like that?”
Malema contrasted MacG’s content with that of other podcast hosts whom he believes contribute positively to public discourse.
“At least Mbuyiseni gives you something to listen to. If you want to learn something, he calls people of stature who think and talk sense. I was watching him with former police commissioner George Fivaz. So why would we be worried about MacG?”
The EFF leader also dismissed claims that MacG holds significant political influence, recalling the podcast’s support for an independent candidate known as JJ during a previous election.
“They campaigned for JJ to be registered as an independent candidate. JJ did not even get enough votes to enter the Free State Legislature. So why would we be worried about MacG? Let him go and campaign for JJ. People know the difference.”
Malema said South Africans can admire successful public figures in their respective fields, but politics is a different matter.
@reportinglivesa Mac G responds to Julius Malema #reportinglivesa #podcastandchillwithmacg #juliusmalema ♬ original sound – Reporting Live SA
“We may like you as a pastor, but not in politics. We may admire you as a businessman, like Patrice Motsepe. We give our children examples about you. But the day you do politics, we stop. You must know that.”
Responding on a recent episode of his podcast, MacG made it clear that he has no desire to exchange insults with Malema, saying he was taught to respect his elders and preferred to avoid conflict with politicians.
“I was raised by a good mother. She taught me that you don’t insult your elders. So, for me, I don’t want no smoke. He’s got the right to say whatever he wants to say. You’ve got to choose your battles wisely. Me, I fight with my peers, not politicians. These guys make people disappear. I’m not trying to have smoke with Juju.”
MacG suggested Malema’s criticism may have been triggered by an episode in which he and his co-hosts criticised the EFF’s manifesto.
“That is flip-flop Juju; that is what he does.”
@reportinglivesa Mac G responds to Julius Malema #reportinglivesa #podcastandchillwithmacg #juliusmalema ♬ original sound – Reporting Live SA
The podcaster also argued that the rapid rise of independent podcasts is unsettling politicians because they offer uncensored conversations that increasingly resonate with young audiences.
“It’s a transition of influence. If you give people information, then there is no need for a political party. These platforms are a threat to that institution because we’re having frank conversations, exposing what is happening behind the scenes and coming up with solutions.”
Despite the latest public clash, MacG said his relationship with Malema had previously been cordial, revealing that the EFF leader had complimented his work before last week’s press conference.
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