On 17 January 2026, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema ignited social media debate across South Africa with a terse and confrontational message to musician Daliwonga on X (formerly Twitter):
“, Daliwonga don’t try me bastard!”
Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema)
The blunt wording — and peculiar punctuation, with a comma at the beginning — quickly drew attention, reactions and speculation from political watchers, entertainment commentators and online users. To contextualise this seemingly spontaneous outburst, it is essential to unpack the events that preceded it and the broader public response.
The Catalyst: An Alleged No-Show at a Paid Gig
According to multiple reports and social media commentary, the episode appears to have been triggered by a contract dispute between the musician Daliwonga and Slageng, a club in Seshego, Limpopo with links to Malema’s family.
Booking details: Daliwonga was reportedly contracted as the headlining performer for an event at Slageng on 17 January 2026, an establishment associated with Malema’s brother, Tshepo Malema.
– Booking details: Daliwonga was reportedly contracted as the headlining performer for an event at Slageng on 17 January 2026, an establishment associated with Malema’s brother, Tshepo Malema.
– Alleged breach: Daliwonga allegedly failed to turn up for the booked performance despite being paid a deposit for the gig.
The tweet appears to have been Julius Malema’s public rebuke of the artist for this alleged no-show, a strong warning couched in pointed and derisive language.
Julius Malema’s tweet to Daliwonga is more than an isolated online outburst. It reflects ongoing dynamics in South African public life where political figures navigate image, influence, and direct communication in a highly connected digital era. Whether this latest exchange has lasting political or cultural impact remains to be seen, but for now it has succeeded in sparking nationwide conversation.
