By Marcus Moloko
EFF leader Julius Malema has publicly acknowledged his long-standing acquaintance with Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo, describing him as a prominent socialite with close ties to influential and wealthiest families, which allegedly includes the Ruperts.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday following the party’s voter registration launch and the Central Command Team (CCT) meeting, Malema described Nxumalo as a well-known figure in the swanky northern suburbs of Johannesburg, which includes top-tier areas such as Sandhurst, Hyde Park, Inanda, Houghton Estate, and Bryanston.
“I know Ze Nxumalo was a child of Professor [Otty] Nxumalo, the first Secretary General of the IFP. His father is a retired person. Why not say a child of Professor Nxumalo,” said Malema.
Malema emphasised that Nxumalo was not merely a visitor in prominent circles but deeply integrated into them.
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“Ze Nxumalo is my friend, and anyone who stays in the North knows Ze Nxumalo. You will know Ze was a big socialite. Ze was not a visitor at Rupert’s house. He was a child of that house. Ze has been to Rupert’s farms many times.”
According to Malema, Nxumalo’s social connections extended significantly into predominantly white circles.
“Ze Nxumalo was best friends with the daughter of Johan Rupert. You don’t mention that the groom’s part [at Ze Nxumalo’s wedding] was white people only. Mention his friends, they were all white. Ze has a lot of white friends. You don’t mention them because they are White. Nibasabani abelungu,” said Malema.
“Ze has been to Rupert’s farms. Wine tasting farms many times, and where some of you as journalists were. But you don’t mention Ze and mention Rupert at the same time.”
Nxumalo rose to prominence as a young businessman in the transport and investment sectors, later expanding into advisory roles.
He is married to former Miss South Africa 2018 and Miss Universe 2018 first runner-up Tamaryn Green Nxumalo.
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His name surfaced during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in October 2025, when Witness A alleged links involving Nxumalo, Malema, suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and murder-accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe.