African affairs analyst, Achike Chude, has said that the legal challenges facing South African opposition figure Julius Malema were largely inevitable, given his long history of provocative rhetoric and confrontations with the political establishment.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Chude described Malema as a bold but controversial figure whose actions had gradually put him at odds with powerful interests.

According to him, “He rode on the back of the tiger… and if you ride on the back of the tiger, sooner or later, you end up in its stomach.”

Chude noted that while many of Malema’s statements fall within the bounds of free expression, some of his actions and rhetoric have consistently attracted controversy and opposition.

He explained that Malema’s political rise has been remarkable, especially after his expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC), having built the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into a formidable political force.

“He’s been able to build a formidable platform… the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.”

However, Chude argued that Malema’s growing list of political adversaries made his legal troubles almost unavoidable over time.

“It was just a matter of time before the system was going to catch up with him.”

He maintained that the situation should not necessarily be seen as political persecution, noting that legal processes must be allowed to take their course.

“I might not exactly say that this is an attempt to muscle him because a crime was committed.”

Chude added that Malema still has an opportunity to challenge the ruling through the judicial process, which could delay or alter the outcome.

“For as long as the appeal is still in process, he will still manage to stay out of prison.”

He further warned that a possible prison sentence could significantly impact the EFF, given how strongly the party is built around Malema’s personality.

According to him, “Everything revolves around him.”

Chude stressed that the situation presents a critical moment for Malema to reorganize the party’s leadership structure and plan for succession.

“He has the latitude… to rejig the structure of his political party.”

He concluded that while the EFF remains a growing political force, its long-term stability will depend on how it manages the potential absence of its leader.

By Ojo Triumph