- Nandi Madida pushed back against claims that she agreed with Julius Malema's stance on foreigners who commit crimes
- A social media user accused the TV presenter of endorsing Malema after a clip from The Motherhood Network interview circulated on X
- Nandi insisted that saying 'mm' during an interview is a listening cue, not a sign of agreement, and that her platform is non-partisan
Source: Facebook
Nandi Madida found herself at the centre of an unexpected social media storm on 22 October 2026, after a clip from her interview with EFF leader Julius Malema made the rounds on X, dragging her into a political row she had no intention of being part of.
The controversy started when user @AnneEmm1 accused Nandi of aligning herself with Malema's hardline views on foreigners who commit crimes, writing that Nandi "agrees with Julius Malema and his views on this subject." The user went further, criticising fans for "putting her on a pedestal," adding that she is "the same as many useless celebrities who hate this country."
The Motherhood Network, which Nandi helms, regularly features high-profile guests across different sectors, including politics. Her response made clear that hosting a controversial figure does not constitute a personal endorsement, a distinction that many of her supporters echoed loudly in the comment section.
Nandi Madida sets the record straight
The TV personality and entrepreneur wasted no time in responding directly on X, addressing both @JoshuaEmpowers and @AnneEmm1 in a firm but measured reply. She wrote:
"Hi @JoshuaEmpowers & @anneEmm1, when an interviewer says 'mm,' it doesn't mean they agree. It means they're listening. At no point have I endorsed Julius Malema or any political figure we've interviewed or will interview. The Motherhood Network is non-partisan. It's clear you haven't watched the full episode or simply didn't understand it.”
X users weigh in on the drama
Reactions to the exchange were swift, with many siding firmly with Nandi.
@BeeMashele wrote:
"We never criticise their leader Herman Mashaba's interview .... but bona Malema this and that .. yoh they are tiring."
@MOGAU_AMT came to her defence:
"Don't worry sis @Nandi_Madida, this fool is deliberately dragging you into things that have nothing to do with you."
@luwedefly raised a broader point about the framing of the interview altogether:
"What is the purpose of the disclaimer at the beginning of the interview? Some people just want everyone to attack and be against Julius. No need for hate Hotspot..."
Julius Malema opened up on Nandi’s podcast
EFF leader Julius Malema sat down with presenter Nandi Madida on The Motherhood Network's Election Series podcast on 16 October 2026.
Malema is the second political leader to feature in the series, following Action SA's Herman Mashaba, who appeared on 11 October 2026.
Source: Briefly News
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