Economic Freedom Fighters' leader Julius Malema has apologised to former president Thabo Mbeki's mother Epainette, saying they replaced her son with "nothing", according to a report.
"We are in a mess because we did not listen to the silent communication from president Mbeki that you are removing me and replacing me with nothing," Malema was quoted in the Sunday Independent as telling his supporters at a stadium in Mdantsane, East London, on Saturday.
He was reporting back on a meeting between himself and Mbeki's mother on Friday at her home in Ngcingwana, Dutywa, Eastern Cape.
"I took an opportunity to also apologise to her about how we ill-treated her child."
The City Press reported on Sunday that at the meeting with the 97-year-old, Malema said: "I am very happy that I have got an opportunity to say to my grandmother here that what I could have said about her son, president Mbeki at that time. If I had offended her and her family in any way, I apologise. I am very sorry."
He blamed having been "very young" for the insults.
"As we grow up, we realise certain things should not have been said the way they were said. For me, I am a better person today because I met MaMbeki."
The elderly Mbeki replied: "I am very pleased that Juju is here and am sure the youth is also here, it's my main worry. Thank you for calling."
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 