A stinging attack on struggle icon Nelson Mandela by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has been condemned as “mischievous and disrespectful” by the AbaThembu family.

In a speech to the Oxford Union in the UK last Wednesday‚ Malema accused Mandela of turning his back on parts of the revolution after being released from prison.

“Comments made by Julius Malema on Nkosi Dalibhunga Nelson Mandela while addressing Oxford Union in the United Kingdom is mischievous and disrespectful. The Royal Family for the Kingdom of AbaThembu‚ fully understood the commitment of Madiba on issues affecting South Africa while he was still active in politics.

“We were comfortable to allow him to serve the people of South Africa. We were further aware of the challenges of transition he faced as the first President of our democratic country‚” the AbaThembu royal family‚ of which Mandela was a member‚ said in a statement on Sunday.

It said the country’s first democratic president had put the interests of the country before those of his immediate family.

“He was such a unique character that dedicated most of his time selflessly to the people of South Africa. He managed to rise above the politics that Julius Malema was referring to.”

Due to his national commitments‚ family members were unable to enjoy quality time with Mandela as much as they would have liked to have‚ the royal family said.

“…we will continue to defend his legacy‚ values and a solid footprint he left behind for generations to benefit.

“The royal family for the Kingdom of AbaThembu strongly condemns any form of attack on Nkosi Dalibhunga Nelson Mandela. Julius Malema seems to have lost the respect that this country requires from people of his age‚” the royal family stated.