Continue reading the main story
Julius Malema is a hugely divisive figure in South Africa after a series of controversial statements
Julius Malema is a hugely divisive figure in South Africa after a series of controversial statementsSouth Africa's governing ANC has found youth leader Julius Malema guilty of bringing the party into disrepute.
He has been suspended from the party for five years and sacked as Youth League leader.
Once a close ally of President Jacob Zuma, Mr Malema has become one of his strongest critics, accusing him of ignoring poor South Africans who helped bring him to power in 2009.
The BBC's Milton Nkosi says the verdict boosts Mr Zuma's re-election bid.
Mr Malema wants Mr Zuma replaced as party leader ahead of the 2014 elections but our correspondent says it is now difficult to see how Mr Malema can affect the ANC leadership contest next year.
The party celebrates its 100th anniversary in January 2012 and our correspondent says ANC officials are determined to show that this organisation will not be dictated to by a young, unruly leader.
His suspension is for calling for a change of government in neighbouring Botswana - a position which contravenes party and government policy.
"Ill-discipline is not a cure for frustration," said Derek Hanekom, who led the disciplinary hearing.
"Such disobedience undermined the effectiveness of the ANC."
There is tight security outside the ANC headquarters in central Johannesburg but no sign of the large crowds of ANC Youth League members seen when the hearing opened in August.
Thousands of Mr Malema's supporters clashed with police and some were seen burning T-shirts bearing Mr Zuma's face.
Mr Malema is a hugely divisive figure in South Africa after making a series of controversial statements.
He has previously been found guilty of using hate speech by singing an anti-apartheid song Shoot the Boer [white farmer], which has since been banned.
He once vowed to "kill for Zuma" and was also disciplined for saying a woman who said she had been raped by Mr Zuma had had "a nice time". Mr Zuma was acquitted of the charges.
In May 2010, he was made to apologise publicly following a controversial trip to Zimbabwe where he declared the ANC's support for President Mugabe at a time when Mr Zuma was mediating between the country's coalition members.He is also being investigated by an anti-corruption unit over allegations of irregularities in the awarding of government contracts to companies in his home province of Limpopo. He denies any wrongdoing.
Mr Malema has 14 days to appeal against the ANC sentence but was already suspended for his statements on Zimbabwe and so must vacate his position as Youth League leader immediately.
Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu was also suspended for three years.
Mr Malema was doing a university exam in political studies on Thursday in his home town of Polokwane and was not immediately available for comment.
Related Stories
Malema and Zuma battle for the ANC's soul 30 AUGUST 2011, AFRICAProfile: Julius Malema 10 NOVEMBER 2011, AFRICA
ANC struggle song 'hate speech' 12 SEPTEMBER 2011, AFRICA
Malema defends his radical views 25 MAY 2010, AFRICA
Country profile: South Africa 21 JUNE 2011, COUNTRY PROFILES
Via The BBC November 10, 2011
Malema:
What the analysts say
Image via The Sowetan
Johannesburg - The ANC kicked out its Youth League leader, Julius Malema, for five years on Thursday after finding him guilty of sowing division in the party.
Malema, who had been pushing for nationalisation of the mines in Africa's biggest economy, is expected to appeal against the sentence, which was harsher than analysts had expected.
Following are reactions from analysts:
Justice Malala, political commentator
"The principles enunciated are so watertight that it's going to be difficult to appeal. The principles enunciated take us back to the ANC of Nelson Mandela, take us back to the ANC of Albert Luthuli and that is where Julius Malema and his Youth League made a huge miscalculation. The ANC is bigger than them."
Jeff Gable, chief economist, Absa Capital
"Given that Malema was seen as an important point-person for political factions within the ANC that have been looking to insert a more radical set of policies around land reform and state intervention in the mining sector, as well as a lightning rod for an anti-Zuma campaign, it is likely to be viewed as an important strengthening of President Zuma.
"All of this matters more than usual, as the political battle lines within the ANC and its partners continue to shift ahead of next year's highly important ANC policy conference [mid-year] and elective conference [December 2012].
"In the very near-term, watch for any move by Malema to try and appeal the sentence and/or to coalesce a group around himself to try and fight the ruling.
"Our sense is this is likely to be the end of the political road for Malema, at least during the duration of his five-year suspension."
Christie Viljoen, economist, NKC Independent Economist
"Whatever they do with Malema the big issues he has raised and what he represents won't go away. The poverty, the inequalities and the unemployment continue.
"He's not necessarily going to lie down, he's going to continue being vocal and somebody else will probably step up to take his place at the Youth League
"We will have to see if there's an appeal, who knows what could happen. I can't see he is going to be quiet.
"The problem now is that he motivated himself as somebody who stands for the poor and now the ruling party is saying: we don't like you anymore so the issue of poverty will be raised more and more."
Karima Brown, political commentator on e.News Channel
"Julius Malema has lost the presidency of the ANCYL. That is the most important ramification of what [disciplinary hearing chairperson] Derek Hanekom has just said.
"The larger story is that the Youth League leadership is in crisis.
"Mr Malema has had a date with history today and he is finished in the ANC and ANCYL."
Nic Borain, independent political analyst
"This is obviously good for the ANC - for its image, for its internal coherence and for the reputation of its leadership. The loutish and grandiose behaviour of the ANC Youth League and the individual leaders' involvement in looting the public sector behind a facade of representing the interest of the poorest and most marginalised has deeply damaged the reputation and core values of the ANC.
"Much will depend on whether the leadership has the stomach and spine to follow the disciplinary process with a thorough implementation of the sentence throughout all forums of the organisation. We shouldn't forget that important individuals and constituencies have backed Malema through this process.
"Will the sentence provoke a backlash, attempting to build opposition by portraying Malema as a victim? It is obviously possibility, but most observers are hoping that the grave tones and thorough approach of the ANC Disciplinary Committee might presage a process of repair and renewal in the ruling party."
Anne Fruhauf, Africa analyst, Eurasia Group
"The ruling doesn't directly tackle the nationalisation issue. But it will be viewed as a signal that the most vocal proponent of nationalisation has been cut down to size.
"The Youth League doesn't dictate policy, but Malema's tireless lobbying within the party and on the streets has caused great anxiety among investors.
"In our view, the nationalisation debate will become a little more muted if Malema's influence wanes. But one thing is clear: nationalisation is not off the agenda and will feature at the ANC's 2012 policy conference.
"We still don't expect the ANC to endorse anything like the Youth League's demand for 60% state equity and constitutional amendments to expropriation clauses. But there seems to be clear consensus around the need for more redistribution.
"This won't be a worst case outcome, but this is not good news for investors, because many already consider the current policy regime to be onerous.
"The succession battles have been so bitter that they will leave the ANC even more divided. The run-up to Mangaung won't be plain sailing for Zuma, especially if Malema can drag out the looming appeal against his sentence and refuses to relinquish his leadership of the Youth League."
Malema, who had been pushing for nationalisation of the mines in Africa's biggest economy, is expected to appeal against the sentence, which was harsher than analysts had expected.
Following are reactions from analysts:
Justice Malala, political commentator
"The principles enunciated are so watertight that it's going to be difficult to appeal. The principles enunciated take us back to the ANC of Nelson Mandela, take us back to the ANC of Albert Luthuli and that is where Julius Malema and his Youth League made a huge miscalculation. The ANC is bigger than them."
Jeff Gable, chief economist, Absa Capital
"Given that Malema was seen as an important point-person for political factions within the ANC that have been looking to insert a more radical set of policies around land reform and state intervention in the mining sector, as well as a lightning rod for an anti-Zuma campaign, it is likely to be viewed as an important strengthening of President Zuma.
"All of this matters more than usual, as the political battle lines within the ANC and its partners continue to shift ahead of next year's highly important ANC policy conference [mid-year] and elective conference [December 2012].
"In the very near-term, watch for any move by Malema to try and appeal the sentence and/or to coalesce a group around himself to try and fight the ruling.
"Our sense is this is likely to be the end of the political road for Malema, at least during the duration of his five-year suspension."
Christie Viljoen, economist, NKC Independent Economist
"Whatever they do with Malema the big issues he has raised and what he represents won't go away. The poverty, the inequalities and the unemployment continue.
"He's not necessarily going to lie down, he's going to continue being vocal and somebody else will probably step up to take his place at the Youth League
"We will have to see if there's an appeal, who knows what could happen. I can't see he is going to be quiet.
"The problem now is that he motivated himself as somebody who stands for the poor and now the ruling party is saying: we don't like you anymore so the issue of poverty will be raised more and more."
Karima Brown, political commentator on e.News Channel
"Julius Malema has lost the presidency of the ANCYL. That is the most important ramification of what [disciplinary hearing chairperson] Derek Hanekom has just said.
"The larger story is that the Youth League leadership is in crisis.
"Mr Malema has had a date with history today and he is finished in the ANC and ANCYL."
Nic Borain, independent political analyst
"This is obviously good for the ANC - for its image, for its internal coherence and for the reputation of its leadership. The loutish and grandiose behaviour of the ANC Youth League and the individual leaders' involvement in looting the public sector behind a facade of representing the interest of the poorest and most marginalised has deeply damaged the reputation and core values of the ANC.
"Much will depend on whether the leadership has the stomach and spine to follow the disciplinary process with a thorough implementation of the sentence throughout all forums of the organisation. We shouldn't forget that important individuals and constituencies have backed Malema through this process.
"Will the sentence provoke a backlash, attempting to build opposition by portraying Malema as a victim? It is obviously possibility, but most observers are hoping that the grave tones and thorough approach of the ANC Disciplinary Committee might presage a process of repair and renewal in the ruling party."
Anne Fruhauf, Africa analyst, Eurasia Group
"The ruling doesn't directly tackle the nationalisation issue. But it will be viewed as a signal that the most vocal proponent of nationalisation has been cut down to size.
"The Youth League doesn't dictate policy, but Malema's tireless lobbying within the party and on the streets has caused great anxiety among investors.
"In our view, the nationalisation debate will become a little more muted if Malema's influence wanes. But one thing is clear: nationalisation is not off the agenda and will feature at the ANC's 2012 policy conference.
"We still don't expect the ANC to endorse anything like the Youth League's demand for 60% state equity and constitutional amendments to expropriation clauses. But there seems to be clear consensus around the need for more redistribution.
"This won't be a worst case outcome, but this is not good news for investors, because many already consider the current policy regime to be onerous.
"The succession battles have been so bitter that they will leave the ANC even more divided. The run-up to Mangaung won't be plain sailing for Zuma, especially if Malema can drag out the looming appeal against his sentence and refuses to relinquish his leadership of the Youth League."
Via Media 24 November 10, 2011
Now defiant Malema wants Zuma axed
November 11 2011 at 07:11am
By Moloko Moloto and Michelle Pietersen IOL News
INLSA
Suspended ANCYL president Julius Malema. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu
“The gloves are off,” a defiant Julius Malema declared after the announcement of his suspension from the ANC on Thursday, before calling for the removal from power next year of President Jacob Zuma’s ANC leadership.
Wearing a black T-shirt bearing the image of slain freedom fighter Chris Hani, Malema made the call while addressing supporters in Polokwane.
The deposed youth league president had just walked out of an exam room at Unisa’s Polokwane campus. To avoid a throng of journalists, Malema was made to write alone in a separate administration block.
Although he already knew that the ANC had suspended his membership for five years, Malema said he had no details of the ruling.
But he said “we are not shaken” by the suspension.
“What I like about these people who suspended us is that they are brave, they are not scared and they fight for what they believe in.
“And we must also fight for what we believe in. We must never apologise, the gloves are off, let us confront them because their intention is very clear, they want to destroy the ANC Youth League,” Malema declared.
The ANC needed a new leadership, he said. “We are determined, we will be liberated by Mangaung next year. The real leaders of the ANC must now stand up and defend the ANC,” said Malema.
“We must be united, the enemy will smile for this few minutes’ victory, ours is a victory that will last forever,” said Malema to a cheering crowd of over 300 people.
Malema maintained that the autonomy of the youth league should be defended.
“That right of the youth league to raise radical and militant issues must be defended, this is the legacy of Nelson Mandela… we must protect it,” said Malema.
He emphasised that the suspension was not a worry for him and he was not having sleepless nights.
“I have made my contribution in this country, my name will be written in the history books whether you like it or not,” said Malema.
Traffic was brought to a halt when Malema supporters blockaded the city’s Landros Mare Street in support of their troubled leader.
Malema vowed to appeal his suspension through ANC internal structures. He said the league’s national executive committee would meet tomorrow to deliberate on the ANC’s decision.
In the meantime, Malema urged his supporters to continue fighting as he battles to remain active in the party. Malema said the ANC remained his home.
“And when you throw us from the ANC, you are throwing us out of our home and that cannot be left unchallenged,” he said.
He would hold on to his ANC membership card and his standing as the leader of the young lions until the internal appeal process had been finalised.
However, Malema could very well be out in the political wilderness before the end of the year as the ANC is expected to push to have the matter finalised before it embarks on its centenary celebrations in January. One senior ANC member said on Thursday: “Cometh the man, cometh the hour; no one is bigger than the ANC.”
This summed up the sentiment of like-minded leaders in the ANC, that Malema and his fellow youth leaders were a law unto themselves and had become a thorn in the flesh of the party by publicly questioning its economic and international relations policies.
But analysts said the fight for Malema’s political life was far from over. Zuma’s detractors might well use Malema’s misfortunes as a stick to beat Zuma and his leadership with.
The chairman of the ANC’s national disciplinary committee, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom, on Thursday dismissed suggestions that the case had been politically motivated.
The ANC was merely responding to a call by delegates at its national general council in September last year that the importance of discipline be reinstated and that ANC members and leaders should be reminded of the oath they took when joining the movement, Hanekom said.
The league’s campaign to replace ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe with former league leader, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, had taken a knock with the sanctions against Malema and company, said political analyst Adam Habib.
The outcome of the hearings, particularly the findings against Malema, was likely to deepen divisions within the ANC, he said.The decision would also have an impact on Zuma’s standing in the party, with leaguers already warning neither he nor Mantashe should view themselves as victorious.
However, all indications suggested that Zuma would hold on to the top job after December next year. The real battle, said Habib, would be for the other top five positions – all open for contestation.
It will now be up to the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of appeals, chaired by ANC NEC member Cyril Ramaphosa and including Minister in the Presidency for Planning Trevor Manuel, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, national executive committee member Jessie Duarte and former public enterprises minister Brigitte Mabandla, to pronounce on his political future.
If the appeals committee upholds the disciplinary committee’s ruling Malema’s suspension takes immediate effect and he will be out of the political action leading up to Mangaung.
The appeals committee will want to put the matter to bed before year-end. Next year is an important year for the ANC – which celebrates it centenary and leaders will not want Malema’s struggles to take centre stage.
If the appeals committee upholds the sanctions against Malema and company the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) can at its own discretion institute a review of the decision.
Malema and his lieutenants cannot approach the NEC to review their cases. It will depend on another NEC member to petition the powerful 90-strong committee to review the decision by the NDC and the appeals committee. This would be the truest test of Malema’s support in the ANC and Zuma’s standing.
- Political Bureau
Five things Juju can do now
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERSANC Youth League leader Julius Malema. Photo: Dumisani SibekoJulius Malema’s ANCYL membership has been suspended for five years. What will he do with his time now? IOL’s Top 5 has a few ideas…
1 Write “I will not embarrass the ANC” on the blackboard a million times.
2 Attend a Swiss finishing school to learn manners and self-discipline.
3 Read “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.
4 Have tea with the DA’s Lindiwe Mazibuko. Better yet, make her tea.
5 Open a Run/Walk For Life franchise - the Joburg to Pretoria branch. - IOL News
To add your comments, click on
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS
ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema. Photo: Dumisani Sibeko
1 Write “I will not embarrass the ANC” on the blackboard a million times.
2 Attend a Swiss finishing school to learn manners and self-discipline.
3 Read “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.
4 Have tea with the DA’s Lindiwe Mazibuko. Better yet, make her tea.
5 Open a Run/Walk For Life franchise - the Joburg to Pretoria branch. - IOL News
To add your comments, click on
links to this post
here or below. It will take you to a stand-alone copy of this page. There, you will find the comments box, so feel free to let 'er rip.
Spoooky Reading...
It's not too early to think about Christmas gifting.Where did the good times go..?
No comments:
Post a Comment