Malema attacks Mugabe

Malema, in court on allegations of promoting hate speech, told the BBC last week that he was one of the few people who had chastised Zimbabwes veteran leader for violence on farms in the past 11 years. I am not a violent person, he declared. I am one of the few people who told President Mugabe in his face that he should not be violent and should not beat up people.

The controversial youth leader said he had told Mugabe that he had the opportunity to use parliament and legislation to deal with the land issue, but he had not done so. Malema said it was unfortunate that after failing to deal with the land question in 20 years, Mugabe began to resort to violence and this was retrogressive for Zimbabwe and the region.

The youth leader, who has often adopted contrasting attitudes towards Zimbabwes ageing leader, said South Africa had nothing to learn from Mugabe. The only thing we can learn is his courage of implementing the land policy; we dont agree with beating up people, he said.

Last year Malema was feted by Zanu (PF) during a visit to Zimbabwe, where he affirmed his support of the countrys land reform programme. But no sooner was he back in South Africa than he declared that Mugabe had outlived his usefulness, as president. Malema is facing a legal battle over the song Dubul ibhunu, which literally means Shoot the Boer.

Rights group AfriForum claims the song incites hatred and violence against South Africas white community, while the ruling party says it is a struggle song and part of the countrys history, which cannot be wished away. Meanwhile, the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has waded into the controversy surrounding Malemas appearance at the Equality Court.

The Zanu (PF) aligned AAG said it would be sending a high-powered delegation to attend Malemas hearings this week.

Malema is an honorary member of the AAG, which is trying to foist itself into Zanu (PF)s nationalisation plans.