Described by the main opposition Democratic Alliance here as SA’s own “version of Mugabe”, Malema, who has issued controversial statements in support of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF), while unfairly criticising the MDC, was recently suspended for five years, after being found guilty of various acts of indiscipline.
The MDC expressed hope that Malema’s suspension would change the political landscape, thought process and tradition for young people, not only in South Africa, but in the region as a whole, adding that he had established himself as an enemy of peace and stability.
It hailed the move to suspend Malema and his equally controversial ANCYL colleagues – spokesman, Nyiko Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi.
“MDCSA welcomes the suspension of ANCYL President Julius Malema, whom the ANC Disciplinary Committee has suspended for various acts of indiscipline and unruly behaviour,” said Tapiwa Shumba, the Secretary for Information and Publicity.
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma was forced to spring into fire-fighting mode after his mediation role in the Zimbabwean crisis had been compromised by Malema, then his staunch admirer.
“In SADC we need progressive young people that foster unity and cohesion. Radicalism for the sake of radicalism is not an intellectually stimulating way of discussing and debating issues that affect our region. We need young people who can play a role in dealing with issues that affect our region without threatening war and violence or causing instability,” said Shumba.
“The ANCYL should throw away the notes they got from Zanu (PF). Zanu (PF) is not a political party, it’s a criminal enterprise, which is what Malema was turning the ANCYL into,” he added.
Post published in: News