Malema: Lekota is right-wing

2008-10-09 16:34

Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League is not concerned by the possible formation of a "right-wing" political party by disgruntled ANC members, its president Julius Malema said on Thursday.

"The possible formation of the political party by Ntate Lekota and Mluleki George, who think they are anointed born leaders will represent nothing but narrow right-wing opportunism of people who want to express bitterness, self-enrichment and disrespect of organisation principles," he said.

Malema was addressing a media briefing in Woodmead, Johannesburg, a day after former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota mentioned the possibility of forming a new political party which might contest the 2009 general election.

Asked if he was not concerned about dwindling voter numbers, Malema said the ANC was confident of its membership.

"Supporters of the ANC will never vote for that party or any other party because if they are angry they don't vote at all."

On the issue of Lekota failing to attend a scheduled meeting with the ANC national executive committee on Thursday, Malema said: "This is arrogance and disrespect of the ANC leadership.

This appeared to be contrary to treasurer general Mathews Phosa's conciliatory stance on Wednesday.

"The ANC is not going to fire a bullet at its members. We are more interested in uniting ANC members so a member who feels a need to throw stones needs to reflect," he said.

- SAPA