Malema: Angry people won't vote

2008-10-10 20:02

Johannesburg - ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema acknowledged on Friday that most of their supporters were "angry" because of the ongoing drama within the ruling party, saying some may not vote.

"Many people who are angry don't vote. They sit at home because there is no other alternative," said Malema at the league's two-day election strategy workshop.

He referred to the ongoing dispute over the government's demarcation of Khutsong into the North West.

"People didn't vote during the local government elections. When people are angry they don't vote for clowns like the DA."

He said it was "obvious" that the ANC was going to win next year's elections, and urged the ANCYL to go out to communities, churches and taxi ranks to mobilise the youth to vote in order to avoid winning with a low margin.

"We must ensure that we get a two thirds majority...it is our responsibility to ensure that the ANC gets a decisive majority."

Two parties in SA

Malema criticised dissenting ANC members who were hinting at forming a new political party.

"That party will not take votes from the ANC but will take votes from other opposition parties," he said.

He said there were two parties in South Africa: the ANC, and the rest.

He also criticised former deputy defence minister, Mluleki George who could bring a strong following in the Eastern Cape to this new political party, saying he was arrogant.

He also questioned what axed Congress of SA Trade Unions president Willie Madisha could "possibly contribute" to this new party because even his parents were shocked by his conduct.

He called on the youth to "fight" those who plan on forming this new party, which aims to target ANC members.

"You know what fight means," he repeatedly said, leading to a roar of laughter.

He continued his attack on former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota, calling him a "blue-light revolutionary".

Zuma 'a real man'

"They are blue-light revolutionaries who can't imagine their life without bodyguards and had forgotten how to drive, but are faced with the reality [of having] to do so," said Malema, also referring to others planning to join Lekota in his new party.

He said Lekota wanted to die as a leader, unaware that the ANC belonged to its members and not a group.

He said the ANC was currently being led by "real leaders" who were marginalised by former President Thabo Mbeki because they were independent thinkers.

Malema said although he respected Lekota's credentials, he did not need to "impose them on us", and he therefore referred to him as a "factory fault who behaved like he has never been to the ANC's political school".

On interim President Kgalema Motlanthe, Malema said the ANC was not "confused" and would not let him hold office for more than six months as required.

"I have nothing against Motlanthe... A real man (ANC president Jacob Zuma) will come in his place in six months and take over for five years," he said.

- SAPA