Govt targeting poor, says Malema
2012-11-23 18:04
Johannesburg - The government was targeting poor people because they did not have the money to defend themselves, expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema told a group of people on Friday in Lenasia, where houses were demolished.
"They target those who don't have money," Malema said.
He pointed to a block of flats near to where some houses had been demolished.
He said the government would not demolish the flats, because it knew the people who owned them had the money to take them to court.
"You'll find these ones [the flat owners] have a hand in it [the demolitions] because they want to expand [their own building]."
The African National Congress was turning on its people, Malema said.
"It can't be that the ANC... is eating its own people," he said.
"They must give you alternative land. You must have a piece of land. It's your right to have a piece of land."
Malema told the group not to start rebuilding their houses, but to find alternative accommodation until a solution was found.
"Those who have suffered from demolition, be strong. We want you to be compensated... you've been crooked," he said.
"We've come to give you support, even if there is nothing we can do. We can tell you: your pain is our pain."
Community members sang and danced when Malema arrived in Lenasia extension 13.
Women stood around shouting: "I love Juju".
Malema inspected the area. He was joined by suspended ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu and suspended secretary general Sindiso Magaqa.
Malema and his entourage climbed over the rubble of the demolished houses.
When Malema arrived at the front door of a woman's house, she ran and dropped to her knees at his feet and cried.
Malema comforted her, telling her "don't cry".
He said the woman was brave because when they tried to demolish her house she went inside, refusing to leave. In the end her house was spared.
"We salute this woman. She has courage," Malema said.
- SAPA
