Juju loses mojo in Limpopo

2012-09-30 18:34

(Picture: AP)

Xolani Mbanjwa, City Press

Polokwane - The SA Communist Party (SACP) in Limpopo believes expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s support in the province has dwindled. It holds the view that Malema relies on “renting” crowds of ill-informed young people to support him publicly.

Unlike members of the ANC’s provincial executive committee, who came out to back Malema in court this week, the SACP and labour federation Cosatu in Limpopo believe Malema should face the full might of the law.

Only a fraction of the 15 000 people promised by Friends of the Youth League turned up for the Wednesday evening vigil in support of Malema.

SACP provincial secretary Gilbert Kganyago said while more than 2 000 people showed up to support Malema at a vigil, Malema’s support in the province and the ANC alliance was not as good as it seemed.

“If Malema had any considerable support, the ANC members at the policy conference would have resolved to have him returned to active politics, but that didn’t happen,” Kganyago said.

“He is renting crowds because his supporters are disappointed in him for looting the province with impunity.

He doesn’t have as much support any more since he was expelled and it’s all because people are really disappointed in him.

“This province is supposed to be Malema’s power base, but he knows he no longer commands the support he used to because of the purging of alliance leaders in government positions.”

Cosatu provincial secretary Dan Sebabi echoed Kganyago’s sentiments.

Both Cosatu and the SACP were happy that Malema and his business partners had been charged.

That’s not to say Malema is utterly at sea: he is known to be supported by some members of the ANC national executive committee, including treasurer-general Mathews Phosa, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula and Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale.

A big test of Malema’s support will be whether the Friends of the Youth League can raise the money to settle his tax bill.

The SA Revenue Service obtained a R16m judgement last week against him for unpaid taxes.

The Friends of the Youth League announced on Thursday that it would open a trust account dedicated to paying Malema’s tax bill.

- City Press