Malema under fire over slur on Indians

2011-10-20 10:27

Johannesburg - There was outrage over ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema calling Indians "coolies" at a gathering in Thembelihle, south of Johannesburg, according to a report on Thursday.

"Bana ba lena ba tshwanetše ba dumelelwe gore ba tsene sekolo le bana ba makula mona [your children must be allowed to go to school with coolie children]," he was quoted as saying by Business Day newspaper.

Over 600 residents had gathered to hear Malema speak ahead of planned marches for "economic freedom" in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Minority Front leader, Amichand Rajbansi was outraged by Malema's pronouncements, according to the report.

"Mr Malema is doing great harm to social cohesion and interracial harmony," Rajbansi was quoted saying.

He urged the African National Congress to take steps against Malema.

ANC spokesperson Keith Khoza told Business Day the ruling party was not aware of the matter.

"But certainly we expect ANC leadership to be responsible in any pronouncement... they need not offend other communities," Khoza told the newspaper.

- SAPA