Julius Malema’s supporters ignored a call to support him at yesterday’s resumption of an ANC disciplinary hearing but could turn out today when he returns to court on a hate speech charge.
Published on : Dispatch Online, 2011-09-12
A text message circulated yesterday asked supporters to go to the Kliprivier Recreation Centre in Klipfontein, south of Johannesburg, to support ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu and secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa when they appeared before the ANC’s national disciplinary committee.Though the focus of yesterday’s hearing was on Shivambu and Magaqa, Malema was seen arriving at the venue in the morning.
Malema raised the stakes in an address on Saturday, saying the ANC’s current leaders had failed the party and would be replaced at next year’s elective conference in Manguang.
After praising a series of ANC leaders except Jacob Zuma, he said: “The ANC cannot fail, but individuals in the ANC can. We have to blame these individuals.
“The party turns 100 next year, and during its executive meeting it will clean itself of all those people who have failed to uphold it.”
Police threw a cordon around the Klipfontein venue, ordering reporters to stay at least 50 metres from the gate, but no ANCYL supporters turned up.
The message also urged support for Malema outside the South Gauteng High Court today, when he faces a ruling on whether his singing of the controversial Shoot the Boer song constitutes hate speech.
Analysts said that today’s court ruling could be important for the embattled youth leader.
Adam Habib, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg, said it “would count against Malema if he loses, but won’t count in his favour if he wins”.
