Youth Leader of South Africa’s Ruling Party Ousted; Appeal Imminent

By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – After months of disciplinary hearings regarding his speech, Julius Malema, president of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, part of South Africa’s ruling party, was suspended from participation in party activities for five years on Thursday.  He was also ordered to step down immediately.  He intends to appeal, during which time he would remain in his position.  If his suspension is not reduced, he will be able to return when he is 35, making him too old to lead the Youth League.

Controversial ANC Youth League President Julius Malema was suspended from continued participation in party activities on Thursday, due to a series of incendiary remarks he has made over the past several years. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

“Ill-discipline is not a cure for frustration,” said Derek Hanekom, who led the disciplinary hearing, in explaining the verdict.  “Such disobedience undermined the effectiveness of the ANC.”

A charismatic populist, the 30-year-old Malema had been president of the group since his election in 2008 and had become a controversial figure in South Africa.  He has made numerous statements that divided the country.  In 2008, he promised to “kill for Zuma,” referring to President Jacob Zuma, who became party leader the year before with help from Malema.  Malema has since become a prominent critic of Zuma.  His suspension stems from comments that urged the overthrow of the government of Botswana, which the ANC has ruled to be conduct that functioned as “sowing discord and bringing the party into disrepute.”

The deposed youth leader was in Polokwane sitting for an exam while the punishment was announced in Johannesburg, but he issued a statement in response to the decision.

“Let the enemy enjoy, but that victory will not last.  We will be liberated by Mangaung 2012,” said Malema, in reference to ANC’s elective and policy making conference to be held next year.  “Real leaders of the ANC must now stand up in defense of the ANC.  What I like about these people who have suspended us is that they are brave, they are not scared.  We must also fight for what we believe in. We must never apologize. The gloves are off.”

According to secretary general Sindiso Maqaga, Youth League has already formally registered its objections to the rulings.  Its primary ground for appeal is that it was not able to present mitigating circumstances prior to the suspensions’ announcement.  This right is normally granted to any person who face charges in any forum.  He has 14 days to file.

Reaction within the country has been mostly positive.  African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe considered the suspension a strong message to younger members.  The Azanian People’s Organisation Youth (Azapoy) also welcomed the decision.

“We view this as the best thing to have happened to South African politics of young people because the pair have been the worst thing to have ever graced the world of youth activism,” leader Amukelani Ngobeni said, in reference to Malema and Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, who received a three-year suspension.  “Their dirty politicking has made young people lose confidence in young politicians and, as young activists ourselves, we were painted with the same brush.”

BBC analyst Milton Nkosi, who has been covering the story from Johannesburg, viewed Malema’s removal as a “victory” for Zuma, who will be seeking a second term as ANC leader next year, the party’s hundredth year of existence.  It removes a man who was viewed by some to be a potential opponent for him.  According to Nkosi, Malema once told him that if he were to be kicked out of the ANC, his “blood will remain black, green and gold,” in reference to the party’s colors.

What happens from here remains to be seen.  We will find out over the next five years.

For more information, please see:

BBC — ANC’s Suspension of Julius Malema ‘Victory for Zuma’ — 10 November 2011

BBC — South Africa’s ANC Suspends Youth Leader Julius Malema — 10 November 2011

Cape Argus — Malema Axed — 10 November 2011

Mail & Guardian — ANC Youth League Ready to Appeal Malema Ruling — 10 November 2011

New York Times — Youth Leader is Disciplined in South Africa — 10 November 2011

The Times (Johannesburg) — Malema Says Gloves Off, Will Fight Suspension — 10 November 2011

 

Author: Impunity Watch Archive