Julius Malema  Julius Malema  Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters Incumbent Assumed office July 2013 Preceded by Office established President of the ANC Youth League In office April 2008 – April 2012 Vice President Andile Lungisa, Ronald Lamola Preceded by Fikile Mbalula Personal details Born Julius Sello Malema 3 March 1981 (age 33) Seshego, Transvaal Province, South Africa Nationality South African Political party African National Congress (1990–2012) Economic Freedom Fighters (2013-present) Nickname(s) Juju Julius Sello Malema (born 3 March 1981) is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a South African political movement, which he founded in July 2013.[1][2] He is also a former president of the African National Congress Youth League. Malema was a member of the ANC until his expulsion from the party in April 2012. Malema occupies a notably controversial position in South African public and political life; having risen to prominence with his support for African National Congress president, and later President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. He has been described by both Zuma[3] and the Premier of Limpopo Province as the future leader of South Africa.[4] Less favourable portraits paint him as a reckless populist with the potential to destabilise South Africa and to spark racial conflict.[5] He was convicted of hate speech in March 2010[6][7][8] and again in September 2011.[9] In November 2011 he was found guilty of sowing divisions within the ANC and, in conjunction with his two-year suspended sentence in May 2010, was suspended from the party for five years.[10] In 2011, he was also convicted of hate speech after singing the song Dubula iBunu (Shoot the Boer). On 4 February 2012 the appeal committee of the African National Congress announced that it found no reason to vary a decision of the disciplinary committee taken in 2011,[11] but did find evidence in aggravation of circumstances, leading them to impose the harsher sentence of expulsion from the ANC. On 25 April 2012 Malema lost an appeal to have his expulsion from the ANC overturned, as this exhausted his final appeal, his expulsion took immediate effect. In September 2012 he was charged with fraud and moneylaundering.[12] He appeared before the Polokwane Magistrates Court in November 2012 to face these charges, plus an additional charge of racketeering. The case was postponed to 23 April 2013, and then to 20 June. The State has proposed the trial date be set for 18 –to 29 November 2013.[13][14] Early life Malema, a Pedi, was born and grew up in Seshego, in the then Transvaal Province of South Africa.[15] His mother was a domestic worker and a single parent.[16][17] He joined the African National Congresss Masupatsela at the age of nine[17] or ten.[16] His main task at the time, was to remove National Party posters.[17] Education Malema graduated from Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego, Limpopo.[18][19][20] In 2010, Malema completed a two-year diploma in youth development through University of South Africa (UNISA). In 2011 he enrolled at UNISA for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and African languages.[21]  Girls wear t-shirts portraying Malema at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Johannesburg 2010. Political career Early political career Malema was elected a chairman of the Youth League branch in Seshego and the regional chairman in 1995. In 1997 he became the chairman of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) for the Limpopo province, and was elected as the national president of that organisation in 2001.[22] In 2002, Malema led a Cosas march by school pupils, through the streets of Johannesburg that was marred by incidents of violence and looting.[19] Election as leader of ANC Youth League Malema was elected as the president of the ANC Youth League in April 2008.[23] The election – and the conference – were characterised by intimidation, fraud[24] and what Malema himself later described as unbecoming conduct.[25] The integrity of his election has been criticised and questioned.[26] He was later re-elected unopposed for a second term on 17 June 2011 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand when Lebogang Maile, the only opposing nominee, declined the nomination.[citation needed] September 2009 Nedbank controversy In September 2009 Julius Malema said that he would mobilize the society to withdraw their Nedbank accounts after the bank decided to withdraw its sponsorship from Athletics South Africa (ASA). Although Nedbank argued that the decision was made after dissatisfaction with the delivery of previous events, Malema suggested that the withdrawal was related to current controversy around ASAs President Leonard Chuene,[27] who admitted that he was informed about the gender test which concluded that athletic Caster Semanya is a hermaphrodite and neglected to withdraw her from the World Championships where she won a gold medal. Malema criticized[28] the Deputy Sport Minister Gert Oosthuizen who had called for Chuenes resignation.[29] Malema argued that there is no concept of a hermaphrodite in Pedi culture something he called imposed on us by the imperialists[27] and said he did not understand Chuenes apology. For what? Apologising for protecting one of our own? Apologizing to fight for this woman to participate in the World Championships? We wouldnt have apologised if it was us. Theres no apology[27] In a response, the parliamentary spokesman on Sport, Anton Alberts (Freedom Front Plus), said that Julius Malema was a dilemma which can no longer be ignored and should be addressed by the ANC.[30] April 2010 Zimbabwe visit In 3 April 2010, Malema visited Zimbabwe, in what was described as a visit on indigenisation. He was expected to meet Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. Upon landing in Harare, Malema was greeted by Zanu-PF supporters as well as Zimbabwes Youth and Indigenization Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, and ZANU-PF Youth Chairman Absolom Sikhosana, as well as Zimbabwean business figures who had risen to prominence in recent years.[31] Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwean Prime Minister, condemned Malemas visit, after Malema criticised Tsvangirais party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).[32] During the visit, he described Tsvangirai as an ally of imperialists, and called for the Zimbabwe-style seizure of mines and farms in South Africa (see below).[33] Youth organisations in Zimbabwe criticised Malemas visit, citing his controversial racial statements and alleged corruption.[34] Malemas comments during the visit sparked fears that South Africa would follow Zimbabwes chaotic land reform example.[34] Malema also blamed the MDC for introducing political violence to Zimbabwe, and defended Robert Mugabes political and human rights record.[35] On Malemas return from Zimbabwe, the ANC Youth league released a statement praising Mugabe and Zimbabwes land seizures. It also called on South Africas youth to follow the example of young people in Zimbabwe, and to engage in agriculture in order to reduce their dependence on white farmers.[36] Malemas support within the ANC Youth League remains strong, although no longer monolithic. Malemas visit came while President Jacob Zuma was trying to broker a political settlement in Zimbabwe, and reportedly caused concern among ANC officials, but Zuma himself blessed the visit.[37] The ANC, however, in a later statement distanced itself from the ANC Youth Leagues electoral support of ZANU-PF.[38] Incident involving BBC journalist On 8 April 2010, at a Johannesburg media briefing covering his visit to Zimbabwe, Malema was involved in a racial abuse incident with Jonah Fisher, a BBC journalist.[39] Malema had been criticising the Movement for Democratic Change for having offices in affluent Sandton, when BBC journalist Jonah Fisher commented that Malema himself lived in Sandton. Malema lashed out at Fisher, after Fisher described Malemas comments as rubbish.[40][41][42][43][44][45] Malema was unapologetic about his actions, and accused Fisher of being disrespectful, and of coming from a country [the UK] which undermined the credibility and integrity of African leaders.[46] After the incident Malema said he expected an apology from Fisher[47] However, the next day, the ANC issued a statement condemning Malemas actions during the news conference.[38][47] On 10 April 2010, at a Durban news conference, where he characterised Malemas conduct as alien to the ANC,[48] President Jacob Zuma publicly criticised Malemas behaviour[49] saying that the manner in which a BBC journalist was treated at an ANC Youth League press conference is regrettable and unacceptable, regardless of any alleged provocation on his part, and said that he had spoken to Malema about his conduct by telephone.[50][51] Malema remained defiant after Zumas rebuke.[48] Disciplinary procedures by ANC On 18 April 2010, it was reported that Malema faced disciplinary procedures by the ANC for bringing it and the government into disrepute.[52][53] The charges related to his endorsement of Robert Mugabes ZANU-PF party during his visit to Zimbabwe, when President Jacob Zuma was trying to broker a negotiated settlement in the country, a controversial incident involving a BBC journalist, his comments on the murder of Eugène TerreBlanche, and unfavorably comparing Zuma to his predecessor Thabo Mbeki, after Zuma called a press conference reprimanding Malema.[54] Julius Malema faced a hostile disciplinary committee on 3 May 2010.[55] On 11 May 2010, Malema entered into a plea bargain, and three of the charges against him were dropped (the attack on the BBC journalist, his endorsement of Mugabe, and his singing of Shoot the Boer after it was banned). He pleaded guilty to criticising Zuma after Zuma publicly censured him, and was ordered by the disciplinary committee to make a public apology for his conduct, fined R10 000 to be donated to a youth development project, and to attend anger management classes. He was also warned of suspension from the ANC if he re-offended within two years. Malema complied, apologising unconditionally, stating that he accepted that his conduct and public utterances should at all times reflect respect and restraint.[citation needed] Nationalisation and land redistribution Malema became a vocal advocate of nationalising South African mines.[56][when?] Although the ANC, including Mining Minister Susan Shabangu, and president Jacob Zuma[57] made it clear that this was not ANC policy,[58] Malema continued to advocate this position. Malemas opinions on nationalisation are shared by South Africas large National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). At a public meeting at the University of Western Cape, Malema asked: Why should we pay for our land?[59] He then advocated the return of land without compensation and the removal of the willing buyer, willing seller principle. At a 16 June Youth Day celebration, Malema accused white South Africans of stealing land and again advocated for the redistribution of land without compensation.[60] In April 2010 Malema led a youth delegation to Venezuela to study that countrys nationalisation programme.[61] Other activities as Youth League president Malema campaigned enthusiastically for the ANC in the April 2009 elections. However, he was asked to leave Port Elizabeths Dora Nginza Hospital after the head of the hospital noticed him and 20 other ANC members campaigning in the wards.[62] In an apparent effort to reach the new youth, Malema also began visiting schools. These visits were criticised by Deputy President of South Africa, and of the ANC, Kgalema Motlanthe for being disruptive to education.[63] In early 2010, Malema urged ANC Youth League members to join the South African National Defence Force, and said that there were plans for the Youth League leadership to join the reservist programme.[64] The military training was confirmed in May 2010, with the naval[65] training due to commence in September 2010.[66] In March 2010, in what was widely held to be a rebuke of Malema, the ANCs National Executive Committee (NEC) lashed out at the new culture of public feuds, insults and personal attacks and adopted a policy of disciplining those who became involved in public disputes with members of the governing ANC-SACP-COSATU alliance.[67] Malemas bid for a second term as Youth League president received a boost in 2010 when a number of Eastern Cape ANC Youth League regional conferences in the Eastern Cape elected candidates remained loyal to him,[68] although there were some allegations of irregularities from Malemas opponents.[69] In Malemas home province, Limpopo, a fiercely contested race for the Youth League presidency had been expected.[47] The Limpopo meeting experienced vigorous discussion, on occasion degenerating into violence. Malemas rivals and journalists were reportedly ejected by police, at the behest of Malema.[70][71] Disciplinary review by ANC On 30 August 2011 Malema was subjected to a disciplinary hearing by the ANC. Malemas supporters held a rally in the center of Johannesburg that turned into a violent confrontation such as the country had not seen since the end of apartheid. Some of the protesters held placards with slogans like South Africa for blacks only,[72] that caused many disapproving reactions from the black community. Malema subsequently submitted an application to have all charges against him revoked. The ANCs National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) met on 31 August 2011 and 1 September to deliberate on this application. The ruling was delivered at 09h00 on 2 September 2011. The NDC dismissed Malema’s application to have the charges quashed.[73] On 10 November 2011, Malema was found guilty of contravening Rules 25.5(c) and (i) of the ANC Constitution[74] for expressing views at a press conference of the ANC Youth League on 31 July 2011 which sought to portray the ANC government and its leadership under President Zuma in a negative light in relation to the African agenda and which had the potential to sow division and disunity in the ANC, and for expressing his personal views on Botswana which contravened ANC policy.[75] Malema had said his league would establish a Botswana command team. This team would work towards uniting all opposition forces in Botswana to oppose what he had called the puppet regime led by the Botswana Democratic Party.[76] Malema was suspended from the ANC for five years.[10] Convictions handed down by the National Disciplinary Committee to ANC Youth League leaders were upheld by an appeals committee on Saturday 4 February 2012. As a result Malema was stripped of his title and party membership.[11] The NDC was instructed by the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA) to hear evidence in mitigation and aggravation of sanction in the cases involving Sindiso Magaqa, Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema.[75] On 29 February 2012, the National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Derek Hanekom, announced the results of their review from Luthuli House. In their statement the NDC characterised the relationship between the ANC and the three respondents as contractual in nature, bound by a membership oath. It goes on to state that the respondents were fully aware of the provisions of the ANC Constitution; they considered themselves bound by the ANC Constitution and they undertook to respect the ANC Constitution and its structures.[75] The report characterised Malema as a repeat offender who was unrepentant and did not accept the findings of the disciplinary machinery of the ANC. Their conclusion in respect of Malema was: The NDC is of the view that if comrade Malema is not prepared to accept final decisions of the NDCA, then the likelihood of him respecting the ANC Constitution is remote. —point 74 of the report[75] The NDC expelled Malema from the ANC, ordered him to vacate his position as President of the ANC Youth League, but gave him leave to appeal to the NDCA against sanction within 14 days.[75] On 24 April 2012 the appeal process ended when the NDCA confirmed his expulsion with immediate effect.[77] October 2012 Zimbabwe visit Malema visited Zimbabwe in October 2012 to attend a wedding and to address the ZANU-PF Youth wing. Johannesburgs Mail and Guardian quoted the Zimbabwean Herald Online in a story, saying Malema had told the meeting: He said the youths in South Africa were calling for whites to surrender land and minerals resources they hold because when they came from Europe they did not carry any land into South Africa. What we are asking is for them to surrender our minerals because they did not come with any minerals. We want that land and those minerals for free because they never paid for those minerals.[78] Malema said whites committed murder to get land. Actually they killed people to get that land and those minerals. We are not going to give them money when we take the land back because it will be like we are thanking them with money for killing our people. We will never do that, little did they know that we are not scared of blood. We are scared of defeat. We dont want to be defeated but seeing blood is not what we are scared of as long as that blood delivers what belongs to us we are prepared to go to that extent.[78][79] Malema told the youth he was in Zimbabwe to gain inspiration and wisdom, so that when he returned home he could double the spirit of fighting against imperialist forces.[78] Malema also called on black Africans to have as many children as possible so as to increase dominance of our ideas in the world at large and help catalyze world revolution.[79][80] We want to see many kids, why? Because we must reproduce ourselves. For our ideas to be sustainable, we have to reproduce ourselves. In the whole of Africa, we are not more than one billion and the world has seven billion people. In Africa we have not more than one billion people… facing more than six billion. We have to be half of that so that our ideas can dominate. I know that in some instances size does not matter… but when it comes to a revolution, size matters
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