ANC gets tough on Malema

By Lelethu Mquqo
2 September 2011

A political analyst says Julius Malema’s failure to have the disciplinary charges against him dropped shows that the ANC is serious about reigning in the firebrand Youth League leader.

Harald Pakendorf says Malema is clearly in serious trouble, adding that what happens next will be a pivotal moment in his political career.

Outside Luthuli House in Johannesburg, the South African Prisoners’ Rights Organisation has said it is prepared to go to the extra mile in protesting against what it believes is an orchestrated move to silence Malema and others who represent the marginalised.

Malema is now expected to address a gathering of his supporters at Beyers Naudé Square.

In Zimbabwe, young people have handed a petition to the South African Embassy in Harare against the steps being taken against Malema.

The youth are from organisations like the Pan-African Youth Union and Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs Youth Action, as well as musicians and artists.

The Pan-African Youth Union’s Tendai Wenyika says African youth support Malema's call for the nationalisation of mines and expropriation of land.