Julius Malema – Page 4

Heavy police presence ahead of Malema’s court appearance today

Police vehicles gathered around the Pietersburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning ahead of a case involving expelled ANCYL leader Julius Malema and four others.

Around 7.15am, two police Nyalas and at least 10 police cars were parked in the vicinity of the court, where the five are set to appear on charges including fraud and racketeering.

Traffic was affected on Landros Mare and Bodenstein Streets outside the court, but the roads were not completely closed.

One of the Nyalas was carrying a roll of barbed wire.

Later on Thursday, the court is expected to set a High Court date for the trial.

The case is being heard in the high court building, because the magistrate’s court was gutted by fire last year.

Malema is accused of making nearly R4 million from corrupt activities. He is out on bail of R10,000 and faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering.

His co-accused are his business associates Kagisho Dichabe, Lesiba Gwangwa, Helen Moreroa, and Makgetsi Manthata, who are out on bail of R40,000 each.

The State alleges they misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52m contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.

According to court papers, Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, a director of On-Point Engineering. Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.

The department paid the company R43m. According to the charge sheet, Malema substantially benefited from this payment, using it to buy a multi-million rand farm and a Mercedes-Benz.

Malema allegedly did this knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of crime.

All five have proclaimed their innocence. – Sapa

ANC govt. failed to redistribute land: Economic Freedom Fighters

Government has failed to redistribute land to previously disadvantaged groups, the so-called Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said on Wednesday.

“[The] government of South Africa has failed to use almost 20 years of democratic dispensation to address and redress the land question,” said spokesman Floyd Shivambu.

“Our people remain in squatter camps, informal settlements, and non-arable rural communities with no forms of subsistence because they do not have access to land.”

Wednesday marked 100 years since the promulgation of the Natives Land Act of 1913 which dispossessed indigenous Africans of land.

Shivambu said government had to pay particular attention to the country’s food economy.

“Food production, packaging, transportation, marketing, advertising, retail, and trade should constitute one of South Africa’s biggest economic sectors,” Shivambu said.

South Africa needed to provide subsidies for small-scale farmers and open packaging and retail opportunities.

“The crisis faced by small-scale black chicken farmers in South Africa leads to a situation wherein they only contribute less than 30 million chickens of the one billion produced in South Africa annually.”

Shivambu said government should develop structural support mechanisms for small-scale chicken farmers to enter the formal retail market.

Furthermore, government should legislate that all food bought for hospitals, schools, and prisons be sourced from small food producers.

With interventions in the agricultural sector, South Africa could develop a food economy exceeding that of its Brics grouping partner, Brazil.

“This will add to [the] creation of sustainable jobs, not the kind of short-term jobs created through infrastructure development.”

The food economy would “save” South Africa’s social ills because it was not heavily affected by changes in global markets, as food demand was “essential and constant”.

He said the EFF would demand expropriation of land without compensation. – Sapa

Ed Snowden: I have more

US whistleblower Edward Snowden yesterday vowed to stay in Hong Kong to fight any extradition bid, and promised new revelations about US surveillance targets, the South China Morning Post reported.

In a teaser posted online before it publishes the full interview, the newspaper reported that the former contractor for the National Security Agency would offer “more explosive details on US surveillance targets”.

Snowden will also discuss his fears for his family and his immediate plans, the newspaper said after it interviewed the former CIA analyst earlier yesterday at a secret location in Hong Kong.

“People who think I made a mistake in picking Hong Kong as a location misunderstand my intentions.

“I am not here to hide from justice; I am here to reveal criminality,” he told the newspaper.

Snowden also vowed to fight any extradition attempt by the US government, the newspaper said, after he went to Hong Kong on May 20 and leaked a global eavesdropping operation by the NSA to The Guardian and The Washington Post.

“My intention is to ask the courts and people of Hong Kong to decide my fate. I’ve been given no reason to doubt your system.”

Snowden revealed a top secret court order issued on April 25 by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that granted a three-month renewal for the large-scale collection of American phone records.

That programme allows the NSA to gather hundreds of millions of US phone records to search for possible links to terrorists abroad. Snowden also disclosed another programme that allows the government to tap into nine US internet companies and gather all communications to detect suspicious behaviour that begins overseas.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued senior US government officials on Tuesday to strike down the NSA’s broad telephone surveillance.

The lawsuit filed in US District Court for the Southern District of New York claims the US government’s collection of vast communications records violates rights to free speech and privacy as guaranteed by the US constitution.

After stories from Snowden’s leaks appeared in The Guardian of Britain and The Washington Post, US National Intelligence director James Clapper declassified some details of the programme, acknowledging it existed. – Sapa-AFP-AP-Reuters

Inside the hospital where Mandela lies…

A virtually impenetrable ring of security surrounds the Pretoria hospital at which former president Nelson Mandela remains in “a serious but stable condition”.

On Monday, a security guard allegedly attacked Pretoria News photographer Phill Magakoe when he took snaps of Mandela’s former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her daughter Zindzi leaving the hospital.

Yesterday, 20 policemen manned the hospital’s entrances to keep the media at bay.

Inside the hospital The Times found plain-clothes policemen keeping a close watch on those entering and leaving.

The Times learned from patients, visitors, doctors, nurses and medical staff of the rapidly intensifying security measures.

Stairwells are being guarded, lifts are being monitored and the exact condition of Mandela is being kept under wraps.

Staff at the Wiesenhof coffee shop in the hospital said that everyone was being watched.

“It’s over the top. Everywhere you go you see police and security.

“Some of them are in civilian clothes, others in uniform.

“I tried to use the steps because the lift was full but was stopped and questioned.”

While The Times team sat in the coffee shop, a plain-clothes policeman entered and questioned several visitors drinking coffee about their business at the hospital.

“If you have no business here, you should leave,” said an officer, who refused to identify himself.

When told that several coffee shop patrons were waiting to visit patients, the officer took notes and left.

A doctor’s assistant revealed that even the movements of medical staff were restricted.

“It’s crazy. From yesterday [Monday] no one can come in or out without being stopped and searched.

“There are certain floors to which access, even for medical staff, has been limited.

“Though restrictions are understandable, they have become extreme,” she said.

A doctor said everyone was being searched.

“It is so bad our patients are staying away. Every time Mandela is admitted, the security situation becomes worse.

“The whole world knows he is here. In the past, people thought he was taken to 1 Military Hospital but he has never been there.

“Every time he was admitted to hospital it was here, with a specialist team [from] the military assisting him,” she said.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj yesterday said President Jacob Zuma had faith in Mandela’s medical team.

“Zuma met the medical team. They gave him a thorough briefing,” Maharaj said.

“He has full confidence in them, and is satisfied that they are doing their best.” – timeslive.co.za

Malema to launch a new party soon

malemamugabe — Malema with Robert Mugabe

Expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema is preparing the ground to form a new political party.

The organisation will advocate a radical policy shift in favour of black South Africans.

The Star can reveal that Malema is consulting his supporters with a view to establishing a movement that will “restore the dignity of blacks” and reduce inequality between rich and poor.

In an exclusive interview with the paper on Sunday, the firebrand said the envisaged “forum” would fight for social justice rather than reconciliation and resume an “onslaught against white male monopoly capital”.

It would push for the expropriation of land without compensation and nationalisation of the country’s mines, and force the beneficiaries of apartheid to be remorseful “and behave in a manner that says they regret their conduct”.

Malema has ruled out the possibility of joining other parties – including Agang and the DA – saying he did not agree with their policies.

The Star has also learnt that an intelligence report handed over to President Jacob Zuma last year has warned that Malema planned to establish a party.

Malema implored the youth to revolt against the current state of affairs in the ANC and the country.

He accused Zuma of dictatorship, undermining internal democracy in the ANC and of presiding over a country that was deteriorating politically and economically.

He said a probe that cleared Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa of wrong-doing after it emerged that the police’s slush fund was used to build a wall around his private house was just one example.

Malema said that after watching these developments, he had decided to organise “radical militants” in and outside the ANC “to come together and talk about an alternative platform”.

“We need a party that demands justice in this country, that will say we need the land that was taken from our people and we are not going to pay for it. A party that will say those who were victims of apartheid stand to benefit unashamedly and those who perpetuated apartheid must show remorse and behave in a manner that says they regret their conduct,” Malema said.

“When they were arguing for our expulsion and suspension, they said we did not show remorse, but when Kabelo goes and says ‘we will work with the new leadership’, they still cut off his head. Even Ronald Lamola, after making a long trip to Nkandla after Mangaung to pledge the youth league’s support, they still kicked him out.

“The Limpopo provincial executive committee under Soviet Lekganyane released a statement insulting me for political expediency… that still did not spare them.”

Malema added that the rule of law had collapsed because state organs like Sars and the Hawks were “loyal to individuals and not institutions”.

The two agencies are probing Malema for alleged tender corruption. His house and other assets have been auctioned off to pay off a R16 million debt owed to Sars. – iol.co.za

Malema’s farm bought on auction by an Afrikaner

malema_cabbage_farm — Julius Malema posing with his ex-cabbage

Expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s cabbage and tomato farm in Limpopo was on Monday auctioned for R2.5 million.

The uncontested bid was made by Calli Calitz from Wencor Holdings — an abattoir in Polokwane.

Bidding for the 140 hectare farm worth R4 million began at R800,000.

The only female bidder who seemed to have her money set on the Schuilkraal farm surrendered when the amount reached R1.5 million.

Fifteen other bidders took part in the auction.

Park Village Auctions advertised that the farmhouse had four bedrooms, a lounge-cum-dining room, an enclosed patio, kitchen with scullery, and a study nook.

A thatch rondawel was on the property, as was a swimming pool and garage workshop, among other features. There was also a partially completed second house on the property.

The farm was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in March as part of selling off Malema’s assets to settle his unpaid tax bill.

The AFU attached the farm as it believed the property had been bought with the proceeds of crime, after a R52 million tender had allegedly been awarded illegally to On-Point Engineering.

Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust had shares in the company.

The farm is registered under Gwama Properties, which is owned by Lesiba Gwangwa, the director of On-Point Engineering.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Medupe Simasiku said at the time that the property was allegedly acquired with the proceeds of fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering.

Another of Malema’s properties was auctioned last month.

The half-built mansion in Sandown, Johannesburg, fetched R5.9 million on auction.

The proceeds of the sales would go towards paying Malema’s tax arrears, which now stood at around R7 million. The amount was originally R16 million. – Sapa

Malema does not mind ‘monkey business’

JuliusMalema5 — Julius Malema in Pietersburg

Expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema is “OK” with a picture of him under one of a monkey in a Bloemfontein school classroom, the Sowetan newspaper reported on Thursday.

“They can do that with me, displaying me next to the monkeys, it’s OK,” Malema told the newspaper.

“Nothing shocks me. Our people are subjected to harsh realities of racism everyday. As for me, once you display a racist attitude, I don’t waste time, I deal with it right away because I know that that is how they are brought up.”

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said on Monday it would investigate allegations of racism at a Free State school.

“There were complaints that some of those kids [in the school] have been called kaffirs,” said spokesman Isaac Mangena.

The old South African flag and a picture of Malema alongside that of a monkey were also reportedly put up on a classroom wall.

The Sowetan reported that wording written on the monkey picture said primitive brains only allowed monkeys to make strange expressions when they wanted to speak.

The SAHRC said it conducted an on-site inspection of the Wilgehof Primary School in Bloemfontein, after a white pupil’s parent laid a complaint.

The SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) said on Wednesday racism was rife in Free State schools and called for an investigation into racism at schools in the province. – Sapa

‘If you want revolution, stop this party’

While Julius Malema may have little power left politically, he certainly wielded his weight at the MTN South African Music Awards (Samas) this weekend.

The disgraced former leader of the ANC Youth League made sure that South Africa’s current favourite musician, Dr Malinga, got to perform in the early hours of yesterday morning at the Samas’ infamous pre-party, hosted by independent record label Kalawa Jazmee.

The Kalawa party is traditionally one of the biggest parties during the Sama weekend at Sun City in North West. This year the party saw the label’s top artists, including Professor and Mafikizolo, on stage, with an impromptu appearance by Trompies.

By 3.30am the party was still in full swing and fans of the independent record label were demanding more. But the management of the Sun City Shebeen decided it was time to stop the party before Kalawa’s popular new artist, Dr Malinga (of Via Orlando fame), had to perform.

But according to one observer, Malema then jumped on stage.

“Malema grabbed the microphone and said to the white manager: ‘Chief, have you seen a revolution? If you want to see black people revolt, then stop this party.”

He then instructed Kalawa boss Oskido to play the CD and Dr Malinga to do his traditional leap dances on stage. The crowd apparently went ballistic, chanting “Juju! Juju! Juju!”

Co-director of Kalawa, Oskido, played down the incident.

“Julius asked the club owner if Dr Malinga could play. He was very polite,” said Oskido yesterday.

Malema was however just one of the high-profile guests invited to the 19th MTN Samas. Other guests included Generations actors Menzi Ngubane and Sophie Ndaba as well as director Rapulana Seiphemo.

The big winners for the night were Khuli Chana and the granddaughter of IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Toya Delazy, with three Samas each.

Khuli Chana won best male and best rap as well as best album. Delazy won best newcomer, best pop as well as best producer for her debut album, Due Drop Deluxe.

The hotly contested best dance award, for which the nominees included Oskido, Vetkuk vs Mahoota, Pascal & Pearce and DJ Pepsi, was won by Black Coffee.

Zebra & Giraffe won best rock while best kwaito was won by Kalawa Jazmee artist, Professor.

Kalawa Jazmee provided a highlight when they ended the show with Vetkuk vs Mahoota. They performed their massive hits Stokvel and Via Orlando. When Dr Malinga kicked his way on stage for Via Orlando the crowd rose to their feet and screamed in excitement.

Lira provided a beautiful moment when she performed at the Samas for the first time. Her interactive show included fashion as well as dancers. The Samas were broadcast live on SABC1 with a viewership of five million.- IOL

Malema promises bloodshed

burningman — Unlucky victim of South African violence

Axed ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema believes bloodshed will help him get South Africa’s land and mineral resources, according to a report on Tuesday.

Malema was in Harare on Saturday to attend a wedding ceremony and address Zanu-PF youth, the Zimbabwe Herald reported.

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 mineral. We want that land and those minerals for free because they never paid for those minerals.”

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 don’t 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.”

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”.

He said Zimbabwe was an inspiration to Africa, in that it is now wholly independent and has divested itself of external control.

Malema faces a money-laundering charge relating to a R52m tender awarded to On-Point engineers, which he allegedly benefited from. – Sapa

‘God help us’ if Juju becomes president

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said during a television interview that it would be a dark day for the country if the expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema ever came to power, Beeld newspaper reported on Thursday

“Can you imagine Julius Malema becoming president of the country? Oh, dear God, may that day never dawn in our lifetime, or that of our children,” Mthembu said in an interview with television channel eNCA on Wednesday.

According to the report he also said Malema should never have been an ANC member because he was a bad person.

Malema should stop lobbying opinion on whether president Jacob Zuma should be nominated as ANC leader, Mthembu said.

“He’s not even a member of the ANC. He can’t nominate anybody. People join the ANC voluntarily, but then they’re required to maintain certain values, and Julius couldn’t do it.”

Mthembu also warned any ANC leaders who might be contemplating support of Malema, who faces charges of money-laundering.

“He’s too factious… he thinks he’s everything. He might support a leader now, but he’ll do a complete about-face within three years,” he said. – Sapa

‘Don’t apologise for nationalisation’, says Fikile Mbalula

The ANC Youth League must not apologise for calling for economic freedom and the nationalisation of mines, ANC national executive member Fikile Mbalula said on Wednesday.

“You are the only ones [ANCYL] who have opened the debate,” Mbalula told students at Wits University in Johannesburg. He was speaking at the ANCYL’s 68th anniversary lecture.

“Some of us in the movement are even afraid to utter the words economic freedom in our lifetime. What you must do comrades is to deepen your understanding of economic freedom.

“It’s the song everyone must sing about. Even the left in this country, the Communist Party, Cosatu, [and] some of your comrades are afraid to say economic freedom.”

This was because it was associated with individuals, Mbalula said -referring to expelled ANCYL leader Julius Malema.

He told the youth league that freedom was about them.

“It is about total liberation and if you are not going to talk about it who else will? Why shouldn’t the youth be obsessed with economic power?”

Mbalula said ANCYL must be careful because when the “second revolution” came it could be hijacked by opportunists.

“They will take it and tear us apart and run with the economic struggle.”

ANCYL has been critical of the second transition which was proposed and debated at the African National Congress’ policy conference in June.

Mbalula said the second transition could not be reduced to freedom songs and leadership.

“If you start singing you’ll never understand the debate,” he said.

“A transition is not an event, it’s a process and a journey.” He was referring to songs in support of ANC leaders.

Members of the party supporting President Jacob Zuma would show two fingers indicating a second term, while others would show the soccer sign for a change over.

These songs and signs were killing the debate, said Mbalula.

Mbalula said the voice of reason was being suppressed by who could sing the loudest.

“The politics of today is reduced to the politics of freedom songs. That is why we don’t know what our future and vision is,” said Mbalula.

[ad 1]

He told the ANCYL not to allow the organisation to be suppressed.

“Think comrades… then you will find allies [in the ANC].”

The ANCYL must not be scared to say that they were unhappy with the leadership elected at the ANC’s elective conference in Polokwane in 2007.

Mbalula said Mangaung was going to be different to Polokwane.

In Polokwane the youth league was fighting for political change not economic freedom.

“Elect people [at Mangaung] and give them a programme of action… Tie them to that,” he said.

Mbalula received a rousing welcome from the ANCYL members at Wits University.

The students sang songs in support of him, deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and Malema.

The ANCYL is calling for Mbalula to be elected the ruling party’s secretary-general at the elective conference in December. It is also calling for President Jacob Zuma to be replaced by Motlanthe.

Nominations for the ANC leadership was expected to open next month. – Sapa

Court allows cameras to film Malema

The Polokwana Regional Court has allowed photographers and television cameras into the courtroom where expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema is appearing on Wednesday.

They were given permission to take pictures of Malema in the dock before proceedings, but were not allowed to record during proceedings.

The court was packed to capacity, with suspended ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu and suspended secretary general Sindiso Magaqa in the public gallery with senior ANCYL members.

Malema is accused of money-laundering. The charge sheet lists him as accused number 10.

On Tuesday, four of his co-accused appeared in court and were granted R40,OOO bail each. They are accused of fraud, corruption and money-laundering, relating to a R52 million tender awarded to On Point Engineers. Four companies were also charged. – Sapa

Malema handed himself over to the Polokwane police on Wednesday morning, before his court appearance, reported SABC.

Hundreds of supporters rushed to Malema’s vehicle when he arrived at the police station.

One bench in the courtroom was set aside for journalists, and another for Malema’s family.

Roads leading to the court were closed on Wednesday and police were monitoring the situation.

There was barbed wire outside the court and police Nyalas were positioned in various places surrounding the court.

Scores of Malema supporters sang and danced outside the courthouse. The crowd was expected to swell as the day progressed. – Sapa

Irvin Jim of Numsa will not address Malema fans

: Irvin Jim

Numsa has dismissed rumours that its general secretary Irvin Jim will address supporters of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

“Comrade Irvin Jim will not address a crowd or sympathisers of Julius Malema when he appears in court. He won’t be there. He is not part of that,” said National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) spokesman Castro Ngobese.

Ngobese said the union had received a number of enquiries from media houses asking whether Jim would address the Friends of the Youth League (FYL).

He dismissed the rumour as a blatant lie, and said it was an attempt by the FYL to position Jim as a part of the organisation.

“Further, the general secretary of Numsa both in his private and official capacities has no relationship with the FYL. In a similar vein, Numsa has no political relations with FYL,” Ngobese said.

Malema is due to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on money-laundering charges involving R4 million.

Four other people, including Malema’s business associate Lesiba Gwangwa, appeared on Tuesday on charges including fraud and corruption.

They allegedly misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo department of roads and transport in respect of a R52 million tender, which was awarded to On-Point Engineers. The fraud charges also related to designs owned by the department. – Sapa

ANC Youth League condemns Malema charges

The ANC Youth League has condemned what it terms the use of state resources to settle political scores, in reference to charges brought against its former president Julius Malema.

“We were shocked by these developments as the warrant was timely executed to coincide with a long weekend,” the ANCYL said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This, in our view, was meant to ensure that he spends the whole weekend in jail.”

It also condemned leaks to the media regarding the arrest and a report prepared by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

“Such lack of restraint and conniving was meant to feed further into the court of public opinion that is in session in the media,” it said.

South Africa’s legal system upheld the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

However, what had recently happened was not in line with this principle.

“The fact that even some ministers intimated knowledge of the charges points to political interference in the administration of justice and it must be condemned,” the ANCYL said.

State institutions should not be used to settle political scores.

The ANCYL trusted that the criminal justice system would carry out its work with integrity and credibility.

It had to be freed from political interference.

“All South Africans are called upon to defend the Constitution and the principle as contained in the Constitution that every individual is innocent until proven guilty.”

Malema’s lawyer said on Sunday a date and venue for his court appearance had not been confirmed.

“We have not received confirmation from authorities on a date or venue,” said Malema’s lawyer Nicqui Galaktiou.

City Press reported that Malema was to appear in the Polokwane Regional Court on Wednesday on fraud and money laundering charges.

The Sunday Times said he would appear with five other people and four companies.

However, Galaktiou said that “even though the media has been publishing all this information”, his camp did not even know what charges Malema might face.

“We do not have charges,” she said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Malema on Friday.

City Press reported that Malema faced charges of money laundering, corruption and fraud relating to his Ratanang Family Trust and its shareholding in On-Point Engineering, a company which allegedly made millions from Limpopo government tenders.

On Sunday, National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman Bulelwa Makeke refused to comment on a possible court appearance.

“Until he appears in court, then we can talk about it,” she said.

Also on Sunday, City Press reported that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela had found that Malema made his millions from a fraudulent tender.

[ad 1]

Although Madonsela could not find evidence that Malema interfered in the tender process, she found that his Ratanang Family Trust benefited “improperly”, the newspaper reported.

This was according to a copy of Madonsela’s provisional report into the R52 million tender won by On-Point Engineers from the Limpopo roads and transport department.

Malema’s family trust was one of the two shareholders in On-Point.

The newspaper also reported, in another article, that the SA Revenue Service (Sars) had obtained a R16m judgment against Malema for unpaid taxes.

Sars spokesman Adrian Lackay confirmed that the judgment was obtained in the High Court in Pretoria on September 11.

He told the newspaper the amount included unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. – Sapa