Johannesburg - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has warned the organisation’s members to be extremely careful and keep their “governments” inside their zipper.
He was speaking in Soweto at the weekend in the wake of the sexual harassment accusations against Zwelinzima Vavi.
Malema came out in defence of Vavi during EFF’s national assembly, saying the Cosatu general secretary was “a victim of a political onslaught” by President Jacob Zuma’s government.
“I am warning you here. Try to keep your government in your zipper. There are serious considerations to be made.
“You must be extremely safe,” Malema thundered, to rapturous applause from over 500 EFF delegates who packed Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West.
He said this was particularly necessary as “the enemy” (Zuma and the ANC) were becoming increasingly brazen in “eliminating opponents”.
The expelled ANC Youth League president has suffered successive financial setbacks in recent times.
He had his incomplete Sandton mansion auctioned in May; a Limpopo farm auctioned last month; and a house, also in Limpopo, auctioned last week by Sars to recoup the millions of rand he is said to owe the taxman. Malema is also out on bail of R10 000 for corruption charges he faces.
“The enemy, when it attacks, is very ruthless (and shows) no mercy. It is merciless and unashamed… (even if its actions) are illegal,” he told his followers.
“Vavi today is in trouble. (He) is a victim of a political onslaught, but he made a stupid mistake because when you are under attack, you don’t do such a thing in the office of the enemy,” he said, referring to Cosatu’s former headquarters in Braamfontein, where an alleged rape took place.
“This lady says Vavi raped her. But when you are in such a situation, you have to be extremely careful and not become loose because they always try to discredit you.
“We warned him before (against people with) no regard for African leadership.”
Vavi has denied the rape accusation and said the sexual encounter with the 26-year-old Cosatu administrative staffer on January 25 had been consensual and that she was trying to extort money from him.
A fired-up Malema again warned EFF members to be vigilant as they could be targeted for posing a serious political threat to the ANC.
“Vavi was set up, like many of you. You must be extremely careful. Thank God they didn’t choose me first. I will learn from him.
Those of you who drink alcohol, go with our glass, otherwise you will be poisoned. You can’t expect (the enemy to) smile (at you) and say you are brilliant.”
He pledged support for Vavi and his family. “Vavi must never be scared. His wife and his family must never be scared. We must give him support.”
EFF was on Monday expected to register as a political party to contest next year’s elections, after a resolution at the weekend.
The Star