Malema suspension ‘a little too late’

ANCYL leader Julius Malema.

ANCYL leader Julius Malema.

Published Nov 10, 2011

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Opposition political parties have lauded the ANC disciplinary committee's ruling to suspend ANC youth league leader Julius Malema for five years.

The committee said on Thursday that Malema had damaged the standing of the ANC and South Africa's international reputation.

The IFP youth brigade said the ruling vindicated the IFPYB's previous calls for action to be taken against Malema.

“We believe, however, that the decision to suspend Mr Malema for five years is not real action and a little too late,” it said.

The ANC leadership had stood idly by while Malema insulted IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, even threatening to invade Buthelezi's home.

“They have stood idly by as Mr Malema contributed to the loss of confidence in the South Africa economy with his irresponsible, reckless, and senseless calls for nationalisation.”

Time would tell whether the punishment handed out would fit the crime.

“We regret that a compulsory course on civility, good manners and economics 101 was not included,” the brigade said.

African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe said the ruling sent a strong message to the youth league that ill-discipline in any form would not be tolerated.

“We particularly welcome the ANC’s confirmation that discipline is 'the foundation for any intended course of action', that 'ill-discipline is not a cure for frustration', and that 'ill-discipline in the guise of militancy and robust expression' will not be permitted,” Meshoe said.

The Azanian People's Organisation youth (Azapoy) welcomed the suspension of both Malema and ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu for three years) from the ANCYL.

“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.

“Their dirty politicking has made young people lose confidence in young politicians and, as young activists ourselves, we were painted with the same brush.

“We hope that their suspension will go a long way in redeeming confidence in youth activism.”

South African politics would be much better without the arrogant voices of the two, he said. - Sapa

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