Jobless people’s union talking to EFF

402 11.07.2013 Commander in chief of Economic Freedom Fighter, Julius Malema speaking at the press conference were he announced the new national and provincial party's committees, held at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg on 11, Thursday, 11 July 2013. Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng

402 11.07.2013 Commander in chief of Economic Freedom Fighter, Julius Malema speaking at the press conference were he announced the new national and provincial party's committees, held at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg on 11, Thursday, 11 July 2013. Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng

Published Jul 23, 2013

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Durban - The controversial South African Federation of the Unemployed Peoples Unions (Safupu) - which is demanding a monthly income grant of R1 500 for the unemployed - has confirmed it is having talks with Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) movement.

Safupu secretary Nhlanhla Myeni said he recently held meetings with Malema and Kenny Kunene, the socialite-turned politician, in Durban.

“Unfortunately because talks are pending we cannot divulge any more information,” he said.

It is not known how much support the EFF can expect from Safupu should the union join forces with it. Asked how many signed-up members they had, Myeni indicated the union still had to inaugurate many of its branches.

Safupu was established earlier this year through the merging of three affiliate organisations representing the unemployed.

One of the highest profile organisations is the Unemployed Peoples Movement, which became famous after it threatened to loot shops in 2008 as a form of protest against the rise of unemployment.

Ninety of its members were arrested after they looted Checkers and Pick n Pay.

Myeni on Monday said his union would also want the “inequalities between Indians and Africans to be addressed”.

He said the union was concerned that Indians dominated the economy of KwaZulu-Natal.

“We are not fighting against anyone but we are saying that we need to fight and beat this system.”

Meanwhile, the shackdwellers movement Abahlali BaseMjondolo has distanced itself from the EFF, saying it had not talked to the party despite some of its leaders claiming the contrary.

“There has been no communication, we don’t know them and we don’t even have their contact numbers. So it is not true what they are saying and I would caution against any organisation founded on the basis of lies,” said Abahlali leader Sbu Zikode.

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