Julius Malema, whose suspension from the ANC was confirmed at the weekend, was also suspended at school from everything apart from the academic programme, a former friend of his has revealed.
According to one of Malema’s former close friends, Boy Mamabolo, 28, they met in childhood and were bosom buddies in primary and secondary school.
“I have known Julius since 1989, when I started school,” said Mamabolo on Monday.
“Julius taught us politics, he taught us bravery.
“But he also taught me to drink alcohol.”
He said they had also pursued beautiful girls together.
But Mamabolo also spoke about Malema’s reported five-year suspension from all activities, excluding the academic ones.
He was not allowed to take part in sport, student politics or cultural events while still at school.
Attempts to verify Mamabolo’s claims with the school’s authorities were not successful on Monday.
Mamabolo said: “In 1997 Julius organised a very big strike at Mohlakaneng High School. The principal, Jeff Legodi, suspended him from all activities.”
He said Malema continued to run student political affairs even though he was not formally part of the student representative council.
In 2003, their friendship took them to Luthuli House, where Malema had an office.
“I was his office administrator at Luthuli House when he was still president of Cosas (Congress of South African Students Organisation),” Mamabolo added.
Their friendship continued even after Malema was elected ANC Youth League president in 2008, and Mamabolo still ran errands for Malema.
In 2010, their relationship soured, and Mamabolo is celebrating the downfall of his former associate.
Mamabolo said he had started fighting with Malema in October 2010, when the youth leader allegedly instructed him to shed some of his friends.
“That man is a dictator.
“He was given all sorts of nicknames,” said Mamabolo.
He said that previously he had taken instructions from Malema.
“When we went to the pub I would be instructed to tell management of the pub to remove people in the VIP area for the leadership,” said Mamabolo.
This was echoed by a local DJ, who said Malema had twice in 2010 gatecrashed a party he had organised.
He had refused to pay an entrance fee.
“At first he removed people in the VIP area, but the second time, he just walked in and refused to pay,” said the DJ, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
The DJ said this had happened at one of the popular pubs in Polokwane.
Mamabolo said he did not pity his former friend.
But a former Malema colleague, who served in the league’s provincial committee while Malema was still secretary in Limpopo, had a different view.
Although the two do not see eye to eye anymore, the woman said she felt sorry for Malema.
“I have a reason to resent him, but my resentment is nothing compared to what he is going through,” said the colleague, who asked to remain anonymous.
“It is sad because he may just end up like Jackie Selebi,” she said.
Malema refused to comment when contacted by The Star. - The Star