Shivambu, Malema to attend Lonmin memorial

(File photo) Former ANCYL president Julius Malema and suspended spokesman Floyd Shivambu. Photo: Phill Magakoe

(File photo) Former ANCYL president Julius Malema and suspended spokesman Floyd Shivambu. Photo: Phill Magakoe

Published Aug 23, 2012

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Johannesburg - Suspended ANC Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu said he and expelled leader Julius Malema would attend the memorial service on Thursday for the victims of Lonmin mine's Marikana shootings.

Shivambu told the Mail & Guardian Online that he, Malema and suspended ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa would attend the service both as private citizens and as political activists.

“As people involved in lessening the pain of victims of the massacre, we have to be there,” he was quoted as saying.

Although the memorial was organised by government, Shivambu said government officials would not be welcome because workers blamed them for the shooting.

“We don't care what they (government officials) are doing. They are responsible for this mess and we are busy fixing it,” Shivambu said.

Former president Thabo Mbeki had been invited to the memorial by the youth league.

However, Mbeki's spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga told the Mail & Guardian that the former president would not be able to attend.

President Jacob Zuma would also not be attending the service, his spokesman Mac Maharaj told the publication. - Sapa

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