Violence erupts after Malema expulsion from ANC
- 12 years ago
South African ANC youth leader Julius Malema rallies with supporters outside his home in Seshego township.
The ruling ANC expelled the 30-year-old party rebel - who shot to fame with calls to nationalise the country's platinum and gold mines, and seize white-owned farms - for bringing the movement into disrepute.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ANC YOUTH LEAGUE LEADER, JULIUS MALEMA, SAYING:
"I will die for what I believe in, I have not done anything wrong, I did not steal from anybody, I did not kill anybody, I spoke on behalf of ANC Youth League and I am persecuted for speaking on behalf of the Youth League and I am not prepared to sell out the positions of the ANC Youth League under any circumstance."
Malema's opponents also gathered outside his house, carrying a symolic tombstone made out of a cardboard box.
But later the placards were used for a different purpose, as the celebratory atmosphere soured and the two rival groups clashed.
Malema was found guilty in November by a party disciplinary council of causing rifts in the ANC and undermining its credibility by calling for the overthrow of the government of neighbouring Botswana.
He was suspended for five years but allowed to keep his party posts pending an appeal, which was rejected on Wednesday.
On the streets of Johannesburg, residents expressed satisfaction over his expulsion.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT JOHANNES VAN DEN NEST, SAYING:
"I think they did the best that they could have to save the face of the ANC to a certain extent, because he cared for no one, he was just rude, and irrespective whether you are an elder or a young man, it was one thing with him, what he wanted to say he said, and that was that."
Malema's departure from the ANC alters the political landscape in South Africa, sidelining one of President Jacob Zuma's most vocal foes.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
The ruling ANC expelled the 30-year-old party rebel - who shot to fame with calls to nationalise the country's platinum and gold mines, and seize white-owned farms - for bringing the movement into disrepute.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ANC YOUTH LEAGUE LEADER, JULIUS MALEMA, SAYING:
"I will die for what I believe in, I have not done anything wrong, I did not steal from anybody, I did not kill anybody, I spoke on behalf of ANC Youth League and I am persecuted for speaking on behalf of the Youth League and I am not prepared to sell out the positions of the ANC Youth League under any circumstance."
Malema's opponents also gathered outside his house, carrying a symolic tombstone made out of a cardboard box.
But later the placards were used for a different purpose, as the celebratory atmosphere soured and the two rival groups clashed.
Malema was found guilty in November by a party disciplinary council of causing rifts in the ANC and undermining its credibility by calling for the overthrow of the government of neighbouring Botswana.
He was suspended for five years but allowed to keep his party posts pending an appeal, which was rejected on Wednesday.
On the streets of Johannesburg, residents expressed satisfaction over his expulsion.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT JOHANNES VAN DEN NEST, SAYING:
"I think they did the best that they could have to save the face of the ANC to a certain extent, because he cared for no one, he was just rude, and irrespective whether you are an elder or a young man, it was one thing with him, what he wanted to say he said, and that was that."
Malema's departure from the ANC alters the political landscape in South Africa, sidelining one of President Jacob Zuma's most vocal foes.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.