Malema: EFF not a dictatorship, detractors are free to leave

In a media walkabout in Nasrec on Monday, EFF leader Julius Malema addressed accusations of dictatorship and discussed party dynamics. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives

In a media walkabout in Nasrec on Monday, EFF leader Julius Malema addressed accusations of dictatorship and discussed party dynamics. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives

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EFF president Julius Malema has once again reiterated that any of his detractors who thought that he was a dictator and divisive should leave the party.

Malema was answering questions from the media on Monday during the party’s walkabout at Nasrec ahead of its elective conference in December where it will be held.

Attacking his detractors, the Red Berets leader asked why individuals would join a party that was created by a dictator.

“Why did you join a divisive party, why did you join?” Malema asked.

“I was accused of being a dictator since my days in the ANC Youth League... so there is nothing new,” he said.

He added that the party was not going to waste time nursing people’s feelings.

“If you want to leave, the door is open. Leave now! We are not begging anyone,” he said.

The walkabout comes as the party faces the most daunting challenge after most of its senior members quit for the new kids on the block, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), recently.

First to leave was its deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, who was followed by the likes of Advocate Dali Mpofu.

Speculation is rife that party MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi would also be following suit after he was allegedly sidelined by Malema from contesting the elective conference.

Addressing the matter, Malema launched an attack on the media after a question about Ndlozi was posed.

“I have never said anything about Ndlozi... don’t come here with your shebeen gossip and toilet talk. There is no such thing,” Malema said.

He also touched on the Phala Phala matter saying the party would be taking the matter to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday.

“We have said before that as long as the EFF is in Parliament Cyril Ramaphosa will be held accountable... we will be marching to court with many other parties except the MKP,” he said.

Malema was taking a swipe at MKP president, Jacob Zuma, calling him corrupt.

“I’m not a pushover, no one can push me around. President Zuma and I are very good... but that doesn’t mean I must agree with him,” he said.

The Star

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za