EFF leader Julius Malema has rubbished claims that he is hand-picking leaders ahead of the national conference next year.
“You are inviting me into gossip because you can’t provide any evidence,” Malema said to the media at the party’s headquarters in Joburg following a central command council meeting.
Rumours have emerged on social media about the alleged interference of Malema in the provincial conferences and in particular in Gauteng, where it is alleged he was imposing his preferred leader. Malema denied the rumours as well as allegations the party leadership was turning a blind eye to disputes that were being raised by branches where members were complaining of irregularities.
“I play a very small role when it comes to provincial people’s assemblies (PPA). My role is to go to a PPA and speak, and then go.
“I don’t do registration, I don’t do membership, I don’t run elections unless the PPA degenerates and requires intervention.”
He accused the media of listening to gossip. “You don’t do thorough work and then you bring gossip to me,” Malema said.
When presented with a memorandum written by a member who spoke of several branches, Malema said according to party rules no member was allowed to write on behalf of multiple branches.
He admitted they heard of a plan to march to the party’s headquarters to complain about irregularities.
“I said to the SG (secretary-general) don’t worry when they come here, we are going to ask for their leaders. We get into the media room with their leaders, and we ask them a simple question: ‘What is the dispute?’”
“The dispute must be based on the guidelines of the EFF. Where we find wrongdoing, we deal with it thoroughly,” said Malema.
Malema said the central command council meeting had also reflected on the Phala Phala saga involving President Cyril Ramaphosa and confirmed that he should be held accountable through a motion of no confidence.
Talks were ongoing with the DA for them to support the motion to further strengthen opposition parties represented in Parliament in their resolve.
The DA has so far preferred an ad hoc committee to probe Ramaphosa to an impeachment approach.
