 Malema loses bid to block media reports EMBATTLED African National Congress (ANC) Youth League leader Julius Malema suffered yet another blow yesterday when the ANC’s national disciplinary committee dismissed his application to keep details of the proceedings and decisions from the media. His complaints about the committee’s procedures — three to date — are seen by some in the ANC as a delaying tactic. According to the disciplinary committee, the party had a duty to communicate proceedings of the hearing to prevent a distortion of facts by nameless sources in the media. Mr Malema had objected to the release of the full details of the ruling against his previous application to have all the charges against him dropped, saying it would breach the ANC’s constitution. However, the committee rejected this yesterday — in its third finding against Mr Malema since he and four other league officials were charged by the ANC for various infringements. His failure to convince the committee so far does not bode well for his chances of surviving the charges brought against him. Mr Malema faces possible suspension or expulsion if he is found guilty of sowing division and bringing the party into disrepute. He is still on probation after his guilty plea last year to charges of undermining President Jacob Zuma by comparing him to former president Thabo Mbeki . The latest charges relate to a league plan to help effect regime change in Botswana, his statements that Mr Mbeki’s absence had weakened the Southern African Development Community and that white people were thieves. The disciplinary committee has adjourned until tomorrow to allow Mr Malema to attend the South Gauteng High Court ruling on AfriForum’s application to declare the struggle song "Ayesaba amagwala" hate speech. Yesterday the disciplinary committee heard the cases against youth league secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa and spokesman Floyd Shivambu. Mr Malema, his deputy Ronald Lamola, Mr Magaqa, his deputy Kenetswe Mosenogi and treasurer Pule Mabe will present closing arguments in their separate case over storming a meeting of ANC officials. Mr Malema’s separate hearing will start after these cases have been concluded. The ANC managed to prevent Mr Malema’s supporters from protesting outside the hearing venue in Kibler Park, south Johannesburg. There was a strong police presence. Witnesses said taxis and buses on roads to the venue were searched and drivers questioned. Journalists were chased from the vicinity. [email protected] You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] . |
