 Businessmen back Malema reports WHILE the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League yesterday denied allegations that its president, Julius Malema, had received money to influence government tender processes, a group of Limpopo businessmen threatened to expose companies with links to Mr Malema which they said had received provincial tenders irregularly. This could give credence to allegations that businessmen had funded Mr Malema’s extravagant lifestyle in exchange for tenders, and put pressure on law enforcement agencies to investigate corruption in Limpopo. Such claims could have serious political consequences for Mr Malema as some leaders of the ANC may not want to be associated with the league firebrand. Mr Malema cannot afford to be isolated politically as he is at the forefront of a campaign for leadership change at the ANC conference next year. League representatives reacted angrily yesterday to Sunday’s City Press reports about Mr Malema’s alleged links with Limpopo businessmen. At a press briefing in Johannesburg, they challenged the newspaper to produce proof that money was deposited into Mr Malema’s family trust fund in exchange for tenders. But the Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs said yesterday the reports shed some light on why the "same group of boys" were getting tenders in the province. "There are tenders in this province that were not advertised. These tenders were given to boys who are leaders and members of the youth league, including Malema’s cousin," said the forum’s secretary, Siviko Mabunda. The ANC in Limpopo yesterday rejected allegations that businessmen were awarded tenders in exchange for providing financial support to Mr Malema. Party spokesman and finance MEC in Limpopo David Masondo said the provincial government had followed all regulations when awarding tenders. "If indeed there is credence in their public statements, like all South Africans, ANC members should bring these allegations to the attention of our institutions responsible for dealing with corruption," Mr Masondo said. City Press reported that a Limpopo businessman had confirmed depositing R200000 into the Ratanang Family Trust, which was suspected to be funding Mr Malema’s lavish lifestyle. A charge of corruption was laid against Mr Malema yesterday by the civil rights group Afriforum. Opposition parties and the Congress of South African Trade Unions called on the South African Revenue Service and the public protector to investigate. Mr Malema avoided the media yesterday and sent his lieutenants to defend him at a press conference. Youth League treasurer- general Pule Mabe challenged the newspaper to prove the payment. "City Press should have published a deposit slip," he said. Mr Mabe said the businessman making the claim against Mr Malema should be charged. He defended Mr Malema’s use of a Range Rover belonging to a Limpopo businessman who received government tenders. "Borrowing from each other in an African way is not done for the exchange of favours," he said. Mr Mabe, Mr Malema’s deputy Ronald Lamola, and secretary- general Sindiso Magaqa did not explain who funded the trust. Instead, they said the newspaper reports were an attempt to discredit Mr Malema and to divert the league from its call for the nationalisation of mines. "The allegations of the City Press and other newspapers have exposed to the ANC Youth League who our genuine allies are, and who … can easily buy into the agenda of right-wing media instruments," Mr Magaqa said. City Press editor Ferial Haffajee said the attack on her paper was no surprise. "What saddens me is the youth league has been able to sully the political debate in SA. We are used to robust debate between great minds … and what we now have are insults." Government spokesman Jimmy Manyi said yesterday no special treatment would be given to Mr Malema should law enforcement agencies decide to investigate. With Chantelle Benjamin [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] . |
