Malema slams 'sellout' Zuma's Morocco visit
Zuma met Moroccan officials and expressed his support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, contradicting the ANC's historical stance on the matter.
'That was a complete sellout position,' Malema said. 'Now there's a manoeuvre: they are no longer emphasising their party position on Morocco. They are saying, a former head of state can visit any country and have interactions with those people. No-one is questioning that; we are questioning his position and that of his party in relation to Morocco.'
Malema was speaking on the sidelines of his appearance in the East London magistrate's court on Monday. The court heard closing remarks on the matter where Malema and his co-accused are charged with discharging a firearm in public during the EFF's fifth birthday celebration in 2018.
He expressed support for Western Sahara's fight for independence: 'We are clear — we are for the people of Western Sahara and we must make sure they realise their freedom in their lifetime.'
The conflict between Morocco and Western Sahara stems from Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the disputed territory. Zuma's visit sparked controversy with the ANC condemning his actions as 'reckless and provocative'.
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'Comrades have been talking about it… they say the president should be consistent in his dealings… But I for one think it's a tough decision. We have the SACP (South African Communist Party) having decided to contest the elections… and you have Buti (Manamela) and you want to keep him in the deputy position?... It's impossible. 'The president knows he has to yield to the SACP, and this appointment will quell the tensions we have with the SACP,' the source said. New Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Political analyst Sandile Swana said Ramaphosa needed to keep people he trusted close to him because he was on his way out since its his last term. 'How Cyril Ramaphosa removes ministers is largely guided by the balance of forces for the balance of power within the tripartite alliance or the ANC, so he has to make sure that he strengthens those who protect him from any fallout that might occur. 'When he appoints new people, he will want his bodyguards to feel that he is strengthening them. These are people that would be in favour of his faction or to appease a stakeholder base,' he said. Another political analyst, Professor Sethulego Matebesi, said Ramaphosa's recent removals of high-profile individuals pointed to a significant change in his administration. 'This action might be interpreted as an effort to resolve alleged inconsistencies or disputes within his administration and to consolidate power. 'However, as opposition parties and even some members of his party voice concerns, it also calls into question the ANC's stability and the possibility of internal strife,' he said. 'Ramaphosa's decisions are perceived as being selective, which is important. It seems as if he prefers some individuals over others out of loyalty or conformity,' he said.
