The EFF wants the ANC disqualified from contesting an election in Ward 21 of Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. This after violent clashes ensued between ANC and EFF supporters in a voting station.
EFF leader Julius Malema had to force his way into the registration venue after supporters of the ANC blockaded his vehicles from entering the premises. The incident happened in KwaDambuza area outside Pietermaritzburg.
The area is an ANC stronghold.
Some community members wearing ANC regalia stood next to the gate prevented Malema and his protection unit from entering. Then violent clashes ensued.
#sabcnews #sabckzn #SADecides2021 #LGE2021 Arrival of EFF leader Julius Malema earlier in KwaDambuza area outside Pietermaritzburg. pic.twitter.com/ZOJ04wpzIm
— Nonkululeko Hlophe (@Leko3) September 19, 2021
But Malema eventually made his way into the voting station. He accused these ANC members of being politically intolerant.
“I am here to do my work and if they want to do anything let them do it. There is no way that I’m going to be intimidated by anyone. I am here to do my work. The ANC is being intolerant. Why are they intolerant? I do not know who said there should be no-go areas, that can’t be. There will never be a place where the is a no-go area. We are going everywhere and there is no one who is going to block us. We campaign everywhere. The ANC campaigns everywhere. We never stop them. Why are they stopping us?”
[HAPPENING NOW ?]: The IEC MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ANC TO RESTORE AND SET THE TONE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY FOR THESE ELECTIONS. #RegisterToVoteEFF pic.twitter.com/RAUd5chsGU
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 19, 2021
The EFF will lodge a complaint with the IEC following the incident.
“We are going to lodge a complaint with the IEC. The IEC leadership is here. I’ve seen the lady of the IEC filming the whole incident. We are going to complain, definitely. This is unacceptable. The ANC must be disqualified, particularly in this ward, for conducting themselves in the manner they did.”
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ANC convener in the Moses Mabhida Region, Thulani Xulu says the party will not condone any form of political intolerance from its members as parties prepare for the local government elections.
“If there is any debacle involving the ANC, we do not condone any of those, but also, we do not want to find certain political organisations who want to grab the stand and use the name of the ANC on their benefit. We cannot accept that. If anyone does that in the name of the ANC it doesn’t represent the ANC.”
Meanwhile, IEC’s Regional Assistant Manager at uMgungundlovu District, Khulekani Mdadane expressed disappointment at the clashes that occurred at the voting station. However, Mdadane confirmed the voting station will continue operating.
“No, we have no option to continue, because we can’t deprive voters of their right to come and register or inspect their details on the voters roll. So, we will continue, but we are disappointed in the manner these two political parties have conducted themselves here. We are really disappointed. It has never happened. Even an interview, the media interview was held inside the voting station. We really condemn such a behaviour but we will continue.”
Police arrived a bit late after the Malema had left the voting station.
#sabcnews #sabckzn #LGE2021 #SADecides2021 Police arrived a bit late at the KwaDambuza voting station where earlier EFF and ANC members clashed during the arrival of EFF leader Julius Malema. pic.twitter.com/tuXwfDLdMM
— Nonkululeko Hlophe (@Leko3) September 19, 2021
Both the ANC and EFF members also left leaving the voting station in operation.
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