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Ups and downs of Julius Malema

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It has been a year of ups and downs for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. After being expelled from the ANC, Julius Malema launched his own political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in July. The EFF is hoping to get a majority of youth voters.

Malema will be back in court in 2014

The party was launched in Marikana in the North West, the area where 44 miners lost their lives in 2012. It was reported that over 15 000 people attended the EFF launch. Among those who attended was United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa.

Malema suggested that his party will focus on vulnerable people including petrol attendants, orphans, sex workers and exploited mine workers. Malema’s party has attracted people from all walks of life. Among the EFF members is former ANC member Dali Mpofu. Mpofu had been a member of the ANC for 33 years. (Julius Malema addressing crowds at the EFF launch: 13 October)

In February, SARS rejected a R4 million settlement offer and auctioned Malema’s assets – his Sandton and Polokwane homes. On March 19, the farm worth R4 million was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU). Businessman Norman Tloubatla outbid several fellow bidders at the auction and successfully put in a R5.9 million bid for the property, which Malema purchased for R3.6m three years ago. Malema has been in and out of courts after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) charged him with money laundering, corruption and racketeering. Malema will be back in court in 2014.

– By Edited by Tshepiso Moche

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