Malema coming to Namibia to seek allies

Controversial South African politician and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party Julius Malema is set to visit Namibia soon to meet with local like-minded political formations. This was confirmed yesterday by party spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi in an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun. "We are planning on coming to Namibia. Not only Namibia, but several other countries in Africa," said Ndlozi. He added that Malema now heads a "proper political party" and his visit to Namibia will entail meeting with "partner institutions and organisations". He said this would include meeting with those who shared their economic transformation views and a political agenda for the continent. Malema's political views include calling for the nationalisation of mining in South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe-style land grabs. He has been largely the inspiration behind how youth leagues in Namibia have increasingly tackled senior leaders in political parties. Confirmation of Malema's pending visit to Namibia comes closely on the heels of local youth wings here recently expressing their admiration for the 32-year-old South African politician. This includes the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), whose spokesperson Job Amupanda said last week that the youth wing is closely monitoring Malema's EFF activities. "We are observing the EFF in general and particularly Malema, as well as the political situation in that country," said Amupanda. "It is in our as youth's interest to observe the situation in that country, just like we do with the situations in Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and other countries." Ndlozi yesterday could not give a clear indication when Malema will visit Namibia, but said it could be early next year, just months ahead of general elections in both South Africa and Namibia. Last year, shortly after Malema was expelled as the leader of the ANC Youth League, Swapo blocked his planned visit to Windhoek. At that time it was reported that Malema was expected in Namibia on July 5 for a University of Namibia lecture in memory of former student leader Chris Hawala. Swapo's leadership, including President Hifikepunye Pohamba allegedly feared that Malema may use the platform to attack ANC and its president Jacob Zuma. The ANC and Swapo share very close ties, dating back to the days when they were both liberation movements. It was feared that Malema's visit had the potential to put a strain on the Swapo/ANC relationship. When he visits Namibia next year, Malema will do so as the commander-in-chief of the EFF, which he founded in July after being booted out of the ANC. He officially launched his party this month with an estimated crowd of 15 000 people in attendance. Shortly after last week's EFF launch, DTA youth leader Benson Katjirijova said Malema's approach has earned him respect among the Namibian youth. "His politics is a special politics. Whatever he addressed were issues of socio-economic nature affecting the people of that country," he said. "This has caused us to listen to him attentively when he speaks because he speaks about issues that are affecting the masses. He has become an example to many." Katjirijova singled out Malema for his pro-poor stance and added that he has the interests of ordinary South Africans at heart. WINDHOEK ELVIS MURARANGANDA