Qaanitah Hunter – Cii News |04 September 2012

Expelled ANCYL President Julius Malema has accused the South African
leadership of being too concerned about investors and neglecting the ordinary
citizen.

Speaking to Cii on Tuesday, Malema maintained his unwavering stance on the
nationalization of mines amid strong opposition from his political counterparts. He claimed that he does not live a pretentious life like other politicians and was struggling for economic freedom.

Being expelled from the ANC altogether, he expressed the longing for the existence of a political party to stand for what he believes.

As of late, Malema has been seen as the champion of thousands of disgruntled miners in South Africa. But he has also been accused of being an opportunist.

“We spoke about nationalization of mines, so we get extra resources and
invest in the development of mining communities and other communities that
are under-developed in South Africa, ” he said

But the firebrand leader said no one wanted to join his struggle because they
are caught up in their ‘pretentious’ lives.

“Our leaders fought to give us rights so we must use them to maximum and if
the leaders are worried about we are doing then they are worried for what
they fought for,” Malema added.

He noted that South Africans are becoming impatient and there’s growing
anger among them.

There have been a number of violent protests across the country which Malema said was due to the fact that the leadership is not in touch with the
improvised masses “The leadership is more concerned with dining with rich. They are sleeping with the rich,” he argued.

He further accused the leadership of being in corrupt relationships with
investors “Before it was our people this, our people that- now it is investors this, investors that.”

Malema said he moved into the public domain to avoid an Arab-Spring-like
uprising adding that he merely occupied the space because no other leader did.

“People don’t hate me, people hate the truth. People want to lead people
want us to believe everything is well. I am refusing to be a pretentious
individual. I am going against what the majority wants us to do. And even if
I can be a lonely voice, as long as that voice is sustainable, that voice is
consistent,” he fervently proclaimed.

Very assertive in his demeanor, Malema said he spoke the truth and will
continue to do so without surrender.

He reiterated that if politicians pretend all is fine, there will be mass
uprisings due to suppressed anger.

“We hope that our leadership will one day sober up from drinking wine with the rich and come back to where they belong with the masses of our people,” he concluded.

qaanitah@ciibroadcasting.com

LISTEN to a podcast of the full interview HERE