Citizens could not complain about the lack of service delivery while watering the lawn in front of a RDP (Reconstruction and Development) house, African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema said on Saturday.
“When protesting they burn tyres on a tar road, but they complain of no delivery,” Malema told thousands of lively Galeshewe residents in Kimberley.
Before speaking, Malema was introduced to the election rally by Northern Cape ANC chairperson John Block to huge cheers and giggles from the crowd.
Malema also called for the nationalisation of mines in the province.
“We [ANC] had done everything in fighting poverty but we do not have money.”
He said the ANC would fight wealth until mines were owned by the country’s people and “we’re not asking for permission”.
Malema said land “being turned game farms” should be taken away without payment.
“We all agree they stole the land. They are criminals, they should be treated like that.”
He referred to the Inkatha Freedom Party as a “culture” group, while the “People of the Congress” was a party formed in anger.
“Never form a party when you are angry, when you smile, that party is over,” Malema told a cheering crowd.
Supporters were entertained from a huge stage which was erected in the Galeshewe stadium.
He also told the crowd if they did not have any reason to vote, they should “do it for Mandela”.
Press Club appearance
On Thursday, Malema outlined the league’s plans for land expropriation and nationalisation of mines.
He said the government must stop exporting raw minerals to encourage the establishment of industries to process them locally.
“With greater state control and participation and ownership of mineral resources, our national budget will have the capacity to be increased and would take care of social responsibilities of the state,” Malema told the National Press Club during a talk about the league’s programme of action for economic freedom.
He said the problem was that minerals were exported in raw form, only to be imported in their processed state.
“We think we need to deal with that particular situation, we need to beneficiate resources in South Africa.” – Sapa