/ 17 June 2008

ANC slams threat to ‘take up arms’

The African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday slammed as ”reckless” a youth leader’s threat to take up arms for party head Jacob Zuma as he faces corruption charges.

The leader of the ANC Youth League, Julius Malema, made the comments during a rally on Monday in Thaba Nchu as part of Youth Day celebrations.

”Let us make it clear now: we are prepared to die for Zuma,” said Malema, claiming Zuma’s rights had been violated by delays in prosecuting him.

”Not only that, we are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma.”

Zuma, a 65-year-old hopeful in the 2009 presidential election, faces 16 charges ranging from money laundering to racketeering.

The original date set for the trial is August, but it could be delayed as no trial judge has so far been appointed.

Malema said that the trial would ”divide the country”.

”We do not want a situation where the state prosecutes its own president,” Malema said.

He said the youth league was planning to assemble a legal team to try to get the case against Zuma thrown out of court.

”That statement was reckless,” ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said.

”It does not represent the official position of the ANC as a political party. We want the youth league to support the party, but it should not make reckless statements”.

In a statement released by spokesperson Jesse Duarte on Tuesday, the ANC said it will not tolerate any factional or divisive practices.

”The ANC respects the independence of the judiciary, and will defend it against any attempts to undermine its integrity,” read the statement.

The ANC reiterated its concern at the treatment of Zuma by the National Prosecuting Authority, and would ”demonstrate its support for him as the case against him goes to court”.

”However, the ANC wishes to caution against any statements or actions that may inflame emotions or undermine the principled position the organisation has taken.”

Zuma has previously said he would stand down as ANC president if convicted of the charges.

Youth Day is held to commemorate the anniversary of the Soweto uprising of young people against the apartheid regime in 1976.