/ 29 January 2009

Malema turns down seat in Parliament

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president Julius Malema on Thursday declined nomination for a seat in Parliament, the league said.

”The ANCYL is humbled by the confidence shown in its leader by members of the ANC across the country.

”Nevertheless, the ANCYL officially announces that president Julius Malema will not be available for a parliamentary position,” it said in a statement.

The youth league president, infamous for his controversial remarks, appeared 95th on the party’s nomination list.

Malema has opted to remain with the league ”mobilising young people behind the vision of the ANC, while championing their interests”.

The youth league said it would focus on ensuring a 75% victory for the ruling party in the upcoming election, adding that the outcome of Wednesday’s by-election was an indication of certain victory. — Sapa