ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema on Monday paid a R50 000 fine for his “nice time” remark about a woman who claimed she had been raped.
“Today we received confirmation from People Opposed to Women Abuse (Powa) that Malema has paid it,” said Sonke Gender Justice Network spokesperson Mbuyiselo Botha.
“But we find it most disappointing that it took him so many months to do it. We also note that he paid this on the eve of Women’s Day. It is a message that leaders are taking responsibility.”
In June, 15 months after the court ruling, Malema withdrew his appeal and made a public apology to “all women” for the statements he uttered.
The network, which brought the complaint against Malema in the Equality Court last year, said it would continue to hold leaders accountable for their statements.
Malema had said a woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape had “a nice time” and had breakfast afterwards.
The court found him guilty of hate speech and ordered him to apologise and pay R50000.
Malema later called the network “Mickey Mouses” controlled by whites and said he would not pay the fine “on principle”.
Although Malema indicated through his attorney that he would appeal the finding, it was not lodged within court deadlines.
ANC Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu confirmed the payment.
When asked why it took Malema so long to pay up, he said: “Are you aware of the agreement and when we had up until to pay. If not go back and check.”
During a pre-election campaign in 2009, Malema said: “When a woman didn’t enjoy it, she leaves early in the morning. Those who had a nice time will wait until the sun comes out, request breakfast and ask for taxi money.”
During the Equality Court hearing, it was submitted by Malema’s attorney that Malema was recalling sections of the judgment which acquitted Zuma of the alleged rape.
However, the network said this was incorrect, as Malema’s account was not in accordance with that in the judgment.
Zuma admitted having sex with the woman, but denied raping her. — Sapa