South Africa’s ANC battles to rein in young firebrand; spat with communist party deepens
By APWednesday, December 16, 2009
SAfrica’s ANC battles to rein in young firebrand
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s ruling party is trying to rein in a young firebrand who is sowing disunity among its old Communist allies, threatening President Jacob Zuma’s efforts to build unity as the country grapples with economic recession.
Fearing the spat may worsen, the African National Congress rebuked Julius Malema, president of the ANC’s Youth League, for his attacks against the South African Communist Party. ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said Tuesday anyone who defies ANC orders not to fuel tensions must explain themselves in a disciplinary hearing.
Malema’s actions have created a stir because the ANC Youth League, once led by Nelson Mandela, is a powerful lobbying group within the ruling party and sees itself as king makers.
