Malema vows to fight for the poor

The ANCYL would not enjoy freedom as long as there was poverty in the country, president Julius Malema said in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, on Saturday.

"We are here for every one of you. We will not rest until you stop worrying about where your next meal will come from," the ANC Youth League leader said.

He was addressing over 5 000 residents at the Diepsloot recreation centre, in an effort to drum up support for ANCYL marches to be held next week.

Malema vowed to fight for the restoration of land to the people and was prepared to go to jail in his fight for the poor.

"Everytime we sing or speak for our freedom, other people take us to court," he said.

"When Nelson Mandela fought for land, they took him to prison just like us. This means there is no freedom in this country."

Malema spoke against those opposing the nationalisation of mines. He said people were not aware that the nationalisation of the mines would create jobs and fight poverty in Diepsloot and other impoverished areas.

Diepsloot children are exposed to dirty water running down the streets and when they fall sick, their parents can't afford to take them to private hospitals because they are poor, Malema said.

Malema also took a swipe at the media over its coverage of his recent comment on Indians, in Thembelihle in Lenasia earlier in the week.

Malema used the word ‘makula’, which has been translated to mean ‘coolie’, a derogatory term for Indians.

He said certain journalists did not know African languages well enough and often translate things "wrongfully".

The Youth League's Economic Freedom Youth Mass Action will take place on October 27 and 28.

Members were expected to march from Beyers Naude Square, to the Chamber of Mines in Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton and the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Malema was expected to speak in Ivory Park near Midrand later on Saturday.

He will address residents in Heidelberg, Meyerton, Sebokeng and Everton, south of Johannesburg on Sunday.