Peace for now, but fight goes on - Malema

SUSPENDED ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema called for a temporary truce ahead of the party's centenary celebrations today, but warned that the battle for control of the ANC was not over.

This followed speculation that his supporters were planning to disrupt the event by booing and heckling President Jacob Zuma when he delivers the national executive committee's January 8 statement.

The league held mini rallies in the Free State this week that were viewed with suspicion within the ANC, as they were seen as platforms to attack and ridicule Zuma.

Malema told his supporters this week to behave and show respect for Zuma.

"President Zuma is our president. We elected him. Whether we like him or not, it doesn't matter. He must be respected because he is the image and the face of the ANC internationally. Once you undermine the president, you are undermining the good image of the ANC. Let's go and salute him and give him the necessary applause when he stands up to speak on behalf of all of us," he said.

However, it will only be known today whether his pleas were sincere, as all the meetings he addressed were characterised by the singing of an anti-Zuma song.

The crowd sang Showara wa re sokodisa, holding their hands above their heads to symbolise a shower.

Malema repeatedly emphasised that the discipline his supporters would show today should not be misunderstood as accepting defeat.

"Our discipline must never be confused for fear. Some people think when we are disciplined, we are scared," he told followers in Thaba Nchu on Friday.

In Welkom, he told hundreds of youths that he would continue to fight his opponents once all the international guests expected to attend today's celebration had left. "Once those people are gone, then we will continue with our issues ... We respect everybody, but we fear nobody. We will raise our issues without fear or favour."

Malema is fighting for his political survival following his five-year suspension from the ANC. He has appealed against the verdict.

In Thaba Nchu, Malema was accompanied by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula.

In a clear swipe at Zuma and those who supported the action taken against Malema, Mbalula said the autonomy of the league must be respected. "The ANC Youth League has never been a puppy, has never been a drum majorette, has never been a lapdog," he said.

"It has been a militant organisation of the ANC. So those who want to change the character of the youth league and make it something else, let them go propose changes when we get to Mangaung. But, for now, the youth league is an autonomous, independent organisation of the ANC."

He said for the ANC to remain relevant, the youth league must remain militant.