Debate: “Kill for Zuma” Statement Insults South Africa

The “kill for Zuma” statements made by African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president Julius Malema and Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi last week were an insult to the intelligence of South African voters, former Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) president, Motsoko Pheko, said Sunday night.

Pheko said the electorate in the country had a constitutional right to choose political leaders without “fear or favor”.

“The irresponsible statements must be condemned. Why is the killing of opponents in Zimbabwe, Somalia and Kenya wrong, but now should be correct in South Africa?” he asked.

“Our nation needs leaders with ideas and a national agenda that liberates people from poverty, and not bullies who are politically bankrupt and guided by egotism,” he said.

On Saturday, Malema defended his controversial statement that the youth league would kill for ANC president Jacob Zuma to remain in power.

Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi echoed the remarks on Saturday, according to a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news report.

“So, yes, because Jacob Zuma is one of us, and he is one of our leaders, for him, we are prepared to lay (down) our lives and to shoot and kill,” he said amid applause and cheering.

Pheko questioned what would happen if political parties in the country killed for their leaders.

He added: “If various political parties were to kill for leaders they love, what would remain of the country? Where would democracy and rule of law be?”

Source African Press Agency

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