Mugabe must go, says Malema

HARARE, Monday

The controversial leader of the youth league African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa Julius Malema has stirred the hornet’s nest by calling for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to step down. 

President Mugabe, 86 who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980 has indicated that he wants to stand for another term in elections expected next year.

His Zanu PF party is very sensitive to criticism against the veteran ruler’s continued stay in power.  

Persistent calls by Botswana President Seretse Ian Khama for Mr Mugabe to go have seen relations between Gaborone and Harare taking a severe knock.  

Mr Malema’s weekend calls came as a surprise as he met Mr Mugabe earlier this year during a visit to Zimbabwe.  

He also praised Zanu PF’s land redistribution programme and controversial mining policies during the visit. 

“In as much as we support the revolutionary programme in Zimbabwe, President Mugabe must hand over to those young chaps so that we engage with (them) on the same level,” the fiery youth leader told the league’s conference at the weekend.  

“We will never agree with permanent leadership.  

Mr Malema, who during his visit to Zimbabwe attacked Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), insisted leaders must respect popular will.  

The MDC maintains Mr Tsvangirai has beaten President Mugabe in the previous two elections but could not take over power because of alleged electoral fraud.  

Army generals have also come out openly to say they would not allow the former trade unionist to take over power even if he wins elections.  

“You must be careful, you will be on the streets if you don’t respect the power of the masses,” Mr Malema said.

“Sometimes power makes you drunk.”  

Zanu PF sent a delegation to the conference led by the secretary for external affairs in its youth league, Mr Tongai Kasukuwere.