Zanu-PF youths back Malema

ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema today appears before his party's disciplinary committee amid growing regional  solidarity from youths.

Zimbabwean youths yesterday handed a petition to the South African Embassy in Harare against the alleged persecution of Malema.

The youths were from such organisations as the Pan-African Youth Union, Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs Youth Action, Upfumi Kuvadiki, musicians and artists.

Youths from all provinces of South Africa have also thrown their weight behind the firebrand youth leader.

Presenting the petition to deputy South African ambassador Ms Andy Makwabe in Harare, Pan-African Youth Union deputy secretary-general Tendai Wenyika said: "We note with sadness the developments in the ANC that sought to tarnish the image and person of Julius Malema and the ANC youth league leadership.

"We hope the issue will be resolved amicably with a verdict that will see Malema and his executive completing their tenure.

"The role that Malema plays as a regional opinion leader in the fight for economic freedom should never be undermined."

She said African youths supported Malema's call for the nationalisation of mines and expropriation of land.

"Realising the need for an economic transformation as a matter of urgency that favours the black majority, these Pan-Africanist ideas are very noble," she said.

Ms Makwabe said the Zimbabwean youths' support for their counterpart was overwhelming.

"We accept your petition and support you have for your compatriot and I assure you that we will forward it as per your request," she said.

Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs Youth Action vice president Mr James Pande said: "The youths, like any politician, should be free to say out their views that concern their continent."

Diana Samkange, a musician, said Malema represented the interests of Africans.

Upfumi Kuvadiki chairman Mr Alson Darikayi said the petition showed their protest over the "unwarranted persecution of Malema".

Malema's lawyers made a strong case for the charges against him to be dropped when the disciplinary hearing adjourned on Wednesday.

The ANC national disciplinary committee announced that the charge of barging into a meeting of party officials was removed from Malema's charge sheet.

But he is expected to face this charge together with four other league officials today. League spokesman Floyd Shivambu's hearing, scheduled for today, was postponed to an unknown date.

The committee said in a statement on Wednesday night that they adjourned the hearing to apply their minds after the prosecution and the respondent had presented their arguments in the past two days.

A verdict on the application for the charges to be dropped is expected today.