News / National
Malema to officially open Zimbabwe political party conference
18 Nov 2015 at 05:24hrs | Views
THE newly-formed Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (Yard) has invited firebrand South African politician Julius Malema to its conference slated for next month.
Malema, a sharp critic of President Jacob Zuma and his ruling African National Congress, leads Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the third biggest party in South Africa.
He has been in Zimbabwe before at the invitation of Zanu-PF.
In a message sent to Yard members seen by NewsDay, Yard founder and national co-ordinator Temba Mliswa said Malema had accepted their invitation.
"It gives me great pleasure to also advise you that Julius Malema has accepted our invitation to be our guest of honour at our Yard conference slated to be held next month. I certainly look forward to his valued contribution," Mliswa said.
Yard's national administrator Patson Dzamara confirmed the development, although he said they were still working on the exact dates.
"We are still to firm up on the dates, but he (Malema) will be coming to speak at our national conference. As you know, Yard is still in its infancy, we need to galvanise our structures throughout the country and to announce ourselves to Zimbabwe, hence the hosting of the conference," Dzamara said.
Dzamara said the youth organisation would gain immensely from the fiery EFF leader's visit.
"In this case, Malema is a young person who is causing unprecedented impact in his country through what some may consider as unorthodox methodologies. However, the bottom line is that he has a story and experience to share with us and we can certainly learn from him," he said.
Yard was formed a few weeks ago and has structures across the country. The membership comprises former student leaders and youths from different political parties.
Yard leaders have maintained that the organisation will not be transformed into a political party, but will be mandated to actively promoting the observance of human rights, democracy and the security of people in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security and capacitating potential youth leaders with leadership, grooming, etiquette and diplomatic skills.
Malema, a sharp critic of President Jacob Zuma and his ruling African National Congress, leads Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the third biggest party in South Africa.
He has been in Zimbabwe before at the invitation of Zanu-PF.
In a message sent to Yard members seen by NewsDay, Yard founder and national co-ordinator Temba Mliswa said Malema had accepted their invitation.
"It gives me great pleasure to also advise you that Julius Malema has accepted our invitation to be our guest of honour at our Yard conference slated to be held next month. I certainly look forward to his valued contribution," Mliswa said.
Yard's national administrator Patson Dzamara confirmed the development, although he said they were still working on the exact dates.
"We are still to firm up on the dates, but he (Malema) will be coming to speak at our national conference. As you know, Yard is still in its infancy, we need to galvanise our structures throughout the country and to announce ourselves to Zimbabwe, hence the hosting of the conference," Dzamara said.
Dzamara said the youth organisation would gain immensely from the fiery EFF leader's visit.
"In this case, Malema is a young person who is causing unprecedented impact in his country through what some may consider as unorthodox methodologies. However, the bottom line is that he has a story and experience to share with us and we can certainly learn from him," he said.
Yard was formed a few weeks ago and has structures across the country. The membership comprises former student leaders and youths from different political parties.
Yard leaders have maintained that the organisation will not be transformed into a political party, but will be mandated to actively promoting the observance of human rights, democracy and the security of people in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security and capacitating potential youth leaders with leadership, grooming, etiquette and diplomatic skills.
Source - newsday
