EXCLUSIVE: The ANC must discuss Julius Malema's return - Magdalene Moonsamy
Updated | By Samkelo Maseko
Magdelene Moonsamy, the former treasurer general of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), says the ANC deserves plaudits for finally realising it made a mistake in expelling EFF leader Julius Malema.
"The ANC may now realise that the expulsion was wrong. Whether they realised it too early or too late, well, it's just five years since (the ANC conference in) Mangaung. I commend (Mpumalanga Premier) DD Mabuza and (ANC chairperson in KZN) Sihle Zikalala for saying Julius Malema's expulsion was wrong," says Moonsamy.
She says it takes a mature politician to admit their mistakes.
"I think that it is a big day for democracy, and it's a day that we must acknowledge. We saw what expulsions have done to kill liberation movements. I think this call for Malema's return will be tested within structures or party conferences."
Moonsamy says in her view, the call for Malema's return is a tactical one aimed at fostering unity within the ANC.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: The EFF has sold out - Magdalene Moonsamy
"I think the ANC is that kind of party. It acknowledges when it is in a state of disarray, it acknowledges when it needs to correct itself. I believe that there should be a process of the party testing its ideas and its thoughts around the expulsion through its structures," she says.
Moonsamy says the EFF urgently needs to re-assess its decision to vote with the DA in the metros.
"You can't achieve that with an incorrect tactical partner. You have created a partnership and relationship. The EFF must re-analyse who are the tactical partners that are going to advance interests of the African people," says Moonsamy.
She says as President Jacob Zuma's term as ANC leader comes to an end, the ruling party needs to start healing its relationship with ordinary South Africans.
"In the mayhem, poor decisions may have been taken. Pride should not be the reason why decisions of voting with the DA can't be corrected either. Ultimately and fundamentally, our commitment must be to our people, not our political egos," says Moonsamy.
Video by MornéJK
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