WATCH: ‘The ANC survives through dodgy money’ – Malema

Speaking during a press briefing focused on a number of topics that have dominated the news cycle in recent months, EFF CIC Julius Malema welcomed the new political funding bill which aimed to mitigate the possible conflict of interest brought about by questionable donations made to parties and used to fund their day-to-day operations.

The bill was recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa and will go into effect later this year.

“This political party bill is more than welcome, we are ready,” said Malema.

#EFFMediaBriefing Malema: We are ready for the Political Funding Bill. We have no problems. Even the EFF Founding Manifesto supports that all political parties declare their funders.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 23, 2019

He went on to lambaste the ANC for its expenditure and alleged the party survived on “dodgy money”.

Using the recent rally as an example, Malema listed a number of exorbitant amounts to illustrate the ANC’s alleged expenditure.

Despite the belief that the ANC stands to lose the most from this bill, the ruling party has endorsed it.

ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a recent statement issued by the party: “The ANC has consistently supported the principle of regulating funding for political parties. We view this as an important milestone in strengthening our democracy and enhancing transparency as a cornerstone of our democracy. In welcoming the Political Party Funding Act, we have no doubt that we have taken a bold step that seeks to protect and defend our young democracy.”

Malema went on to address the Bosasa scandal as it has dominated headlines over the week and he has insisted he has never been involved in corruption.

#EFFPresser He says even in his ANC time, he has never been involved in corruption, including benefiting from Bosasa. (@PelaneM)

— Team News24 (@TeamNews24) January 23, 2019

He claimed that he called Mbalula and asked him: “Since you are involved in these oversized tracksuits for the Olympics where they said you took the money, I hope you are not involved in this Bosasa thing.”

While on the topic of corruption, he addressed the VBS saga once again.

https://twitter.com/AdvBarryRoux/status/1088019350823620608

According to the CIC, calling for Floyd Shivambu to be suspended is calling for divisions among the EFF. He cited the fact that in Terry Motaung’s report and the annexures Pauli Van Wyk used in her article, Floyd’s name was not mentioned anywhere and should Floyd take the EFF to court, they would lose against him.

Looking ahead to the elections, Malema said the only loss the EFF could possibly face would be to lose support which he claimed had thus far never happened.

“We’re growing and even those who hate us acknowledge that we are a party that is growing faster than any political party,” said Malema.

#EFFPresser "Even those who hate us acknowledge that we are growing faster than any other party"

Thatha leadership 😍✊

— snob sa pitori (@neovirago) January 23, 2019

“Anyone who wants this country to be in good hands, you know where to find the EFF, we are the ones who are guarding this country, this country would have collapsed by now,” he added.

Malema also claimed that the EFF spent millions fighting for the establishment of the state capture commission and thus despises claims that the EFF was trying to intimidate the commission by gathering outside the commission during the early days.

Malema commented on his perception that Zuma continued to be referred to as the face of corruption in mainstream media despite not being at the centre of most of the revelations made during various commission testimonies.

He alluded there were various figures who should be the focus of attention with regards to corruption.

“Let Bidvest be subjected to state capture commission, you will be shocked!” added Malema.

He went on to question the contract between President Ramaphosa’s son (Andile) and Bosasa. He demanded that Ramaphosa produce the contract for public scrutiny.

#EFFMediaBriefing Malema: Can the President produce the contract between his son and BOSASA? The contract which he has seen with his own eyes.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 23, 2019

He challenged certain journalists to produce further proof of the claims they made with regards to corruption and to cover topics he felt they are shying away from.

“Agrizzi has done better so far than so-called investigative journalists. He is a criminal himself but you know how Mafias operate. There is no honour amongst thieves but we are happy that they are exposing leaders of the African National Corruption because we have been telling you about this Ramaphosa,” said Malema.

“If Cyril thinks he’s going to do what Zuma has been doing to that parliament, we will treat him the same way we have treated Zuma,” he added, stating that he had no problems with either Zuma or Ramaphosa but would not allow either of them to disrespect parliament by lying.

Speaking on the party’s plans, he highlighted job creation as a key topic in the EFF manifesto. This and other topics will be discussed at an upcoming EFF dinner aimed at outlining the way forward for the party.

He also touched on topics such as the current turmoil in Zimbabwe, the various claims the DA has made against the EFF, and complaints about the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Rewatch the press briefing below:

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