Malema paints Houghton red

Throngs of mourners continued to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela outside his home in Houghton, including civil organisations and political parties.

Julius Malema and hundreds of Economic Freedom Fighters visited the Icon’s home to lay flowers and pay their respects, where the former President passed away on 5 December.

Wearing t-shirts and their signature berets, members of the party painted the leafy suburb red. Led by Malema and the party’s spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, the fighters peacefully gathered in song outside Mandela’s home.

The commander-in-chief of the newly-formed political party also paid tribute to Mandela’s former wife and ANC veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and widow Graça Machel for their roles in Mandela’s life.

Addressing scores of party members, Malema said they were not there to cause any discomfort. “We are here as fellow South Africans to say to President Nelson Mandela: Thank you for ushering in political freedom, we understand that you (Mandela) and your generation did not betray your mission.”

Malema said his party was dedicated to economic freedom. “Those who came after you (Mandela) failed to deliver economic freedom, we are here to say we (Economic Freedom Fighters) are taking up this battle, picking up the spear and we are going to fight for economic emancipation. Our people are free yet they sleep without food, they don’t have houses.”

Malema said, “We want to liberate domestic workers in Houghton; they are working very hard yet they are paid peanuts.”

President Jacob Zuma was booed by the crowd at Mandela’s memorial service, in the presence of over 100 heads of state, and, according to Malema, the people had spoken. “Those that have betrayed Mandela’s legacy got a message at FNB Stadium: no one will tolerate anybody who undermines what Madiba stood for,” he said to a rapturous roar by the crowd.

Malema said despite Mandela having a “beautiful” wife, he never spent millions building a “spaza shop” for her, referring to the scandal over security upgrades at President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home.

The firebrand leader also called on the fighters to be disciplined in their activities. “You must act with restraint even when you are provoked. If people are fighting with us we will walk away peacefully,” he said.

The party members then proceeded to the Union Buildings to view Mandela’s body where it lay in state.