Holomisa welcomes EFF into politics

MARIKANA – UDM leader Bantu Holomisa yesterday welcomed the Economic Freedom Fighters into the political arena, but warned them to brace themselves for trying times ahead.

“You should not delude yourselves into thinking that life as an opposition is a bowl of cherries,” he said.

United Democratic Movement president Holomisa was addressing thousands of EEF supporters who had gathered at the infamous Marikana hill at the Nkaneng informal settlement in Marikana for the launch of the party.

Thirty-four mineworkers were killed on 16 August 2012 when police fired on them. Ten others, including two security guards and two policemen, were killed in the preceding week. The workers had gathered at the hill demanding to be paid R12 500 per month.

Holomisa said the terrain they were entering was a volatile one which had both ugly and beautiful moments. He said members should equip themselves with the necessary tools to ensure their survival. He offered words of encouragement.

“You need to know that the IEC [Independent Electoral Commission] will refuse to share information you need to strategise and prepare for elections.

“You won’t be told how many ballot papers have been printed and how many of those have serial numbers,” he claimed.

He told the leadership of the party to keep their eyes on the ball at all times. Party agents must be properly trained to safeguard their votes.

“They [African National Congress] will steal them as so many of you come from there.”

Holomisa said the party was launching at the right time when the country was questioning the leadership of the ANC. He said the party was imploding and the EFF stood a chance of capitalising on the situation.

Molefi Masuele, a police reservist, said he and other reservists had joined the day because they believed EFF leader Julius Malema would give them permanent jobs once he became state president.

“Once Julius takes over and becomes president, we will be permanently employed and not be seen as condoms. Let us support EFF and ensure we go in our numbers to vote for comrade Julius who will lead us without corruption,” he said.

– Nampa-Sapa