Land redistribution a priority for Malema

Land redistribution would be the first order of business for EFF leader Julius Malema if he were to succeed President Jacob Zuma in the upcoming general election.

"The first decision I make as president would be the redistribution of land back to the people," Malema said while visiting the Thusong Youth Centre in Alexandra on Sunday (09/02/2014).

"And the land would be to produce food and create jobs."

A voting registration outlet had been set up at the centre.

Wearing a red EFF beret and a white shirt, Malema received a warm welcome in Alexandra as people, particularly children, smiled, clapped and shook his hand.

Malema entered the voting station after 1pm and greeted IEC officials at the registration office.

He spoke briefly with them before making his way onto 12th Avenue to speak to residents.

Malema said government had failed the people of South Africa.

"It is very clear and evident through the uncontrollable service delivery protests that South Africans are looking for an alternative," he said.

"They have absolutely failed our people in a big way. People were losing interest in politics until the EFF arrived."

Asked whether many South Africans had lost interest in voting, he said:

"No, they will vote."

Service delivery protests flared up in several areas in Gauteng and the North West in the past week.

Disgruntled residents took to the streets in Sebokeng, Bronkhorstspruit, Hebron and Majakaneng.

The protests in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, started on Wednesday, with roads being barricaded with stones, trees and burning tyres. Residents demanded better housing.

In Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, a week-long protest saw several buildings torched, including a clinic, hall and library. Residents protested over their inability to buy electricity following a merger of municipalities that resulted in a changed purchasing system.

Residents of Hebron on Friday promised to continue their protests until government gave them what they wanted. They were dissatisfied with a lack of feedback from the Madibeng local municipality following their march to the council offices about two weeks ago to demand the removal of their local councillor and to have roads in the area fixed.

The Majakaneng community set a cement truck alight and looted shops demanding access to water. Residents claim they have to buy water from neighbouring townships, alleging that municipal officials sold the water to a mine. - Sapa