EFF targets ANC 'mining magnate' companies

MINING houses in which high-profile ANC politicians and one of the richest men in the country have interests are to be the targets of mass action by the Economic Freedom Fighters, the party has announced.

Among the companies will be Lonmin, in which Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is involved, and Gold Fields in which National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete has interests. African Rainbow Minerals, in which billionaire Patrice Motsepe has interests, will also be targeted.

The mass-action plan was announced at the end of a largely successful EFF national people's assembly in Bloemfontein yesterday.

Leader Julius Malema described the proposed action as a protest against the way in which economic empowerment benefited only a few wealthy, politically connected individuals instead of communities.

The protests, as well as continued invasions of land which the EFF deems to be "unoccupied", are the two main campaigns the party aims to launch in the new year.

Regarding the 2016 local government elections, Malema said it was clear neither the ANC nor the DA would win power in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni in Gauteng or in Nelson Mandela Bay.

He kept open the door of possible cooperation with the proposed United Front and the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa). - Jan-Jan Joubert