Post date: Apr 21, 2011 4:41:0 PM
South Africa's ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema addresses his supporters at the conclusion of a hate speech trial appearance.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (APRIL 21, 2011) REUTERS - Controversial South African youth leader Julius Malema, on trial for "hate speech", on Thursday (April 21) addressed his supporters outside the Supreme Court.
Scores of loyalists have flanked the government building for the duration of the trial, singing and holding placards that read: 'Hands off Julius Malema.'Appearing before a cheering crowd with a smile, Malema said nationalisation was within reach.
"We are going to take the land, whether they like it or not, the land must be shared amongst all South Africans. We can't say South Africa belongs to all of us where as a small minority controls the means of production. Nationalisation will happen in our lifetime, we will achieve economic freedom in our lifetime," he said.
Malema surprised critics with a polished performance in the witness box, denting perceptions that he is simply a dangerous militant.
The charges of "hate speech" are brought by the Afrikaner civil rights group Afriforum over Malema's singing of an anti-apartheid song containing a reference to "shoot the Boer (Afrikaner)."
Malema's drive for nationalisation of the country's giant mines has unnerved investors in the world's No. 4 gold producer and his militant speeches nearly 17 years after the end of apartheid have scared many white South Africans.
The government has repeatedly said nationalisation is not its policy.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela, the former wife of Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Mandela, backed Malema on Thursday.
"It just shows you how much you must protect and defend the democracy that was earned by the blood of our children. This democracy you are enjoying today was fought for by the Tsietsi's (struggle hero) of the day. This democracy cost hundreds and thousands of lives in 1976 the children said this far and no more," she said.
Independent political analyst Nic Borain said by taking Malema to court, his Afrikaner opponents have shot themselves in the foot.
The trial in South Africa's Equality Court in Johannesburg began 10 days ago and saw several leaders of the ruling African National Congress defend Malema, who arrived at court flanked by several bodyguards carrying assault rifles. The judge last week banned the bodyguards from court.