Mathale defends nationalisation call

Mathale defends nationalisation call
2011-12-17 18:09
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Cassel Mathale
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Polokwane - The ANC Youth League must not be condemned for demanding an equitable share in the wealth of the country, Limpopo's chair of the ANC, Cassel Mathale, said on Saturday.

"Throughout it's nearly 100 years of existence, the movement has always been guided by the objective of liberating...black people from political and economic bondage," Mathale told delegates at the province's 7th elective conference.

"The economy of this country is still dominant in the hands of the white minority."

Suspended league president Julius Malema, said to be a close ally to Mathale who will be battling against Deputy Arts and Culture Minister Joe Phaahla to retain his position, has been spearheading the call for nationalisation of the mines and land grabs.

This received a lot of criticism from the opposition parties and civil society movements representing farmers.

The government has consistently indicated that nationalisation was not government policy and that the matter was being investigated.

Mathale said after intense discussions in the last provincial general council they agreed with the youth league's stance on the issue.

National heritage


"We have always believed that the mineral wealth beneath our soil is the national heritage of our people. [They] must enjoy direct benefit of all mining proceeds." Mathale said the young lions were taking initiative as part of their work by reminding the movement of its historic obligations and resolutions.

"The youth league must not be condemned or called names for speaking the language of the ANC," he said.

Malema arrived at the University of Limpopo's Turfloop campus where the conference was held, accompanied a group of provincial league members who were singing and chanting slogans critical of President Jacob Zuma, who is also president of the ANC, on Saturday morning.

They also made it known through their chanting that they supported Mathale and party deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe who was sent by the ANC to address delegates instead of Zuma.

This was reportedly out of fear that Zuma would be embarrassed through booing by delegates loyal to Mathale, who were unhappy with his decision to place some of the province's department under administration.


- SAPA

Read more on: anc | julius malema | cassel mathale | jacob zuma | kgalema motlanthe | polokwane | politics

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Business as usual for Limpopo ANC leaders
December 15 2011 at 11:42am
By Moloko Moloto and Sapa
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INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale. Photo: Boxer Ngwenya

Embattled Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, a wealthy businessman, has come under renewed pressure to resign or relinquish his private business interests.

Cosatu and the SA Communist Party this week reiterated their call for Mathale to step down. But Mathale’s detractors want to replace him with another businessman – Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Joe Phaahla.

The two leaders will stand against each other for the ANC provincial chairmanship in the elective conference that kicks off on Friday at the University of Limpopo in Mankweng.

If elected, Phaahla, who enjoys the backing of President Jacob Zuma, stands a good chance of replacing Mathale as premier.

His prospects have been heightened by the cabinet’s decision to place five provincial government departments under national administration due to financial and governance concerns. The decision has cast doubt on Mathale’s leadership.

The two rivals have defended their constitutional right to be in business and hold public office at the same time.

On Wednesday, Phaahla echoed a sentiment Mathale has expressed publicly.

“I don’t agree that anybody in public office can’t manufacture furniture and sell to the public,” said Phaahla.

“What most of us think is a problem is for me to be deputy minister of arts and culture and then do business with the same department or any other national department.”

Phaahla revealed that he held a directorship at Xclurox (Pty) Ltd. But the company had not conducted business.

Phaahla also holds shares in Batho Bonke Capital, an empowerment consortium that has ties with the Mvela Group.

He said he had resigned his directorship of seven other companies, including Siyaya Mining, which is being liquidated. He is also a trustee of the Ingwe Family Trust.


His rival Mathale is listed in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission records as an active director of 13 companies. He has resigned as director of eight separate companies.

Mathale initially refused to comment, but later, his spokeswoman, Mashadi Mathosa, phoned The Star to say the premier does not do business with the government.

Joe Mathebula, another aspirant for the premiership position, has various business interests.

Mathebula will stand against Mathale, his business partner, when he seeks to be Phaahla’s deputy chairman.

Mathebula is listed as an active director of 22 companies.

Mathale and Mathebula are also co-directors of Manaka Property Investments, even though Mathebula wants to topple Mathale.

Mathebula defended his business relationship with his political rival Mathale.

“I and Mathale have known each other for many years; we come from the same generation,” said Mathebula.

Analyst Steven Friedman said

: “Very often people look for things that aren’t there. This is not a power struggle.”


He said delegates attending the meeting were well versed in politics and knew what they were doing.

“I think Zuma would be happy if Mathale is elected. Why assume that people will vote against him (Mathale) ?” Friedman asked. - The Star