Newspeak

Here's a press release from the ANC and ANCYL on 'Malemagate'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON SAPA WIRES
JOINT ANC AND ANCYL STATEMENT ON THE STAR MEDIA REPORT REGARDING THE
ANC YOUTH LEAGUE PRESIDENT JULIUS MALEMA

STAR REPORTS AGAINST MALEMA UNTRUE AND OPPORTUNISTIC

The ANC and the ANCYL condemns with contempt reports by the Star
Newspaper, dated 19 February 2010, under the heading “Malema
Millions” suggesting that the ANC YL President, Julius Malema (i)
“owns two multimillion rand homes- both of which he bought for cash”
(ii) “owns a black Mercedez Benz… and reportedly drives an Aston
Martin, and a red Range Rover sport and he went to a lecture at Wits
University in a brand new white Range Rover with no number plate”
(iii) that he earns twenty thousand rands a month.

These reports are not only far-fetched, but they are also untrue as
much as they are deceitful. In our view they are meant to tarnish the
good name and image of the ANC Youth League President.

The first untrue fabrication in the report is that Cde Julius has
bought houses for cash. Cde Julius Malema has not at any stage bought
any house for cash. Like every body else, he has purchased whatever
houses or property registered in his name through banks.

The second untrue fabrication is an impression created through the
report that Cde Julius owns four expensive cars. We like to state on
record that Cde Julius has one car in his name.

The third untruth is the reported twenty thousand rands monthly salary
that Cde Julius earns from the ANC. This is again very far from the
truth.

The ANC together with the ANC YL would like the Star Newspaper to
retract its untrue and fallacious claims as contained in this article
and apologize publicly to cde Malema. If the newspaper fails to do
so, we will be left with no option but to approach the press
ombudsman. We will support any action on the side of the President of
the YL, Cde Julius Malema against the newspaper in defense of his
name, image and integrity.

It is very unfortunate that a newspaper as reputable as the Star would
stoop so low by reporting so inaccurately about the personal affairs
of any person including Cde Julius Malema. As this is the so called
first installment in the audit of the life style of the South African
politicians by this newspaper, we are left wondering if the first
installment and if the first series is so off the mark, what can we
expect to follow. We will also want to be provided reasons, through
the apology that we are demanding, as to the actual intentions of the
Star Newspaper and its reporter of putting to the public so inaccurate
information bordering on defaming the Youth League President.

Issued by:

Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson

And

Nyiko Floyd Shivambu
ANC YL Spokesperson