The Economic Freedom Fighters should stop telling President Jacob Zuma to “pay back the money” while they themselves were stealing party funds meant for the poor, said suspended Eastern Cape provincial leader Themba Wele.
Wele came out guns blazing at a gathering of more than 2000 EFF members in Orange Grove on Saturday. The meeting was to discuss housing issues. Many of those present have lived in shacks in this informal settlement for more than 20 years.
Wele said money from the Eastern Cape Legislature, which was meant to be used for constituency, caucus and party work, had been stolen.
“There’s confusion out there that I am suspended by the party. Those are lies. My only sin was to ask for missing money – meant for the poor – to be paid back. I cannot agree with thieves who are stealing from the poor. Before attacking Zuma, first pay the money – that is what I am saying.”
Wele didn’t reveal the names of those he believes had stolen from the party but said he was going to use law enforcement services to charge them.
“ I don’t care if you are an EFF member or not; if you steal people’s money I will take you to jail,” said Wele.
But EFF provincial party co-ordinator Simcelile Rubela said Wele has been asked to present evidence that money had been stolen from party coffers.
“He has failed to do that and instead of assisting, he’s running around holding meetings knowing that this is against the party’s disciplinary codes,” said Rubela.
Wele has been fighting for many years for the Orange Grove and Leaches Bay people to get houses.
He and other community leaders have managed to secure 466 hectares and the promise that more than 3500 RDP houses will be built on it.
He told residents: “We can safely say that three contractors have been appointed and they will start working here soon. Maybe by December you will have keys to your homes. We won’t give up fighting for you despite challenges like this money issue; we are going to stand by you.
“Each township in this province has more taverns and liquor stores than churches. This township of ours will be different.”
The meeting was attended by Andile Gqitani-Matshaya, who works at Wele’s parliamentary office.
He said: “The EFF leadership is undermining this province. We are here in this community to show them that we are true to our word that we will stop corruption.”
Rubela said they were expecting Wele to face a disciplinary committee soon. “We are not sure about the date but the national office will communicate that.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Suspended Wele on the warpath
Wele came out guns blazing at a gathering of more than 2000 EFF members in Orange Grove on Saturday. The meeting was to discuss housing issues. Many of those present have lived in shacks in this informal settlement for more than 20 years.
Wele said money from the Eastern Cape Legislature, which was meant to be used for constituency, caucus and party work, had been stolen.
“There’s confusion out there that I am suspended by the party. Those are lies. My only sin was to ask for missing money – meant for the poor – to be paid back. I cannot agree with thieves who are stealing from the poor. Before attacking Zuma, first pay the money – that is what I am saying.”
Wele didn’t reveal the names of those he believes had stolen from the party but said he was going to use law enforcement services to charge them.
“ I don’t care if you are an EFF member or not; if you steal people’s money I will take you to jail,” said Wele.
But EFF provincial party co-ordinator Simcelile Rubela said Wele has been asked to present evidence that money had been stolen from party coffers.
“He has failed to do that and instead of assisting, he’s running around holding meetings knowing that this is against the party’s disciplinary codes,” said Rubela.
Wele has been fighting for many years for the Orange Grove and Leaches Bay people to get houses.
He and other community leaders have managed to secure 466 hectares and the promise that more than 3500 RDP houses will be built on it.
He told residents: “We can safely say that three contractors have been appointed and they will start working here soon. Maybe by December you will have keys to your homes. We won’t give up fighting for you despite challenges like this money issue; we are going to stand by you.
“Each township in this province has more taverns and liquor stores than churches. This township of ours will be different.”
The meeting was attended by Andile Gqitani-Matshaya, who works at Wele’s parliamentary office.
He said: “The EFF leadership is undermining this province. We are here in this community to show them that we are true to our word that we will stop corruption.”
Rubela said they were expecting Wele to face a disciplinary committee soon. “We are not sure about the date but the national office will communicate that.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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