* Zuma’s political path brightens with Malema decision
* ANC youth leader was suspended in November for five years
* Mines nationalisation off the agenda for now
* Social inequalities Malema raised still dog the ANC
(Adds quotes, details)
By Jon Herskovitz
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 4 (Reuters) – South Africa’s ruling
ANC on Saturday upheld a decision to ban youth leader Julius
Malema for five years for bringing the movement into disrepute,
sending into the political wilderness a noisy rebel who had
called for the nationalisation of mines.
The decision by an African National Congress appeals panel
is likely to alter the South African political landscape by
sidelining one of the most vocal foes of President Jacob Zuma.
But it will not put to rest the questions Malema raised
about why the poor majority in Africa’s largest economy have
still not felt the “better life for all” promised by the ANC
since it took power in 1994 after the end of apartheid.
The appeals committee upheld convictions against Malema and
other ANC Youth League members handed down in November for
bringing the party into disrepute and for causing rifts in
Africa’s oldest liberation movement.
Continued…
