Photo: Flickr
‘We are not scared’: Malema to be grilled by journos on VBS
The EFF leader and his fellow party leaders have long been accused of sticking their hands in the cookie jar by helping loot millions from the now collapsed VBS Mutual Bank
Photo: Flickr
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema will be laying all his cards on the table regarding the VBS Mutual Bank saga and has publicly invited a panel of journalists to interrogate him on Thursday, 25 June 2020, 12h00 at the party’s headquarters in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
In a series of tweets, the fiery leader said the decision came after SABC journalist Samkele Maseko asked during a briefing held by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) , if the party was being investigated for its role in the looting scandal.
Malema said he then challenged Maseko to gather five journalists from different media, who would then interrogate him publicly.
“These journalists can ask whatever question they wish, from VBS, bank statements, On Point, and so called collapse of Limpopo”, he tweeted.
“Let the court of public opinion begin. We are not scared!”
Malema has also challenged Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and National Treasury’s Ismail Momoniat, who’ve been in the party’s bad books, to also join the panel.
“Lastly the invitation is also extended (to) Pravin Gordhan & Momoniat who thrive on destroying people’s reputation without getting any court convictions. If they mean anything they’ve said about us in corners to journalists, it’s time they joined the panel (and) say it directly to us”
According to Malema, the journalists will include Mahlatse Mahlase (Eyewitness News), Tshidi Madia (News24), Aldrin Sampear (Power FM) and Eusebius McKaiser, a former radio presenter from 702.
Daily Maverick journalist also invited
Whether it’s an extended olive branch or not – Malema has also invited Pauli van Wyk, a Daily Maverick journalist who wrote extensively on looting at the bank by a number of high-profile individuals, including EFF members.
A forensic report commissioned by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) found that Brian Shivambu, the brother of the party’s Floyd Shivambu, was one of 53 people who stole funds from the bank, totaling nearly R2 billion.
Malema said van Wyk had been requested to join the panel and would be free to ask any questions.
However it appears the journalist will be snubbing the gathering, citing the party’s banning of several media houses from its press briefings.
“Daily Maverick and amaBhungane are still banned from EFF press conferences”, she tweeted.
“I will consider attending open and equitable press conferences when we are officially and publically unbanned”
