Funeral turns into pro-Zuma rally

A funeral in Stanger, on December 30 turned into a pro-Zuma rally.

The Shakaville funeral was of prominent ANC youth league leader Vusi Mhlongo, who died on Christmas Eve after a short illness.

When Youth League deputy president Ronald Lamola and treasurer general Pule Mabe gave speeches, the crowd interrupted them by singing pro-Zuma songs. Lamola and Mabe were both suspended recently, along with Malema and three others, following disciplinary proceedings.

As soon as Malema’s name was mentioned the crowd roared and despite a plea from Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, continued to chant, “uyesaba uyixoki (you are scared, you are troublesome)” and “uZuma uzophatha (Zuma will lead)”.

Later, during a speech by Mabe, ANC supporters began whispering loudly, “he must go out,” in the same tone that Malema used on BBC reporter Jonah Fisher during a press conference in April 2010.

Mhlongo leaves behind a fiancé and five daughters.