OUSTED African National Congress (ANC) youth leader Julius Malema sneaked into the country yesterday, reportedly to attend the wedding of Tendai Wenyika, deputy secretary-general of the Pan African Youth Union, who is also a Zanu PF youth leader.Reported by Wonai Masvingise, Senior Reporter
Malema, who touched down at Harare International Airport late in the afternoon, evaded journalists who had waited many hours for his arrival. He managed to sneak out of the airport in what appeared a well-orchestrated strategy involving airport staff.
Scores of waiting journalists were misled by the officials who advised them to wait at the domestic terminal, only to watch from a distance as the politician was whisked away from the old cargo terminal.
The expelled ANC youth leader has been vocal and critical of South African President Jacob Zuma’s role as the Sadc facilitator to the Zimbabwean crisis due to his alleged hard stance against Zanu PF leader President Robert Mugabe.
Wenyika yesterday confirmed that Malema had arrived in the country at her personal invitation for today’s wedding ceremony at Chisipite Gardens.
“Julius is here. He is in Zimbabwe on private business. He is my friend and he has come to attend my wedding and there is nothing political about it. I will be hosting a dinner in his honour later on tonight (last night),” Wenyika said.
Malema’s relationship with Zanu PF has been a talking point in both Zimbabwe and South Africa due to his open support of the former sole ruling party.
It is alleged that Malema plans to derail Zuma’s re-election as well as his mediation efforts in the Zimbabwean crisis.
