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Julius Malema

JOHANNESBURG — Moments after pleading poverty in front of several thousands of his supporters, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema hit the skies in a helicopter, heading to his next rally.
Malema told EFF supporters at the University of Venda sports grounds in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Sunday that his party was broke.
“We’re an organisation with a zero balance in the bank but our rally looks like that of people with money. We live on donations, but our rallies are well attended.
“We don’t have money; we have nothing but imagine if we had resources and could afford to give all of you T-shirts and berets. This whole campus would be painted red,” he said.

“We’re an organisation of orphans; an organisation of poor but loving people.”
While he was addressing the rally, a helicopter hovered over the venue, preparing to land. Malema continued to speak despite the noise. He later apologised for the disturbance.

“I want to apologise for this chopper, which was disrupting out meeting. I think someone called these people to come here and that is disrespectful.
“Don’t call choppers to places where there is a meeting; you must learn to respect our meetings. So for that I am very sorry,” he said.

Malema said this, only to be seen boarding the aircraft minutes later, leaving dust on the ground as thousands watched it take off.
After his speech, Malema was taken to the sports stadium next to the open field where he was addressing the rally. Many flocked there and climbed walls to get a glimpse of Malema’s helicopter behind the stadium walls.

Perhaps trying to explain the helicopter even before it arrived, Malema had earlier apologised to his supporters explaining that he had been to church, still had to be in Sekhukhune, and in Joburg for an 18:00 meeting, saying the programme was being rushed because “we have to be everywhere like the Holy Spirit”. —City Press.