Frank Maponya

ANC president Jacob Zuma said yesterday he believed the late Peter Mokaba, former president of the ANC Youth League, would have condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

He was speaking during the Peter Mokaba commemorative rally at the Mahwelereng Stadium in Limpopo. Mokaba died in 2002 of an Aids-related illness.

Zuma described Mokaba as a true cadre of the youth who would not do anything to betray the organisation.

"In Peter Mokaba we had a leader who was doing everything in his power to unify the people, regardless of where they came from," said Zuma.

Prior to Zuma taking the podium, ANCYL president Julius Malema used his platform to criticise Limpopo premier and current chairman of the ANC Sello Moloto for insulting members of the ANCYL during meetings.

Malema was referring to an incident last October where Moloto allegedly insulted him during a meeting at the University of Limpopo. This was contrary to a statement made by the ANC in the province earlier that the two had reconciled

Zuma also called on South Africans to regard foreigners as their own brothers and sisters.

"Comrade Peter Mokaba was a disciplined leader of the ANC Youth League. He was always keen to learn and accumulate political knowledge from his seniors.

"What is happening today with the foreigners is shameful and I know for sure that Peter would not have loved it," he said to loud cheers.