Malema makes another apology to Mbeki

"We are here today to once again apologise to former president Mbeki for being part of those who removed him on the basis of lies and rumours spread by the sitting president," he said.  

Malema made the apology in Parliament during a debate of President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address.

He's also spilled the beans on how Mbeki's exit was plotted.

Malema says they were misled by President Zuma.

"I led the charge on the removal of former president Mbeki after the meeting I had with President Zuma where he made it very clear to me that he is not prepared to work with Mbeki. This is despite the fact that the former president of the youth league, Mbalula called me from the mountain and encouraged me not to participate in that activity of removing Mbeki because it will cause a problem. That's why I know that Mbalula has got capacity to see wrong things, he just needs to come around," he said.   

Malema also apologised to both former president Nelson Mandela and Mbeki for having a hand in bringing Zuma into power.  

"We will never agree to economic pursued by both President Mbeki and President Mandela at least they knew what they stood for unlike him who stands for nothing," he said.

As he began his speech, Malema labelled Zuma an illegitimate president, saying he is morally and politically compromised. 

The EFF leader made it clear to the House that they were not there to debate Zuma's address.

"We do not recognise him due to his incapacity, lack of direction, association with criminal elements, [lack of] accountability and pure disregard [for] the people of South Africa," he charged. 

Malema wrapped up his speech by announcing they wouldn't be sticking around.

"Mr Zupta, your legacy can be summed up into three things: Umshini Wam, Nkanda, Guptas. And I'm leaving. I can't sit here and debate what you presented here because you are not a legitimate president. Bye, Bye!," Malema concluded. 

EFF MPs then followed their leader out of the House, but not before Speaker Baleka Mbete told Malema what he had just said and done is wrong and won't be going onto the parliamentary record.

"You should have done it in the form of a substantive motion. You did it knowingly and it was wrong. It shall be expunged from Hansard," Mbete said.

Earlier, Trade and Industry Minster Rob Davies got the debate off the ground.

He's told Parliament even though South Africa's economy is struggling there have been achievements in some sectors such as energy.

"I suspect that a number of speakers who follow me will attempt to portray our economic challenges as emanating solely or mainly from actual or alleged errors by this government. The fact is however, that all mineral commodity exporting countries, developed or developing, have been and continue to be affected," he said.  

He was followed by DA leader Mmusi Maimane who accused Zuma of governing for the elite few and leaving many unemployed. 

"Every honourable member on this side knows the damage that this man is doing to this country and their party. But not one of you have the guts to speak up against what is happening. You should be ashamed. Aninavalo!" he said. 

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Thabang Makwetla kicked off proceedings by rising on a point of order to complain about the behaviour of some MPs during the opening of Parliament last week.

He particularly took issue with members of the EFF who refused to sing 'Die Stem' portion of the national anthem.

"When we take office, we are sworn in to uphold the Constitution and upholding the Constitution also involves upholding all the symbols of the Republic," he said. 

In his speech later, Malema responded to Makwetla saying they will never sing the anthem of the oppressor.

(Photo: Gallo Images)