South African politician Julius Malema likened to Hitler and Mussolini

Mamphela Ramphele, founder of opposing Agang SA party, criticises leader of Economic Freedom Fighters

David Smith, Johannesburg

theguardian.com, 

Julius Malema, South African politician and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters is awaiting trial on charges of corruption. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/REUTERS

A leading anti-apartheid activist in South Africa has compared maverick politician Julius Malema's electoral campaign to that of Adolf Hitler in pre-war Germany.

Mamphela Ramphele, a former Black Consciousness Movement leader who founded the Agang SA party earlier this year, will be battling Malema's even newer Economic Freedom Fighters for votes in the 2014 general election.

A charismatic speech maker who can sway a crowd, Malema has pledgedto defeat the governing African National Congress (ANC) and expropriate land and nationalise mines without compensation. His dangerous promises to desperate people were reminiscent of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Italian fascist Benito Mussolini ahead of the second world war, Ramphele told an audience of high school students in Polokwane, South Africa.

"You must not forget how Hitler and Mussolini emerged as leaders because desperate people were looking for an alternative," today's Beeld newspaper quoted Ramphele as saying."Malema is no alternative. He is facing corruption charges and does not pay his taxes."

Malema, former president of the ANC's youth wing until his expulsion, has been taken to court accused of making nearly 4m rand (£260,500) from corrupt activities. He is out on bail for 10,000 rand and faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering and racketeering. He denies the charges and is awaiting a trial date.

The South African Revenue Service claimed last week that Malema has admitted owing 16m rand (£1m) in tax. One of his homes, a farm and some household goods were auctioned off this year to recoup the debt.

Asked about Ramphele's unflattering comparison, Malema told Beeld he respected her as a mother and would not engage in name calling with her. "I want to pass a message to her that, Ma Ramphele, I still love you and respect you very much."