Khan Launches In Style
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday September 16, 2019 11:32
No doubting Thomas would dare deter him from throwing a star-studded launch rally over the weekend.
Khan has for a long time wanted his friend and South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema allowed into the country, but to no avail.
He made his intention to bring in the EFF Commander In Chief (CIC) first known before the 2014 general elections, where Malema and his clique of the party’s top brass were placed on visa restrictions that effectively obstructed their visit into the country.
Malema was then barred from coming into the country on September 12, 2014, a day before he was scheduled to publicly endorse Khan in Borakalalo despite having a diplomatic passport as a South African Member of Parliament (MP), and was told to apply again or appeal the snub after eight months.
Even though Malema is yet to visit the country, Khan was delighted to instead have had EFF MP and popular actor, Fana Mokoena, launch him. As if that was not enough, Khan had South African and local household names in the mould of Sechaba, Alaska, Patricia Majalisa, Silindile, Dr Vom and Charmer Gal.
Speaking to The Monitor after the launch, Khan admitted that his launch was expensive, but could not reveal figures. “It was funded by my friends. We will have an evaluation meeting soon to reconcile total expenditure,” he said.
Quizzed as to why he had to go all out when his path looked clear, Khan said he wanted to do it in style and further promised to do an even bigger launch festival before the elections. In 2015, Khan celebrated his victory with yet another star-studded line up of artists.
In his brief address, Mokoena told Borakalalo residents and other people who came in large numbers that the keys to better living are held by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
“When Khan invited us to speak in Borakalalo we could not say no because UDC represents change. We will support any organisation that supports the youth and the elderly (and) that wants to put the economy of the country in the hands of citizens. That organisation is the UDC.”
Mokoena said it was time people are given jobs and land. He said it is time for the UDC to take over and take economic freedom into the hands of citizens. He said it was impossible to move forward without economic power.
Other speakers hailed Khan for his efforts to help his constituents. Amongst deeds he was praised for included starting the Borakalalo funeral scheme, sourcing donations for students, schools and general members of the public before and during his tenure in council.