TZANEEN, South Africa, March 25 (Reuters) – South Africa’s ANC youth rebel Julius Malema upped the stakes in his political wrangling with the ruling party on Sunday, saying he would challenge in court its decision to expel him.

The African National Congress expelled Malema from the party in February for violating party rules, causing rifts in the group and bringing the movement into disrepute.

“I said I would not go to court, but now I have decided to do so,” Malema, the leader of ANC’s youth wing told thousands of supporters at a rally at Nkowankowa stadium in his home province of Limpopo, according to the South African Press Association.

“I need no mandate and act as an individual whose rights have been violated.”

Malema was joined on stage by his friend an ally, provincial premier Cassel Mathale, and South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The gathering of the three men could be seen as a direct challenge to President Jacob Zuma who faces a re-election race for the head of the ANC at the end of this year.

Several members of the crowd wore t-shirts bearing Motlanthe’s face and the slogan “Kgalema for President” although Motlanthe has asked his supporters not to idolise him.

ANTANANARIVO, Nov 20 (Reuters) – Madagascar’s army stormed a barracks housing dissident officers on Saturday and ended a four-day mutiny by the group who wanted to overthrow President Andry Rajoelina.

The group of rebel officers proclaimed their plans from the barracks on Wednesday as the country was voting in a referendum on a new constitution and they called on other soldiers to join their cause.

But the rebel officers remained isolated and army chiefs held talks with them on Friday to try and resolve the standoff without resorting to force — despite earlier government vows to crush any rebellion.

Political analysts said the longer the stand-off endured, the more damaging it would be to Rajoelina and his administration as it was starting to look as though the army was reluctant to carry out orders.

Witnesses said there were sustained bursts of gunfire and sporadic shots for more than 20 minutes following the assault on Saturday by about 100 men. Soon after the shooting stopped, a convoy of more than a dozen vehicles left the barracks, located on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo.

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“(The rebel officers) were ready to give themselves up but lower-ranking soldiers opened fire,” Colonel Julien Ravelomihary, who was at the camp, told Reuters.

NKANDLA, South Africa (Reuters) – South African President Jacob Zuma married for the fifth time on Monday, giving the Zulu traditionalist his third current wife, witnesses and family members said.

Multiple marriages are allowed in South Africa and form part of Zulu culture but the practice has drawn criticism from HIV/AIDS activists in a country with one of the highest infection rates in the world.

The ceremony took place at Zuma’s traditional home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal province, where the 68-year-old president, in Zulu tribal dress, married Tobeka Madiba, 37, according to clan custom.

“This is a traditional affair and there is a lot of dancing and celebrating. Later we will slaughter some animals and have a feast with the guests,” Mike Zuma, the president’s brother, told Reuters.

“It is a very happy day for the president and the Zuma family.”

Madiba and Zuma have three children together and were married according to South African law ahead of Monday’s traditional ceremony.

A statement issued by the presidency on Sunday said the wedding was a private affair. The media were barred from the village.