How widely-held are Julius Malema’s racially-charged views?
Julius Malema, the president of the ANC’s youth league, is skating on thin ice within his party. The popular but controversial leader is undergoing a disciplinary hearing, which set off violent protests by his supporters on its first day Tuesday. If found guilty of bringing the ruling party into disrepute and sowing division, he could be suspended from the ANC. This could put a damper on his calls to nationalise mines and redistribute white-owned farmland, issues that have polarized South Africans. We asked two of our Observers whether they agree with Malema’s rhetoric, and if they think he has a political future.
Pro-Malema protesters in front of the ANC headquarters in Johannesburg on August 30. Video courtesy of ewynupdates
Protesters clashed with police, attacked journalists and burned ANC flags as they chanted slogans against President Jacob Zuma Tuesday. Malema, who is a divisive figure within his own party, is seen by many as a future challenger to the president. The charismatic Malema has won a devoted following by calling for “economic freedom in our time.” However he has also scared many in South Africa by repeatedly singing an old song containing the line “shoot the Boer” [meaning white Afrikaaner farmers] at his rallies.
He’s divisive among black South Africans as well. Our Observer Sbu Zikode, who is president of a movement representing shack dwellers, says Malema doesn’t represent his community.
I’m glad that the ANC has finally taken a stance by telling Malema that he is subject to the same laws as everyone else, that he too has to adhere to his party’s policies. If the ANC doesn’t take a firm stance, our country will head towards catastrophe, because as these violent protests show, Malema is an advocate for violence. And it’s clear to most ordinary people that he doesn’t represent the poor of South Africa. We never see him come out to the settlements or to the countryside to confront the problems of violence and poverty. Yes, he has some good ideas. Nationalizing mines would be a great idea, if – and only if – Malema was a person of dignity. But we don’t trust him.”
Another one of our South African Observers, Sipho January, is less pessimistic about Malema’s future.
Looking at South Africa’s history, there have been quite a few youth leaders who faced early challenges but were eventually groomed to become better leaders (link). So it’s really a question of what kind of grooming the ANC provides as youth leaders grow up. The ANC should have drawn the line earlier in this case; it would have avoided much unpleasantness. It’s now become personal – you can see it on the protesters’ signs. [Some protesters holding anti-Zuma signs chanted ‘Zuma must go’].”
Malema has called on his supporters to keep protests peaceful, condemning Tuesday’s violence. Meanwhile the ANC party’s spokesman said it won’t be “intimidated” into ending the hearings early. For now, the ANC has decided to keep holding the hearings at its headquarters in Johannesburg. If the protests continue, however, ANC leaders say they may move the hearing to a secret location outside the city.
According to South African analysts, if Malema were to be found innocent, this could significantly strengthen his position within the party. His suspension, however, could prove difficult for the ANC, as he could take his supporters with him.