Spare the rod, spoil the child
by
2008-11-20 13:06
Hlabangwane wa Hlabangwane, News24 User
The relationship between the ANC and its youth wing has come under some intense scrutiny mainly on how the ANCYL should relate to its mother body and vice versa.
The pronouncements by the ANCYL recently has demonstrated that either the youth wing is operating on a different podium as that of the mother body or they simply think they are an independent structure which only relates to its mother body in a clandestine and ill-defined manner.
For instance, the pronouncements by its President, Julius Malema when he demanded that the ANC's NEC members must "recall" Thabo Mbeki from the Presidency after Judge Nicholson's ruling or they (the NEC's members) will be recalled. It is common knowledge that as Julius Malema demanded and stressed on national television, Thabo Mbeki was eventually recalled.
Then there was the open displeasure on the conduct of the ANCYL President by ANC stalwarts like Dr Zola Skweyiya when he openly said Malema was an "embarrassment" to the party.
This is an open rebuke came from an elder who is immersed in the culture and organisational discipline of the ANC - having been a member for more than half a century-52 years. But it seemed that Skweyiya was one of the handful who was strong enough to "rebuke" Malema after the ANCYL viciously and publicly rebuked an elder, Kgalema Motlanthe for daring to criticise Malema by saying he was acting like a "paragon of political correctness".
Ludicrous
It now comes as surprise and absurd that the ANC issued a statement saying Julius Malema is a victim of a sustained campaign by the media to belittle him. How ludicrous! Though the media can be at times be blamed for being sensationalist but in Malema's case, it is clear to everyone that his "foot in mouth" syndrome is his number one enemy.
Take for instance, Malema's outbursts when he openly "vilified" Northern Cape Premier, Dipuo Peters alleging that she was bought by "business". Such statements show lack of tact, thoughtful and poor judgment on the side of Malema.
If there is anyone to blame for the "character" and the political immaturity of Julius Malema which is scented with empty rhetoric, it is the ANC leadership which has failed to develop him as a leader. It is not only repugnant but disappointing to hear the President of the ANC, Jacob Zuma "condone" the behavior of Julius Malema by comparing his perceived "militancy" to previous Youth League leaders like Nelson Mandela.
This comparison is misguided because it likens "rudderless", "clueless", "naked imbecility" and "utterly reckless" statements to the well crafted militancy advocated by Nelson Mandela during his early days. It shows how the leadership of the ANC can sink to low depths and insult the legacy of Nelson Mandela to protect the abhorrent and crass political statements and leadership of Julius Malema.
This is the cheapest politicking of the lowest order hence the people are questioning the quality of the leadership at the helm of the ANC today.
The apportioning of blame to the media for Malema's covering by the leadership of the ANC seems to me to be the height of hypocrisy. The ANC should look at themselves and openly admit that Malema is a creation of their own making and must take full responsibility for his crass political behaviour and it seems they are now failing to control him.
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