As Julius Malema’s rendezvous with South Africa’s judicial system commences, many of us are wondering whether, if not hoping, this could finally be the beginning of the end for the controversial former African National Congress (ANC) youth league president.
Known for his robust and thugerish personality, where he would utter words that are more likely to come out of a mouth of a homeless hobo rather than an educated political elite, Malema has remained defiant and unshaken as he continue to launch scathing attacks against the current ANC leadership, most especially its president ,Jacob Zuma. It’s really baffling as to why Malema continues to challenge those who exert so much influence on some of the country's public institutions and could easily bury his political career. One would have expected him to tone down on his public outbursts, especially after his suspension from the youth league organisation. However, on the contrary, Malema has become more vocal in his offensive, he has gone as far as undermining the state authority by taking advantage of the current illegal strikes across the mining industry and pressed the disgruntled miners to continue with their course, he even dare to meddled with one of the state’s most sensitive department when he held an unofficial meeting with members of the South African defence force . Whatever game Malema is playing it is hard to tell, could it be that , as some experts have hinted, the are some senior members within the ANC who are motivating him and that the 2007 pre ANC Polokwane conference fiasco is being replayed? If one can recall, during that period Malema behaved like a loose dog, he would publicly launch attacks against then ANC president, Thabo Mbeki, and his allies within the party. Some members where so dismay by his behaviour arguing that the party had a tradition of settling internal dispute out of public domain , however despite this outcry Malema was kept loose as his ranting played in favour of those wanting change at that time.
But what are the chances of a new leadership being installed in Mangaung? Unlike in Polokwane where the outcome was more predictable and it was clear that Malema’s guardians where going to govern thereby secure his position within the organisation, this time the contestation seem to be much more difficult for those seeking change ,the current leadership still enjoys massive support from various provinces. So, if Malema is pinning his hope on an envisage new ANC leadership ,then he is taking a huge gamble and hopefully, for his sake, he is aware of it.
At least for now, as Malema faces the law, the battlefield between him and his opponents could not be more neutral, this is , thankfully, due to the fact that some of our public institutions ,such as The Public Protector, The Hawks and The South African Revenue Service, which happens to be stronger, transparent and has so far resisted any form of political interference from the country’s executive body. The charges brought against Malema ,plus other investigation being conducted against his shady dealings, has no doubt brought some form of comfort among many within society who would shiver and worry about the future of the country every time they hear Malema speak . As for Malema if he is innocent and a victim of political intolerance , as he claims, then it’s also a perfect opportunity for him to vindicate himself. It is time for justice to finally take it course.
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