Accomplishment
- Current Leader of Democratic Alliance (DA)
- First Black Man to be elected DA Parliamentary Leader 2014 -2015
- DA Deputy Federal Chair 2012 -2014
- 2011 Johannesburg Mayoral candidate
- Masters degree in Theology from Bangor University UK
- Masters degree in Public and Development Management at the University of the Witwatersrand
- Founded a Business Consulting Firm
- Pastor and Elder at Liberty Church
Biography
Mmusi Maimane was born June 5, 1980, in Dobsonville, Soweto eldest of four siblings. His father, Simon, is of Tswana ethnicity and his mother, Ethel, is Xhosa, which is the same ethnicity as Nelson Mandela. He grew up speaking Xhosa.
One of the most interesting things about Maimane is that his wife is white. He and Natalie met at church and were able to connect because they had similar values. Maimane says that to say they did not notice race would be ingenuine. However, their bond transcends race. They were married in 2005. His daughter was born in 2011 and son in 2013.
In an interview, Maimane says that his wife as a beautiful heart and a passion for South Africa. Natalie Maimane told an Afrikaner report that she and her husband were best friends. Her husband’s speeches inspire her. She also says she loves his corny sense of humor, fashion sense, and the fact he is “hot.”
He has two children both by Natalie. He says race is a unique thing in his house. He says his daughter sees herself and Maimane as the same color and his son and wife as the same color. That is how her mind views race. Maimane says that he tries to expose his children to people from all walks of life. He takes his eldest daughter with him when visiting townships. He also makes strides to ensure his kids learn about their African heritage.
Many of Maimane’s political opponents use his interracial marriage to question his commitment to the race. Maimane says this is one of the biggest problems in his marriage. However, to the people that love them, they are simply a couple in love.
Liberty Church currently lists Maimane as a senior elder. The church is non-denominational and has campuses in Tanzania, South Africa, and United Kingdom. The church has an international advisory board that includes people from the USA and New Zealand. The church has a modern worship style and is integrated. The first principle listed on the “What We Believe” section of the website is leadership. The church believes in conservative Christian principles.
Political career
Mmusi Maimane joined the Democratic Alliance in 2009. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is the official opposition party to the ANC. The DA began with a woman named Helen Suzman. Suzman and eleven other leaders broke away from the United Party to form the Progressive Party in 1959. Suzman and the progressive party fought apartheid in Parliament. Over many decades the party absorbed many other anti-apartheid parties that were in Parliament. The DA received 1.7% of the vote in 1994. In 2011 the DA won 25% of the electorate.
The 2011 Johannesburg mayoral election was Maimane’s first testing ground. The ANC had held the position of Johannesburg mayor since the establishment of Democracy. The main issues during the campaign were the improvement of utility billing, ending a sanitation strike, improving roads. The Democratic Alliance employed the use of a flash mob at a Johannesburg mall during the campaign. Flash mobs were a very new phenomenon in 2011 and showed Maimane understood the importance of social media in a campaign. Maimane lost the campaign, but the percentage of the vote that went to the DA increased by 8%. Maimane did win a seat in the Johannesburg city council. He served on the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee.
Due to formidable showing in the 2011 Johannesburg mayoral race Helen Zille, leader of the DA made Maimane national spokesman. In 2012, he won a DA Deputy Federal Chair in a race against eight other DA members. There are three Deputy Federal Chair positions in the DA party.
In 2014 he ran to become Premier of Gauteng. Premier is a legislative position that serves as the head of a province in Parliament’s upper house. Maimane used social media and leaflets to get his message to the voters. Maimane also used a television advertisement entitled “Ayisafani.” In the advert, Maimane claimed the ANC was no longer the revolutionary party it once was. There was no mention of violence in the advert. The ANC controlled South African Broadcast Channel banned the advert on the grounds it incited violence. The DA filed a formal complaint. After a week of deliberation, the SABC aired the advert.
Even though the DA grew their share of the vote by 7%, the ANC held firm, and Maimane lost. Never discouraged, Maimane joins the National Assembly. The DA parliamentary caucus elected him Leader of the Opposition. The position is analogous to the American House Minority Leader.
In 2015, after eight years at the helm, Helen Zille decided not to seek re-election as Democratic Alliance leader. Maimane ran against three other candidates and won.
Helen Zille Controversy
In 2017 Helen Zille caused the DA much embarrassment with the following tweet.
“For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water,”
Many critics assumed she meant that colonialism and apartheid were necessary to “develop” Africa. If the intention were to defend colonialism, Zille would be supporting a racist legacy that RSA has been attempting to undermine. The DA particularly did not want this tweet to tarnish their reputation as a non-racial party.
Zille the current Premier of Western Cape and former anti-apartheid activist explained this was not her intention. The controversial tweet was one of a series of tweets about her trip to Singapore. Singapore is also a former British colony. From her studies, she concluded Singapore was able to transition from colony to an economic superpower because they were able to adapt British bureaucratic style and economic philosophy to suit their needs. She was attempting to make a case for RSA viewing the totality of its colonial history. If a person could see they ways being influenced by British culture connects them with the rest of the world and the international economy, practical strategies can be created and employed to improve life in RSA.
Maimane publicly denounced her tweets as racist. He requested that she formally apologize to RSA and the DA. Zille refused because she felt she did nothing wrong. Maimane then pushed to expedite her hearing to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
At the same time Maimane denounced Zille’s tweets as racist, he reminded RSA that she had been a force for good in RSA for the majority of her career. She was at the forefront of the building of the DA. Her tweets are not representative of her totality as a leader.
After the hearing in June of 2017, Helen Zille formally apologized to RSA and the DA. She had to relinquish voting rights in the DA only communicate through proper DA channels on issues with her province the Western Cape. She was able to keep her premiership.
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES HERE
Sources
YouTube Playlist SD M Maimane and SD Hellen Zille
- Mmusi Maimane – a personal profile http://www.enca.com
- Mmusi Maimane http://whoswho.co.za
- SOUTH AFRICA: Mmusi Maimane Biography And Profile http://politicoscope.com
- People Are Very Interested In Mmusi Maimane’s White Wife http://www.2oceansvibe.com
- Picture of the day: Mmusi Maimane and his wife celebrate 11 years of marriage http://www.sowetanlive.co.za
- Mmusi Maimane Donates to Fund for Heartbroken Dad Who Lost Child and Wife to Knysna Fire http://www.sapeople.com/2017/06/12/mmusi-maimane-donates-fund-heartbroken-dad-lost-child-wife-knysna-fire/
- Mmusi Maimane and wife talks to us by S. Kamnqa in DRUM
- Analysts Follow South Africa’s Latest Political Star Mmusi Maimane by P. Granitz http://www.npr.org
- 2011 elections: Johannesburg results http://www.politicsweb.co.za
- DA show new face with Black Leaders The Witness 11-26-12
- Stepping Up The Sunday Independent 11-25-2012
- Mmusi Maimane http://www.gutenburg.us
- Republic of South Africa election results lookup http://www.electionresources.org
- Maimane elected new Democratc Alliance Leader http://www.news24.com
- Outrage over Helen Zille Colonialism Tweets http://www.aljeezra.com
- The Potential That is in Africa YouTube
- Session 5 Mmusi Maimane Planetshaker
- Talk to Al Jeezra – Mmusi Maimane “Fighting a System, not a Race
- [Full Speech] The ANC is Dead. Long Live South Africa – Mmusi Maimane
- DA Mmusi Maimane Hitting Back at Jacob Zuma | SONA 2017
- Mmusi Maimane full speech: ANC Enemy of the People
- Mmusi Maimane 2017 SONA debate
- Natalie Maimane – nie net ‘n gewone huisvrou nie
- ‘n Halfuur met Hanlie | Mmusi Maimane en sy Natalie praat oor hul verhouding
- We Talk Ties and Socks with DA Leader, Mmusi Miamane
- Dinner Talk – Mmusi Maimane
- Watchmen on the Wall, exclusive interview with newly-elected DA Leader Mmusi Maimane
- Mmusi Maimane implying gays and muslims are sinners
- Mmusi Maimane on his church, gay rights
- Know Your DA The Story of the Democratic Alliance 1
- Wacth Maimane’s Full Speech calling for the impeachment of Zuma
- Jacob Zuma is a puppet to the Guptas. DA Mmusi Maimane
- Mmusi Maimane, DA mayoral candidate for the city of Johannesburg
- Message from Mmusi
- Mmusi Maimane on SABC Morning Live 20 – April – 2011
- Mmusi’s Flashmob in Maponya Mall
- SABC1 Election Debate (10 April 2011) with Mmusi Maimane- Part 1
- Who is Mmusi Maimane?
- Mmusi Maimane Interview on SAFM
- The DA’s version of BEE will deliver real Black Economic Empowerment
- Mmusi Maimane speaks on race and identity in South Africa
- Mmusi on Race Full Speech
- Maimane’s First speech as DA Leader Parts 1 and 2
- ANC Ayisafani – DA TV ad
- Ayisafani 2 DA TV ad
- DA suspends Zille
- Maimane and Zille hold joint press conference
- Mmusi Maimane on suspending Zille
- Maimane on coalitions, Zille and the ANC
- Full Tweet disclosure from Helen Zille Part 1,2,3
- Hellen Zille in Twitter Storm Discussion
- ANN7 viewers react to Zille’s Tweet
The Potential of Africa
Maimane explains in 2015 TED Talk the potential and accomplishments of the African economy. Six of the ten fastest growing economies are in Africa. One of these economies, Botswana, has the fastest growing GDP. Twelve countries in Africa have a GDP growth of over 6%. Trade between Africa and the rest of the world has doubled while foreign debt has decreased by 25%. The potential for Africa’s growth was evidenced by Barack Obama spending R 1 billion in a trip to Kenya.
That is not to say Africa does not have problems, but Maimane believes they are solvable. In Botswana, a comprehensive HIV program has increased the life expectancy by fifteen years. Kenya is becoming the “silicon valley” or “silicon savannah” of Africa. According to Mail and Guardian, the Kenyan tech sector has grown from L 11 million to L 300 million from 2012 to 2013. M-Pesa, the Kenyan equivalent to PayPal, is growing like mad. The tech boom was sparked by a government initiative to increase fiber optic cable infrastructure in the country.
Maimane lists a few commonalities in African economic success stories. He creates the following list of principles to build the economy.
- Educated for the Economy,particularly in the technology sector
- Hold leaders accountable and cut corruption
- Support trade especially among Africans by creating a Southern African visa
- Build Infrastructure
Government and Private Business
The role of government is to build the best environment for private business to thrive. At the same time, government expenditures should be kept to a minimum to allow low taxes that benefit businesses and private individuals. In addition to reducing government waste, a crackdown on corruption will also reduce government expenditures. Maimane will build a small, effective, capable state through the DA.
The current government tender system provides an avenue to decentralize government. If private businesses are allowed to compete to provide services to the government, then the government will not need a large workforce paid for by the taxpayer. Again, reducing corruption in the tender system (equivalent to the American government contract) will reduce cost and time of implementation.
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is a system of racial, economic redress in RSA. It is similar to American Affirmative Action, but it is far more extensive. BEE is a voluntary program. If a company decides to participate, they can earn a BEE certificate that will give the company preference during solicitation for government contracts called tenders. The certification evaluates ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development.
Maimane feels BEE needs to be reformed, as BEE stands now it only benefits a small, well-connected elite. The system must be changed to help poor black South Africans. The reformed program will be called Bokamoso. It will begin with an Employee Share Ownership Schemes which will give employees representation on the board and grow black equity. The second will be to recognize all human development efforts. Thirdly, companies will be rewarded for creating black entrepreneurs. Lastly, companies will be rewarded for growing their workforce. Maimane did mention expanding BEE to include poor whites in a Watchman on the Wall Interview, but it appears the inclusion of poor whites was never made into DA policy.
Changing Perception
The ANC has often billed the DA as the party of white oligarchy. A vote for the DA is a vote for the apartheid past and that all the accomplishments of ending apartheid will be removed. The ANC bills itself as the only wall between black South Africans and subjugation.
Maimane looks to change this perception not by attacking the ANC, but by properly governing of the municipalities and provinces. Helen Zille of the DA currently governs Capetown. She received the 2008 World Mayor Prize. Cape Town boasts the best Water Management system in the world in 2015. Cape Town also has the most reliable electrical grid and largest Mass Transit system in RSA.
Helen Suzman started the DA and was the sole opposition to apartheid in the 1970’s. Suzman made many trips to Robben Island to have discourse with Nelson Mandela. She fought tirelessly to expose the injustice in South Africa. Mandela welcomed her to the table to aid in ratifying the Constitution. Maimane reminds audiences of this history often.
The youth of South Africa present the largest opportunity for DA growth. The young did not grow up revering the ANC and can more rationally evaluate which party can take RSA into the future. Maimane works to present the youth with DA plans and illustrates how the methods will result in real change in their life.
The Notion of Race
In an interview with IOL Maimane was asked about the concept of race. He says not to see his race is not to see him. He understands how systematic oppression has shaped the society in a way that disadvantages black people. He says that people must join a project of reconciliation.
In Maimane’s understanding, reconciliation can not happen with a significant income/wealth disparity. For the races to reconcile the economic playing field must be leveled. If society excludes a black student from achieving his dream because schools in his town are underfunded, he will grow to resent society. Maimane supports programs such as BEE, that give black South Africans a leg up.
The Steve Biko quote of “The greatest weapon of the oppressor is the mindset of the oppressed” is used by Maimane when describing many of the problems with race in South Africa. He wants South Africans to know marrying a white woman does not mean you lose or deny your ancestry. His children are not aware of race and are also not concerned with it. South Africa can learn from his kids. Once we heal ourselves, people will primarily identify with being South African. Ethnicity, sexual orientation, and tribal affiliation will be second.
Zuma and the ANC
Maimane called for the impeachment of Jacob Zuma for corruption in 2016. A reporter from Al Jazeera asked if it was an astute political move. In the interviewer’s estimation, if Maimane calls for impeachment and Zuma is not convicted or tried, then Maimane looks weak. Maimane replied that the call for impeachment was a test to see if the ANC cared more about Zuma or the health of South Africa. ANC decided to defend Zuma, showing RSA that a leader is more important than the country. The National Protector or various other judicial committees can still try Zuma with or without legislative approval. Maimane did expect the ANC to care more about the constitution than Jacob Zuma.
In the speech in which Maimane calls for Zuma’s impeachment, he accuses Zuma of state capture. The first part of state capture was hand picking various law enforcement organization heads to be favorable to him and allowing wealthy friends to influence his decisions. Zuma’s corruption is well known to the international financial community. The corruption then leads to foreign divestment in South Africa, the fall of the Rand, and the downgrade of RSA bonds.
In a speech Maimane gave in 2016, he accused Zuma of being a puppet to the Guptas. He also said that Zuma gave the Guptas permission to use the Air Force Base to land a plane of guest for a wedding. There are no court documents or police reports that can confirm Zuma allowed the plane to land at the Air Force Base. Maimane also accused Zuma of allowing the Guptas to pick the Minister of Mineral Resources, again an accusation not proven in court.
In the eyes of Maimane, the ANC was a great organization during the fight against Apartheid. The ANC produce many leaders that people of all races admire today. However, once the ANC got into power, it partnered with private interest for individual wealth. Maimane quotes Charles Hani. Hani often warned that any liberation movement could become corrupt and forget about the people.
A liberation movement becoming corrupt once in power has happened in Senegal and Kenya. Both countries had opposition political movements that won the election and removed the corrupt party. Once the ANC is out of power, right leaning members will join the DA. The EFF will gain left leaning members. A reduction in corruption will facilitate foreign and domestic investor growth.
The people are starting to realize the ANC is no longer serving them to the fullest. ANC voting has declined 10 % nationally over presidents Zuma’s administration with the removal of Kwa-Zulu-Natal data.
Faith and Politics
Mmusi Maimane is a senior pastor at Liberty Church. The church has an Orthodox Christian theology. In a 2015 sermon, Maimane said: “I want to make friends with sinners. I am a sinner, so I hope people will be my friend. My friends include gays, Muslims, Buddhist, etc.” He also detailed a story of a Christian that went to a gay man’s funeral accidentally due to being given the wrong address. The Christian stands up and reads a bible scripture to console the grieving friends. The gay men thank him for bringing a piece of G-d with him. The point of the sermon was that Christians should leave their “comfort zone” and love everyone. A few in the media misconstrued what he said to mean that he thinks gays and Muslims are sinners.
The controversy did allow for Maimane to clarify his views on LGBT rights. Maimane says as an MP and agent of the government he is to uphold the Constitution. The Constitution expressly stated the rights of LGBT South Africans. However, if a person wants to believe that the practice of homosexuality is against the teachings of the Bible, they have the right to do that. Maimane also says that marriage and civil unions are distinct entities. Maimane never expressed his personal views on homosexuality.
The Christian faith helps Maimane persevere against political opposition. In Parliament, opponents have insulted his wife, read bible scriptures on false prophets, and undermine his authority. Being Christian helps him to forgive and focus on building South Africa’s future. Faith also gave Maimane confidence to venture into politics despite not being connected or wealthy. Maimane believes that G-d has a divine plan for everyone’s life. He feels his political failures and successes are part of this divine plan.
The church provided Maimane and opportunity to hone his speaking and leadership ability at a young age. It also provided Maimane an outlet for community involvement. He hopes that other church leaders find people that could be a part of government from their congregation. Serving in government can be an avenue to serve G-d. Church leaders should encourage parishioners to be involved in government. Many laws impact the church, and the church chooses not to have a voice. The church should also hold government to account, similar to Nathan holding David to account in the bible.
Maimane is chiefly a constitutionalist. He feels the best way to destroy Christianity is to legislate it. Historically, the merger of church and state creates human rights abuses. Keeping church and state separate protects the Gospel and State. This logic leads him to support legislation that would protect the rights of prostitutes rather than fighting to keep prostitution illegal.
Those that view Christianity negatively use the apartheid state as an example of a Christian government. During the years of apartheid, many of the supporters justified the system as part of G-d’s plan. The use of Christianity to justify an immoral system serves as an example of what could happen if church and state merge. Justifying laws with Christianity will prevent the population from changing the laws when needed. When the law does need to change both the law and Christianity will be attacked and weakened.
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES HERE
Sources
All Videos are on YouTube Playlist SD M Maimane
- Mmusi Maimane: divine nonsense to say I’m homophobic, anti Muslim http://www.biznews.com
- Why Kenya, home to Africa’s ‘Silicon Valley’, is set to be the continent’s ultimate tech hub http://mgafrica.com/
- The DA is completely committed to B-BBEE – Mmusi Maimane http://www.politicsweb.co.za
- BOKAMOSO | The DA’s version of BEE will deliver real Black Economic Empowerment https://www.da.org.za/
- The DA wants to change BEE laws here’s how https://businesstech.co.za
- To BEE or not to BEEE? The DA’s dilemma https://mg.co.za/article
- The Potential That is in Africa YouTube
- Session 5 Mmusi Maimane Planetshaker
- Talk to Al Jeezra – Mmusi Maimane “Fighting a System not a Race
- [Full Speech] The ANC is Dead. Long Live South Africa – Mmusi Maimane
- DA Mmusi Maimane Hitting Back at Jacob Zuma | SONA 2017
- Mmusi Maimane full speech: ANC Enemy of the People
- Mmusi Maimane 2017 SONA debate
- Natalie Maimane – nie net ‘n gewone huisvrou nie
- ‘n Halfuur met Hanlie | Mmusi Maimane en sy Natalie praat oor hul verhouding
- We Talk Ties and Socks with DA Leader, Mmusi Miamane
- Dinner Talk – Mmusi Maimane
- Watchmen on the Wall, exclusive interview with newly-elected DA Leader Mmusi Maimane
- Mmusi Maimane implying gays and muslims are sinners
- Mmusi Maimane on his church, gay rights
- Know Your DA The Story of the Democratic Alliance 1
- Wacth Maimane’s Full Speech calling for the impeachment of Zuma
- Jacob Zuma is a puppet to the Guptas. DA Mmusi Maimane
- Mmusi Maimane, DA mayoral candidate for the city of Johannesburg
- Message from Mmusi
- Mmusi Maimane on SABC Morning Live 20 – April – 2011
- Mmusi’s Flashmob in Maponya Mall
- SABC1 Election Debate (10 April 2011) with Mmusi Maimane- Part 1
- Who is Mmusi Maimane?
- Mmusi Maimane Interview on SAFM
- The DA’s version of BEE will deliver real Black Economic Empowerment
- Mmusi Maimane speaks on race and identity in South Africa
- Mmusi on Race Full Speech
- Maimane’s First speech as DA Leader Parts 1 and 2
- ANC Ayisafani – DA TV ad
- Ayisafani 2 DA TV ad
- DA suspends Zille
- Maimane and Zille hold joint press conference
- Mmusi Maimane on suspending Zille
- Maimane on coalitions, Zille and the ANC
What Mmusi Maimane has Right
The fate of South Africa is not dependent of the success of Jacob Zuma. Zuma should be monitored and held accountable for his transgressions. Maimane understands how corruption will stifle domestic growth and foreign investment. Both are critical to the well-being of South Africa. Jacob Zuma has been convicted of misappropriation of funds and violation of the constitution. Once these charges were proven in court and Zuma admitted that he sanctioned the upgrades on “bad legal advice” he should expect opposition.
Maimane keeps his attacks based on the constitution and issues that affect the government. His focus is on the proper governance of South Africa. He stays away from personal attacks against Zuma or other ANC members. Even when Parliamentary members attack him first he remains professional.
The partnership of Maimane and Malema is another aspect of the political astuteness of Maimane. He is clear that he does not agree with Malema on comondering land without compensation or Malema’s inflammatory rhetoric. Yet, he can work with Malema to remove a party seen by both as corrupt. Neither person has to compromise their beliefs, yet they can work together.
The vigilance of Maimane is not limited to the ANC. He has handled the Helen Zille twitter controversy well. Maimane was clear on his personal feeling that Zille’s comments were racist. He conferred with his party and asked her to voluntarily apologize. When she refused he brought her to the party for discipline. The party collectively determined she is only allowed to speak on Western Cape issues.
Many feel that Maimane should have unilaterally kicked her out of the party. If he had he would have been acting as party dictator not leader. He wanted to allow all party members to voice their concern or provide their support. He built a consensus and determined a reasonable punishment. His efforts also ensured that the DA would not have a sudden loss of support or funding due to harsh treatment of the only DA Primer. His response allowed him to hold true to his personal values, maintain party cohesion, and reprimand Zille for insensitive tweets.
Generally, Maimane keeps a positive perspective and believes in the potential of Africa. He prioritizes economic growth above political change. In many ways, he is similar to M. Buthelezi in that he thinks a strong economy will do more for the material condition of blacks than simply having a black government. The DA has an alternative economic plan that can be implement without risking internal turmoil. If aspects of the plan do not work, an opposition party can simply remove the law. The plan of the EFF, if implemented could cause a civil war and will economically isolate RSA for at least a short period of time.
The faith of Maimane is paramount in his life, but not his policy. He understands the importance of the separation of church and state. This leads him to create practical policies that don’t force his beliefs on to other people. Maimane’s stance in support of gay rights shows his ability to separate his personal beliefs from his public policy.
What Maimane has Wrong
Maimane is a neo-liberal. Here the term neo-liberal is used as an extension of classical liberalism. Classical liberalism is the belief that personal choice is the greatest virtue. Neo-liberalism extends the belief assuming the free market is the aggregate of personal choice modeled by economist. Reducing government interference will allow the free market to function effectively. The goal for neo-liberals is to create the highest functioning government whereas classical liberals want the most moral society. The two forms of Liberalism are attempting to create utopia, simply measuring differently.
In America, most consider the Libertarian party the closest political party to neo-liberalism. Libertarians are right leaning of fiscal issues and left leaning on social issues. The Democratic Alliance attempts to implement neo-liberalism in a far more left leaning country. Therefore they have to be for BEE or they will not win elections. Yet, even in the support of BEE they attempt to add more elements of choice and ambiguity to rule compliance.
The DA and Maimane want a small government that allows business the freedom to operate at low cost. Most of their policies are centered around free market principles. The belief is a growing economy will translate into more jobs. The jobs will improve the lives of blacks and create stability in RSA.
In the USA, neo-liberalism has led to the dynamic of only the most talented black people being chosen by corporations. Then these black people decided to disassociate themselves from the black community. Because there are only a few black people in this company, they do little to make the company more amenable to other black people. The majority of blacks can’t compete for elite jobs due to generational systematic educational divide. There is no market incentive to address the educational divide unless more elite workers are needed. This leads the majority of black people fighting for low wage jobs if employment is available at all. In recent times many low skill labor jobs are being replaced by machines or foreign workers in other countries. The failure of neo-liberalism has led to the rise of the apolitical black economics movement. A system based on personal choice will never choose to help the under-privileged without personal monetary reward.
Criticizing Maimane on neo-liberalism doesn’t mean he came to his conclusion solely because he was influenced by whites or capitalists. Maimane analysed data using his own methods and came to his own conclusions. It is unfair to say that all black people that think independently will come to the same conclusion. Black people of different perspectives will attack the problem differently. In this analysis, judging what happened in America, black wealth increased after Clinton became president and supported the Equal Opportunity and Employment Commission. So laws that specifically benefit black people are needed to build financial stability in the community at large.
Where is Maimane on the Spiral?
Judging from his personal views he is centered in Green. However, to function as a politician he has Orange/Green policies. He focuses on solutions in the I Space. Most neo-liberals support personal development over hiring laws or business subsidies. He wants first order change or simply changing the dominant political party within the current system. Ultimately, Maimane’s plan is far lower risk and if aspects don’t work the DA or an opposition party can easily make changes.
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES HERE
Mmusi Maimane is the current leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA is the opposition to the African National Congress on the right. Maimane sites in his political idols Bill Clinton and Helen Suzman. He is un-apologetically working for a non-racial South Africa. Below you will find the links to his series.
- Joined ANC at 9 yo
- President of ANCYL in 2008
- Forbes 10 Youngest Power Men in Africa 2011
- Founded Economic Freedom Fighters in July of 2013
- Supporter of Robert Mugabe
- Member of Parliament with twenty four other EFF members
Childhood
Julius Malema was born on March 3, 1981, to a single mother in Transvaal province. He joined the ANC when he was nine years old. His primary task was taking down National Party posters outside police stations. At 13 he received military training including handling firearms. He learned how to make petrol bombs and assemble guns for the revolution. His grandmother, Sarah, raised him for the majority of his childhood. His mother died of an epileptic fit.
Malema had a son, Ratanang, in 2006 with girlfriend Maropeng Ramohlale. That relationship ended. He later married his high school sweetheart a woman named Mantwa Matlala in 2014, and the couple welcomed their first son Munzhedzi. Malema divorced Matlala in 2017. Matlala accused him of cheating and threatened to leak nude photos of Malema and his mistress.
In 2012 a man claimed to be Malema’s father. Samuel Manyapye claims he left Malema’s mother to work in a gold mine. Manyapaye is currently a scrap collector. He apologized for leaving the family. Malema did not believe him and said many men claim to be his father just to get government influence.
ANC Career
Malema held many leadership positions in the ANC youth league. At 14 he was ANCYL chairperson for his district. He also was a chairperson in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). During his time in COSAS Malema said he would burn down a jail to keep Winnie Mandela from being jailed.
At a 2008 ANC rally, Malema said: “We are prepared to die for Zuma. We are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma”. [1] At the time Malema believed powerful forces attempted to remove Zuma from power. He also believes Thabo Mbeki seeking an unconstitutional third term could be detrimental to democracy in South Africa. Winnie Mandela resolved the issue resolved by forcing Malema to vow never to say the word kill in public again. The Democratic Alliance (DA) wanted Malema prosecuted.
ANC suspended Malema for various comments put the ANC at odds with various allies. The specific issues Malema caused controversy over were.
- Calling for regime change in Botswana
- Barging into a meeting with ANC officials
- Calling all white people criminals for taking African land
The ANC found Malema guilty of spreading division and disrepute in the party. The ANC also found Malema not guilty of inciting hatred and racism. He was suspended from the ANC for five years in 2011.
Founding of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Julius Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters on July 10, 2013. Malema and twenty-four other EFF members won a Member of Parliament (MP) seat in Parliament. The party gained six percent of the vote. One of the most prominent features of the party is the red worker’s clothing. In Parliament, EFF members dress in red coveralls or red maid uniforms. They do this to remind people they represent the workers of RSA.
The focus of EFF is to nationalized strategic land without compensation. Because whites took the land through genocide, the current occupants do not have a moral claim on the land. Once the land is appropriated the profits from the sale of minerals and crops will be used to fund social programs. The EFF chiefly focuses on improving agriculture and education in RSA. The party is very popular with disenfranchised urban and rural youth in RSA.
Malema was mentored in leadership by Winnie Mandela whom he still maintains a close relationship. Malema claims that this relationship shaped his view on women in power. The EFF has several MPs that are women. Malema hopes more will join and be elected to office.
Malema often uses inflammatory language. One of the most prolific uses of inflammatory speech is singing the song “Kill the Boer”, an old ANC struggle song. The lyrics go: Kill the Boer/the farmer/Kill the Boer/ the farmer/ shoot to kill/ shoot to kill/ burrr ahhh/ burrr ahhh/ burr ahhh. Malema changes the word “kill” to “kiss” because he promised Winnie Mandela to never say the word kill in public again. The song is sung while participants do a stomp in cadence with the music. He has been quoted as saying “We are not calling for an armed takeover of white land…at least not now.”
Corruption Allegations
Malema is known for living a very extravagant lifestyle. Malema owns a R 16,000,000($1.2 M) home and wears costly designer clothing. Many have wondered how he can afford this lifestyle. In 2011 City Press Newspaper claimed Malema set up a trust to launder money from various parties attempting to garner influence.
Specific accusations in the case were:
- Influencing government tenders (contracts) to go to companies close to him
- Influencing government to award tenders to companies he owned
- Influencing government to award tenders to companies he served as board member
- Falsifying information on application to receive tender
Many have said the ANC supported the investigation. Malema was being tried for divisive language at the time and would soon be on his way out. In 2015 the case was struck off the roll due to one of the co-accused not being able to stand trial due to a sickness. The state can recharge him at a later date.
Ultimately, the validity of the accusations has never been tried in court. Also, the investigation started at the time the ANC had him under disciplinary review. Julius Malema had to sell his mansion in Sandton and his farm in Limpopo due in part from the financial strain of fighting this case.
Marikana Mining Massacre
Malema first called for the nationalization of mines in 2010. His call for nationalization angered the other members of the tripartite alliance, The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU. Many say this added to his opposition from the ANC.
The Marikana massacre happened August 10, 2012, resulted in the death of 34 striking miners. The miners were striking for a pay increase from R4,000 ($500) to 12,500 Rand ($1,500) per month. The miners carried traditional tribal weapons during the protest. The carrying of traditional weapons is legal in South Africa even during a protest. The South African Security Force was brought in to ensure order. An altercation began. Some witnesses say the police started the altercation others said the protesters started the altercation.
Cyril Ramaphosa was an ANC and Union leader that had left politics to become a business consultant. Malema accuses Ramaphosa of selling political influence to companies. Ramaphosa was on the board of Lonmin, the mining company that owned the Marikana mine. E-mail evidence showed Ramaphosa advocated for the SA Security Force to come down to keep order. According to Malema, Ramaphosa used his influence to persuade the Security Force to use violence against the protesters.
Malema re-entered politics after the massacre to advocate for the striking miners. Specifically to:
- Lay criminal charges on Ramaphosa for conspiring to kill protesters
- Lay criminal charges on all directors of Lonmin for conspiring to kill protesters
- Lay criminal charges against various actors in government and Lonmin for their part in the massacre
- Force Lonmin to pay reparation to victims of Marikana massacre
- Report Lonmin to tax authorities for aggressive tax avoidance.
- Follow previous cases against police that killed mine workers.
In 2014, Julius Malema accused the ANC of killing protesters in Parliament. He was asked to retract the statement by the Premier (Leader of Government in a Province). Malema would not retract the statement and was kicked out of parliament. The other EFF members voluntarily left with him.
Jacob Zuma’s Home Improvement
Zuma received what was supposed to be security upgrades to his home in 2013. An investigation by the Public Protector showed that improvements such as a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure, visitor center, and amphitheater were added to the contract. The Public Protector ordered Zuma to pay back the money for the improvements out of pocket. Zuma will need to repay around R 6.6M ($500,000).
Malema called for an early election so the South African people could choose a better leader in 2014. Another election was not due until 2019. Malema also called for the impeachment of Zuma with fellow opposition leader Mmusi Maimane.
Malema and the EFF were thrown out of the 2015 State of the Nation Address (SONA) for interrupting Jacob Zuma’s speech by asking when he would pay back the money. Security guards forcibly removed the EFF from the building. A small scuffle ensued. After the EFF had been removed, Mmusi Maimane protested that the use of force was unconstitutional. Maimane and his Democratic Alliance walked out also. Zuma maintains that the security guards action was constitutional and needed to promote democracy.
After the 2016 SONA, Julius refused to participate in the debate. He referenced Zuma’s bad judgment regarding the Guptas, the home upgrades, and the sex scandal. Malema voluntarily left parliament.
Malema was kicked out of parliament in May of 2016. He expressed concern that Zuma should have to face some punishment in Parliament after the Constitutional Court ruling on the home upgrades. The EFF broke out in song in protest of Zuma being allowed to speak. The speaker would not change procedure, and Malema was kicked out. A scuffle broke out between security and Malema.
Malema insulted Zuma in their native language Zulu in September of 2016. Malema’s objection was that Zuma should not be allowed in the Parliament after a criminal conviction. The Premier threatened to shut Malema’s microphone off because he was disruptive. Malema voluntarily left. Numerous EFF members protested after Malema left Zuma’s admission in Parliament. The other EFF members also left the house.
Malema and the EFF were also kicked out of the 2017 SONA for bringing up the fact that Zuma’s conviction he could not speak at Parliament. Malema also objected to the presence of soldiers in the chamber and the security guards having zip ties as restraints. The constitution does not allow a person convicted of a felony to address parliament. Malema would not allow parliament continue until Zuma and two soldiers left. The constitution does not allow soldiers in Parliament. Zuma and the soldiers refused to leave. The head of parliament then asked Malema and the EFF to leave because they were obstructing proceedings. Malema and the EFF refused. The head of parliament then orders security guards to remove the EFF. A scuffle then ensued.
Guptagate Scandals
A group of brothers (Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh) that have the last name is Gupta came to South Africa to start various businesses in 1993. Their businesses include computing, media, manufacturing and mining firms.
The Gupta’s used Waterkloof in Force Base for a private wedding in 2013. The Guptas were allowed to land 270 guests from India at the Air Force Base.The Minister of Defense did not approve using the base in this manner. At this time it appears that a high-ranking State Department official, Bruce Koloane gave permission to use the airfield. Malema calls for the National Prosecuting Authority to charge the Gupta’s with treason for using the Air Force base.
The Gupta’s are under investigation for attempting to influence Zuma’s cabinet picks. The first and most covered cabinet position possibly influenced by the Gupta’s was the Finance Minister position. However, many other cabinet positions are under scrutiny due to various e-mail leaks.
Mcebisi Jonas says the Guptas offered the position of Finance Minister to him before his predecessor’s firing on October 23, 2015. The Guptas offered Jonas R 600,000 in cash that day and R 600,000,000 in installments over time. Jonas claims to have turned the offer down. Zuma gave no reason for firing then Minister Nhlanhla Nene. David van Rooyen who had little experience replaced Nene. Zuma fired Van Rooyen in a week. His replacement was Pravin Gordhan who served for two years. Zuma did not contact senior ANC members before making these decisions.
RSA’s Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan found billions of Rands in suspicious transactions involving the Gupta family. Malusi Gigaba replaced Gordhan after Gordhan’s investigation went public. Malusi Gigaba has been connected to the Guptas through his adviser. Malema and the EFF commended Gordhan for finding and exposing the malfeasance. The affidavit contained 72 transactions worth R 6.8 billion.
Malema coined the term “Zupta” to describe how connected the Gupta’s were to Jacob Zuma. According to Malema, Zuma sold out his country for personal gain. The Gupta’s recently arrived and feel they can run roughshod over the country. Malema calls for the deportation of the Guptas and will make good on this promise if elected as president in 2019. Malema has also opened a criminal case against the Guptas, the Gupta company directors, and Zuma’s son Duduzane.
In June of 2017 Malema opened a case against the Guptas, Zuma, and Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba for working to raise rail fair for personal gain and circumventing contract procedure when procurement trains. Malema accused a rail contractor of illegally purchasing trains in addition to price inflation. Malema has a letter in which Gigaba instructed a government entity, Transnet, to buy trains while circumventing the normal contracting process. Malema calls on companies that lost the contract to aid him in the lawsuit.
Fees Must Fall
The EFF advocates for free education up until a person obtains the first degree. Recently a group of protest colloquially known as #FeesMustFall began and the EFF joined many other groups in the protest. The goal of the protest is to force the government to make college free.
Bonginkosi Khanyile is a leader in the EFF Student Command. He was arrested on February 4, 2016, for various charges centered around disturbing the peace. He has arrested again on September 27, 2016, for similar accusations. The charges were convening or attending an illegal gathering, interference with police, and trespassing. Malema petitioned the court to release Khanyile of R20 bail. Khanyile spent five months in jail. Malema said this shows the EFF does not abandon its soldiers.
Sources
Video List on Youtube “SD Julius Malema”
- “One on One with Julius Malema” by V.Pillay from News 24 Archive
- “The Story of My Life” Interview with J. Malema on My Africa (Youtube Video)
- “Julius Sello Malema” http://www.sahistory.org.za
- “Malema defends lavish lifestyle” http://www.news24.com
- Julius Malema, champion of South Africa’s poor, flies business class to Mauritius wedding
By A. Laing http://www.telegraph.co.uk - Things you may not know about Julius Malema http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/
- Julius Malema slams man who professes to be his father https://www.all4women.co.za
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and wife Mantoa have welcomed their first child together. By J.Madibogo http://www.sowetanlive.co.za
- BREAKING : Julius Malema Divorces His Wife Of 3 Years,Mantwa Reveals EFF Leader’s True Colours ! By M. Ndaba http://imzansi.co.za
- Malema faces arrest by M. Mofokeng http://www.iol.co.za
http://www.news24.com
Extravagant Lifestyle
Malema is known for strutting around town with expensive watches and shoes. Often his critics will use his lavish lifestyle as evidence that he is not committed to the people. Malema fires back by saying you cannot inspire people by living just like them. He is showing black people there is a better life by displaying it first hand. People that live in a shack do not want leaders to join them in the shack. Malema gives his people aspirational hope. Also, Malema contends commitment is in the heart not in the clothes.
In spite of the lavish lifestyle, he is still a Marxist. He considers himself a man of the Proletariat because he does not own the means of production. Capitalist own the means of production which facilitates the accumulation of wealth far beyond anything he can ever afford. He is also the son of a single mother that worked as a maid. His heart and mind will always be with the poor no matter what car he drives.
Malema contends his critics hate “to see a black diamond shine.” Many white people grew up poor and have more money than him. However, people don’t investigate whites for fraud and corruption. If a black man has anything, whites want to take it away from him. Whites and blacks need to applaud his success and allow him to live his life.
Relationship between white and black South Africans
South Africa has an extreme income disparity due to colonialism. Europeans came into South Africa, stole the land and killed people. Once the land was taken, whites cultivated the land with black labor that was free or underpaid. The wealth of white South Africans is ill-gotten gains. Because the land was taken by force and without consent, black people are justified in reclaiming the land without compensation.
Capitalism as it currently stands does not help black Africans. An example would be Lonmin which owns the Marikana mine. Malema accused the company of profit shifting (tax evasion) 1.5 billion dollars. The company could have built 5,500 homes to house workers with the money from profit shifting and still make a profit. Currently, there is a shanty town outside the mine and the children of the town forage for food in the local garbage dump.
Once blacks reclaim the land, South Africans of all races can live side by side. Malema does not want to run the whites out of South Africa. He recognizes that many white people have done extraordinary things to fight apartheid and improve the lives of blacks. However, black people cannot operate on a world stage without owning land. Land ownership will give South Africans leverage in negotiations with world powers.
Nationalization is a bold move toward Socialism. Capitalism has cause income inequality, high unemployment, and protesters to be attacked. It is entirely logical to begin to transition from a failed system. It is a myth that if someone can make the rich richer, the rich will make them rich. If this was possible, South Africa would have a higher standard of living.
Black people becoming economically independent will aid in racial reconciliation. White people will no longer have to erect massive security walls in fear that someone will steal their belongings. Blacks will cease to resent whites and blame them for societal ills. Both races can live in harmony.
African dictators
African reserve banks are in France or another Western European power not in the African country. Also, many African countries still pay colonial taxes. If these banks were to leave the Western powers would fall.
Malema recognizes how important strong leadership is for Africa. Many African leaders use the reserve bank as a personal slush fund. They are not accountable to the people and control them with draconian laws and intimidation.
DeBeers diamonds promised Botswana government 51%. But the DeBeers company does not declare all the diamonds and cheats the Botswana government. Also, DeBeers will not give South Africa the same deal as Botswana. Botswana needs to be inside the company monitoring the accounting practices. Owning shares in a company is not enough.
Robert Mugabe is not a dictator in the eyes of Malema. Mugabe took control of his land and expelled the white people. Mugabe then won numerous fair elections afterward. The issues Zimbabwe currently face is the result of international sanctions that are punishing the sovereignty of the people of Zimbabwe. Malema realizes that South Africa will be given the same treatment if blacks take back the land. He sees the onslaught of sanctions a necessary pain to create an independent black nation. As a mother suffers to bring forth life, South Africa and Zimbabwe will suffer to realize their dream.
Nationalization
As stated earlier, Malema is a Marxist. He supports nationalization of certain key sectors of the economy. He does not want to nationalize every industry. Also, the nationalized industry will operate through one state-owned company that will compete with private companies. Malema is not in favor of communism and his plan is not communistic.
To nationalize, black South Africans will have to take land from white people without compensation. Once the government nationalized the mines, the profit can be used to build a social safety net. If a foreign company wants to use the land, the government can lease the company the land.
Nationalization is constitutional under certain circumstances. If it is not, the government can change the constitution. The nationalization will be done through legislation, not force. Laws will be gradually implemented to take back the land in stages. Reclaiming land solidifies South Africa’s sovereignty. It will ensure the Western powers do not use RSA as a colony.
Nationalization is not a radical idea. After World War II Britain took over strategic sectors of the government. Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and America used nationalization to grow various industries. South Africa fought an international war against Apartheid. Nationalization is a valid strategy to build an RSA economy that works for all South Africans.
An example of a successful nationalized industry is the US military. Most of America’s scientific innovations were researched by the military. The military produced everything from GPS to Tang. These innovations have benefited the world and proven state-run organizations work.
Malema also wants to keep second-class goods out of RSA. Second-class goods undermine local industry. Cheap chicken destroys RSA chicken industry even if RSA chicken is a higher quality. Many South African economist claim that producing goods in South Africa could offend international investors and reduce foreign direct investment. High tariffs will even the playing-field for South African industry.
Malema expects an international backlash if he implements the nationalization plan. Malema feels that RSA can weather the backlash and the international community will have to work with him to get rare minerals. For example, 80% of the world’s platinum comes from RSA or Zimbabwe. The other 20% is scattered all over the world. If Zimbabwe and RSA are sanctioned, the world would be starved for platinum. Also, there is substantial demand from other emerging markets that will not be turned off by confiscating the land from whites.
Instead of Black Economic Empowerment which gives a few blacks considerable wealth to protect the company, give worker profit-sharing programs. If the workers share in profits, they would be less likely to strike. Keeping employees happy will also increase production. The reason employee morale is low is because workers do not have stable lives. The average South African worker is taking care of seven people. Workers having more money will dissolve many social ills. Also, a new market will be created in RSA. Workers will also protect the company politically.
African National Congress ANC
The ANC’s original purpose was to take the land back. The founders were rebelling against the colonizers as independent tribes before the ANC. The ANC unified the tribes to fight the colonizers. Malema views the ANC as a failing liberation movement now because members were distracted by obtaining political office. It is not able to adjust to the new times. He is grateful to have left. He feels the EFF can move RSA forward.
The ANC is arrogant and feels that black South Africans owe them a vote. Zuma said he thinks of the ANC first and RSA second. The people of RSA made the democracy. In 1994 the ANC had 500,000 members but got 5,000,000 votes. The people created the ANC, not the other way around. Nothing is bigger than RSA.
Nelson Mandela was too old to fight for the ANC once he left prison. He did not fight for blacks owning the production means. Mandela’s resistance was also hampered by him becoming too friendly with white capitalist. After he had split from Winnie Mandela, he stayed with rich white people connected to the Oppenheimers. Malema looks at the EFF as the continuation of the 1955 freedom charter.
Part of the problem with the ANC is they did not have a clear goal on how the government should be run after they took power. They idolized the wealth and extravagance of the white apartheid elite. Once they took power, they mimicked this extravagance. Many of the followers went along with it because they wanted to see rich black people. Rich black people gave the masses confidence. Personal wealth building does not translate into community stability.
Cyril Ramaphosa is an example of how the ANC lost its way. Ramaphosa has a long history of leadership in the ANC and now sells his influence to companies. He promises the mining company Lonmin favorable treatment by the government at the expense of the workers. Ramaphosa advocate for heightened government security from his position on Lonmin’s board. South African security killed 34 strikers, most of which were shot in the back. Malema says the ANC and Lonmin have blood on their hands. The strikers were running away from the police when they were shot. Malema accuses ANC and Lonmin of the premeditated massacre of the strikers. Malema cites evidence from the commission report on the incident. The police shot first, and strikers put their hands in the air to show they did not have a weapon. The company should meet the striker’s demand of R 12,500 ($960) per month.
Mbeki presented one of the greatest threats to the Constitution of South Africa. He wanted to run for a third term while the ANC had a two-thirds majority in parliament. If Zuma had not taken control, Mbeki could have made himself president indefinitely, at least this was Malema’s fear.
The ANC has proven themselves inept at actual governance. They did not have the strength to keep fighting capitalism. It is the youth’s job to pick up where they left off. It is wrong to say the ANC sold out. Malema views the ANC as an organization that served its purpose.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
As stated earlier the chief principle of the EFF is to take land and resources away from private companies and build state owned companies that use the profit for the welfare of the country. The state-owned companies would compete with private companies in a free market. Malema believes the state-owned company would outperform the competitors and eventually acquire a large share of the market.
An example that Malema often gives in speeches is the implementation of a nationalized bank. Malema wants to create one bank with interests rates set by the government. The national bank will act as a floor for savings return and a ceiling for loan rates. The private banks that are competing will have to match the state bank or go under. At the sametime the quality of the state bank will need to be the same as the private banks. Both entities will keep each other in check. Again. Malema is not a communist and this plan is not communistic.
The EFF is also protectionist, which means that believe RSA companies should be given preference over foreign companies. The EFF wants to require that hospitals, schools, and prisons buy 50% of their food from small-scale RSA farms. Once these farms are stable the government can implement programs that will help them scale up. In addition to having RSA farms subsidies, high tariffs and quality restrictions will be put on imported food.
The EFF wants to reduce corruption and increase employment through the abolition of the tenders ( government contract) system. The allocation of Tenders is currently rife with corruption and many government officals have been caught taking kickbacks and influencing the award of tender. By building state industry that can construct and maintain buildings the government will no longer need to find contractors. Not only will corruption go down employment will go up because contracts often go to companies outside RSA that hire foreign workers. Often the highly-skilled and technical positions go to the foreign workers reducing RSA’s ability to build a professional class.
Income inequality will be addressed by minimum wages and earnings caps. Instead of making a minimum wage for all industries like the USA, the EFF will make minimum wages specific to each industry. There will also be a wage cap for all high level professionals. They will not be able to make more than a certain ratio of the lowest paid worker.
When the RSA’s builds its industry and begins to amount a surplus, the money should be invested in Africa before any other countries. During the years of the Apartheid struggle various countries in Southern Africa aided RSA and many RSA citizens helped them. The building of this alliance should continue. Africa must move as a unit.
In the same vein of unity with Southern Africa, effort should be made to allow immigrants from other African countries pass easily into and out of South Africa. The borders of Southern African countries were drawn arbitrarily by colonizers. The EFF sees the citizens of Southern Africa as brothers.
Sources
Playlist in YouTube under SD Julius Malema
- “Malema defends lavish lifestyle” http://www.news24.com
- ”Julius Malema and his lavish lifestyle” www.http://guardianlv.com
- ”Debora Patta and Julius Malema unplugged” video Youtube
- 3rd Degree Debora Patta vs Julius Malema Part 3of3 video YouTube
- Malema tells SRC to avoid ‘lavish lifestyle’ while in office https://mg.co.za/
- Julius Malema: Ready to remove Zuma government by force – Talk to Al Jazeera by J. Hull YouTube video
- Julius Malema Full Address & Q&A Oxford Union
- Julius Malema in Tottenham pt 1 – 4 YouTube
- Julius Malema on the Marikana Massacre YouTube
- Julius Malema speaks about the #MarikanaReport YouTube
- Julius Malema Blames Zuma and His Son For Xenophobic attacks
- Malema party to confront Zuma over home improvements at South Africa’s parliament opening http://en.rfi.fr/africa
- http://www.effonline.org
- Julius Malema live on #FreshBreakfast with DJ Fresh YouTube
- JULIUS MALEMA UNCENSORED ON TOUCH HD FULL INTERVIEW YouTube
- FULL INTERVIEW: Inside the mind of Julius Malema YouTube
READ PART 1 FIRST TO FULLY UNDERSTAND POST
Part 1
Reconciliation
Buthelezi believes in a multiracial South Africa. In his opinion, whites are Africans also and should behave as such. Race should not provide or exclude anyone from any opportunity. However, ethnicities should be recognized and celebrated. There are certain preferences people have due to their ethnicity. These preferences need to be considered and indulged when possible. Having many viable political parties ensures all voices are heard.
Reconciliation is not only between “black and white” but “black and black,” this is why the meeting with Mandela was so important. Whites have to admit atrocities done to blacks and that the actions were wrong. At the same time, blacks must make recompense for transgressions against other blacks and whites. Buthelezi frequently spoke of blacks killing police officers just because they are police. Buthelezi led by example at a 1991 prayer breakfast in which he apologized to the Afrikaner for the killing of Piet Retief by a Zulu king in the early 1800’s. Reconciliation will lead to a national will.
The best government for South Africa
Buthelezi supports a federal system with a strong constitution. A federal system means all the homelands and provinces function similar to US states. Each homeland or province will have proportional power in the national government. Most of the power will be in the hands of the homeland or province. Buthelezi’s plan is not one man one vote which would hold power in a central government. The federal system ensures the people have the most autonomy and a healthy free market.
Buthelezi does recognize that there will be people that have disproportionately less. He feels there should be a common fund to create social programs. These social programs should not override market forces, but they should provide a social safety net. The social safety net will not be as robust as a developed country, but it should be there. South Africans should expect to work longer hours for less pay until the economy grows.
In 1990, DeKlerk proposed a measure that would allow the African to create a new constitution that would be approved by the white electorate. He admitted it would give whites ultimate veto authority, but felt it was the best deal that they could get at the time. He had faith that DeKlerk had integrity and that the integrity would allow him to work equitability with blacks.
Communism is not a viable option for South Africa. It has been proven not to work in the USSR. The ultimate fall of the USSR should be all the proof a person needs to know that the system will not work. Communism has also failed in several states in Africa. When critics press socialist on why the USSR failed, they cite corruption unique to Russia. However, they do not provide real-world evidence of communist success. Communist also see the world in the simple dichotomy of revolutionary or counter-revolutionary. Their framing of the opposition as counter-revolutionary reduces discussions and alienates them from the rest of society.
Black majority rule will not radically change the life of the average South African. The struggle just begins there. Most people have their expectations too high for how much change will come from participation. In reality, the pie is not that big, and some people will be poor no matter how much the government changes. Ending violence is far more important than elections. Many African nations have “free” elections, yet the violence will have more sway on the election outcome than the candidate’s platforms.
On the AIDS Crisis
At the funeral of his son Nelisuzulu, he admitted that the 53-year-old died from complications of AIDS. During the Prince’s eulogy, Buthelezi said the following.
“I feel the pain of any father and mother across our land at this tragic hour of history. I feel the pain for the many children of Africa who are now dying an untimely and terrible death. I am in mourning. We are a nation which ought to be in mourning.”
Buthelezi lost his daughter Mandisi to the disease later that year. Buthelezi spoke at many HIV/AIDS events and petitioned the government to work toward curing HIV/AIDS. His openness on his family situation helped to remove the stigma around HIV/AIDS in Africa.
In 2013, he gave the keynote address at the Ulundi World AIDS day commemoration. He applauded the government for taking the necessary actions to reduce the prevalence of AIDS in the country. The government accomplished many milestones in prevention, education, and access to treatment. South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Now serious steps have been taken to remedy the problem.
He recounted how he felt when his two children died of AIDS in the prime of life. He commended Mandela admitting one of his sons died of AIDS. By great South African leaders admitting to AIDS affecting their lives, many people were able to admit to living with the disease. Buthelezi explained how removing the stigma led to increases support from victim’s family and friends.
The IFP started an initiative to provide an antiretroviral drug to pregnant women infected with HIV. The drug prevented the disease from being passed on to the child. The effort was extremely efficient in KwaZulu-Natal. Buthelezi petitioned the national government to implement the plan nationwide. The current national initiative for antiretroviral drugs has been successful.
To prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, Buthelezi recommends faithfulness, abstinence, and the use of condoms. He entreats all the individuals to stay healthy and take personal responsibility in romantic relationships. All South Africans should commit to making South Africa healthy.
On Jacob Zuma
Jacob Zuma is the current president of South Africa. He was a former MK soldier and leader and built a reputation for bravery. He became the head of the ANC and shortly after that president. Opposition to Zuma’s leadership grew due to various scandals and a failing South African economy. Many want the president impeached.
Buthelezi is acting as a cooler head in the fight to impeach Jacob Zuma. He feels that himself and other opposition should not force Jacob Zuma out. The ANC leaders must vote their conscious and oust their leader, or the people must vote him out. The public could view a demonstration such as the Democratic Alliance marching on the Luthuli House as aggression. If the ANC feels cornered, they could restart the violence that tore apart the townships in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
What Buthelezi has right?
Buthelezi does have a good grasp on how a capitalist economy could work in South Africa. Free market economies have the longest track record of producing stable economies and countries. He realizes South Africa has a long road to go and can not expect all the privileges of a developed country. However, there should be some social safety net to ensure that a person does not fall into abject poverty.
The communism of the USSR has been proven not to work. Not only did it fail in Europe it has failed many times in Africa. To attempt to repeat the implementation of this failed system would be insanity. One of the reasons that the South African economy is one of the strongest in Africa is that it did not implement a flawed socialist system.
Buthelezi took full responsibility for his part in the township violence. He did not blame the government or put all the blame on the ANC. Buthelezi and other South African leaders made choices with open eyes. Instead of looking backward he looked forward. He did his part in building South Africa’s future.
His work in the transition government demonstrated his commitment working with his former rivals the ANC. As a minister, he had to implement plans that went against his belief in a free market federal government, but he understood how important reconciliation was to reduce black on black violence. He gave a much needed alternative perspective, but if the government went the other way he held fast to his duty. His view on the Zuma presidency shows his new commitment to peace. Buthelezi feels Zuma should serve his term out and then an election can decide on a new president. An impeachment could cause more bloodshed.
Finally, his work in AIDS and divulging of his personal story on AIDS was immensely vital. When he disclosed he had two children die of AIDS, he opened the door for many others to do the same. He also used his influence to bring treatment to KwaZulu and South Africa.
What he has wrong
His commitment to nonviolence in the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s only extended to white people. He dealt with the ANC and Zulu that became disorderly swiftly and violently. The O’Malley archive documents atrocities committed by Inkatha. To go into detail in this analysis would be a distraction. The violence irreparably changed many lives.
Analyzing how Buthelezi negotiated also illustrate how differently he handled conflict between himself and whites versus himself and blacks. In 1990, he was ready to sign an agreement that would let whites have veto power over the constitution of KwaZulu. However, when the ANC proposes expanded control over KwaZulu a few years later, he walks out of the negotiations. It appears he is ready to capitulate with the National Party at the drop of a dime. He fights the ANC tooth and nail. If his true purpose were to protect KwaZulu, he would have fought both encroachments.
He spent too much energy blaming the difficulty of the Inkatha to work with ANC on the botched meeting between Mandela and Buthelezi in the early 1990’s. It would have been more productive to build allies throughout the ANC, instead of lamenting that party members manipulated Mandela. Buthelezi felt that his friendship with Mandela should be enough to put them at the negotiating table together. Personal feelings and love are not sufficient to operate in an Orange meme political process.
Where is Buthelezi on the Spiral
He is a Blue Meme leader attempting to function in an Orange Meme government. Buthelezi’s issues with Mandela best illustrate his meme. In the days of chiefs and kings, Mandela and Buthelezi could negotiate regardless of what the subjects think. Now public opinion rules the day. Now Buthelezi had to modify his behavior for the new system. Ultimately, he was able to operate at a higher level when needed.
The importance of a strong constitution is an issue Buthelezi speaks on frequently. Leaders in the Blue meme want to create policy around a founding document or moral code. Buthelezi voices his fears of a central government run amuck with too much power. His fear of large government is in line with many Republicans in the USA.
Buthelezi worked toward First Order change, which is minor modifications in the system currently in place. The ANC wanted Second Order change, overthrowing the government. It makes since that Buthelezi would team up with fellow Capitalists, the National Party, to fight what he saw as a Soviet invasion. Often the alliance between Inkatha and the National Party is viewed as a black man teaming up with whites to kill other blacks. The racial analysis leads to the vilification of Buthelezi. If the conflict is viewed as Capitalist versus Communist, a person can see far more nuance.
Buthelezi stresses “I” Space solutions and personal responsibility. He sees the current economy as limited, and citizens cannot expect government solutions to all problems. Buthelezi’s solutions would fit perfectly at a Republican National Convention.
Sources
- http://www.sahistory.org.za articles on Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith
- http://www.politicsweb.co.za “Mandela and I” by M.Buthelezi
- “Zulu leader speaks out on AIDS crisis after son’s death” by Andrew Meldrum in The Guardian
- News 24 Archives at http://www.news24.com “Buthelezi child died from Aids.”
- “Buthelezi makes Aids personal” by Angela Botswana found on http://www.iol.co.za/news World AIDS Day 2013 Commemoration at Ulundi by M. Buthelezi
- http://www.imdb.com Synopsis of 1964 movie Zulu
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk “Zulu is this the greatest British war film” by Will Heaven
- http://www.independent.co.uk/ “The untold story of the film Zulu starring Michael Caine, 50 years on” by Sheldon Hall
- http://www.heraldlive.co.za “Don’t provoke the ANC, warns Buthelezi” by Nathi Olifant
- http://www.news24.com “Zuma has failed the country – Buthelezi” by Kaveel Singh
- http://ewn.co.za “Buthelezi discourages DA marching on Luthuli House” by Z. Ngcobo
- http://www.sabc.co.za “Buthelezi to advise President Zuma to step down”
- http://www.huffingtonpost.co.za “Wondering Who Your New Deputy Finance Minister Is? Introducing Sfiso Buthelezi.”
- http://citizen.co.za “White monopoly capital’ scapegoat for failed leadership – Buthelezi”
- https://www.bloomberg.com “Majority of South Africa’s ANC Want Zuma to Resign, Poll Shows” by A. Mbatha
- From the O’Malley Archive
Article on “KwaZulu”
Article on “From Buthelezi IFP to Third Force theory”
Interview archive of Buthelzi from 1990 to 1999
- 1994: A Bloody Miracle directed by Haitsma and Rickards
Black Leadership Analysis 