Malema and his smoke and mirror EFF

I have written a number of times about Julius Malema, and I probably will in the future. The reason, well, he really rubs against my grain in a big way.

A while back, this faithful servant of the ANC and most specifically, our glorious president, Jacob Zuma. Those were his glory days when Zuma was his father an he would gladly lay his life on the line for this esteemed individual.

Hit the fast forward button and Mr M has been booted from the political party that he worshipped, he has had millions of Rands worth of assets sold from under him, and he is fighting for political survival. Oh yes, and let's not forget those little corruption charges.

Lucky for Julius, he is a very loud and fiery person, a very good tool when trying to convince people not to look beyond the message you are shouting out. Secondly, his target market are pretty desperate people, largely betrayed by the same party Julius fell foul of. Unemployed youth who have large dreams, but no road to drive them there.
Our hero, Malema's new party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), promises to take all the land away from everybody and make it state land. (Read between the lines-take it from the white people. )
The EFF's manifesto reads like a long justification to be racist against white people, while falling short on real plans.

Here is a quote from their manifesto.

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC MISSION?

35. The attainment of Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime is our strategic mission. Towards this, we have identified 7 (seven) non-negotiable cardinal pillars for economic freedom in our lifetime. These are: 

a. Expropriation of South Africa's land without compensation for equal redistribution in use.

b. Nationalisation of mines, banks, and other strategic sectors of the economy, without compensation.

c. Building state and government capacity, which will lead to the abolishment of tenders.

d. Free quality education, healthcare, houses, and sanitation. 

e. Massive protected industrial development to create millions of sustainable jobs, including the introduction of minimum wages in order to close the wage gap between the rich and the poor, close the apartheid wage gap and promote rapid career paths for Africans in the workplace

f. Massive development of the African economy and advocating for a move from reconciliation to justice in the entire continent. 

g. Open, accountable, corrupt-free government and society without fear of victimisation by state agencies. 

36. Attainment of Economic Freedom entails that multinational and private ownership of the commanding heights of the economy will be discontinued, and all economic wealth directed to the ownership and benefit of all people. This will happen through various and combined forms of common and collective ownership, ranging from State ownership and control, co-operatives and workers' ownership and control of the key sectors of the economy. State ownership is within this context, an elementary component which will lead to more progressive forms of collective ownership, control and benefit, and therefore not narrow State-capitalism. 

It should be borne in mind that prior to Malema falling short of the taxman, to the tune of millions and being booted from the ANC, capitalism was his ally. He owned numerous properties and cars, wore expensive jewellery, dressed like a king and ate the best food money could buy. His whisky taste was more to the Blue label than Red label side. Tenders were one of his money sources.

The promises are big, free education, sustainable jobs, no corruption.....but he really fails to explain how he will achieve this. Having said this, being a politician, he probably has no idea and is telling us what we think we want to hear, or at least, those daft enough to support him.

Further to confuse matters, one of his financial backers is show off millionaire, Kenny Kunene. (Who, if Juju's party has it's way, will lose all his property to the state...) and actor Fana Mokoena. Capitalism was good to these two...but hey, why let reality stand in your way for the need to be more popular and to gather more wealth off the public.

Then we have Mr Malema's new mentor, Good old Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe fame. Dandy. What a figure to look up to. The EFF promotes itself as a militant group and they are proud to wear their trademark red beret. He even has 'Commander in Chief'' written on his. (Had me laughing I must admit)

What does this all mean for South Africa. Well, in the unlikely event that they are voted in as government, a nuclear war would look like a promising alternative. It would also be less destructive to our country.

Realistically though, they will garner thousands of votes. Where it gets interesting, is their votes will come from the ANC support base. Especially with Juju attacking everything that is ANC, with his child-like name calling and mockery. There are many who will fall for this, and will question whether the ANC deserve their cross again. Ironically, the Democratic Alliance, once the thorn in Malema's side, will benefit from the the votes lost by the ANC, as I am pretty sure their supporters will not be fooled my the smoke and mirror EFF picture show.

Malema remains a figure on the political landscape. However, he still has to face corruption charges..without the safety net of the ANC to catch his fall. With Zuma consolidating his position by ridding himself of all those who don't support him, there will be no protection for his now arch rival.

The EFF will not me a major force, but will serve as a dangerous joker in SA politics, even if Malema has to serve time. In time, they will dissolve through in fighting and power struggles........as is African politics.