Julius Malema, President of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) born in 1981 is possibly one of the most controversial, if not the most controversial political figure in SA currently. He does not think before he speaks, which results in him being ridiculed, taken seriously by many and many people questioning how and why SA can have such a person with such a lack of respect for the non black race in a position of great power. The media thrive on Malema, wherever he goes, whatever he says or does gets splashed on the front page of the newspapers, shown on prime time television as well as footage can been online.
Malema is a public figure, a role model to a large percentage of the South African youth who look up to him, admire, respect and agree with what he says and does. He does not realise that his lack of respect, composure, leadership skills and knowledge at times projects him in a negative light as he raises the blood pressure of a number of South Africans.
But the big question is what are we doing about his unacceptable behaviour? Look at how he treated BBC Journalist, Jonah Fisher at a recent press conference. Malema's shocking behaviour, name calling, racist remarks are absolutely not acceptable. Yes, President Zuma can speak to Malema but will he listen, will he actually follow the rules, restrictions and play the game fairly? Or is Malema is a league of his own? It seems that way by the way in which he behaves with no punishment or restrictions.
President Zuma has said that Julius is a future leader of SA, this is truly a scarey thought. One can only hope that this day will never come unless Julius changes his ways, mindset and opinion.
The big question is, what if the media stopped covering Malema? What if no journalists attended his press conferences, covered his public appearances, would that make a difference? Would he get the message? Would he change his behaviour style and start acting like a true role model, someone who our youth can really look up to and respect? I guess time will tell but in the meantime, we should not take a back seat, its time we talk about Malema, take stand and use the power of our knowledge and voices.
This is a truly scary thought if Malema is the future leader of SA. I think the day that that happens...my passport will be ready to leave this beloved country.
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