Blade Nzimande is correct to say Julius Malema didn't support President Zuma in Polokwane because he was interested in fundamental change. He supported JZ because he wasn't eating during President Mbeki's tenure. He started treating JZ like a small boy and the rest is history. 👽 pic.twitter.com/bZzXZFuHw0
— A Marxist-Leninist ★☭ (@Absolute_Kganki) December 22, 2024
In the dynamic world of South African politics, the interplay between figures like Julius Malema and Blade Nzimande offers a fascinating study of alliances, betrayals, and political strategy. Recently, a post on X by A Marxist-Leninist ★☭ @Absolute_Kganki shed light on this complex relationship through an analysis of a comment made by Blade Nzimande at the COSATU Central Committee Meeting. Let’s delve into this political narrative, exploring the implications as discussed in the post and supplemented by related web results.
Blade Nzimande on Julius Malema’s Political Strategy
On December 22, 2024, at 08:39 UTC, @Absolute_Kganki shared a post on X, highlighting a statement by Blade Nzimande regarding Julius Malema’s political stance during the Polokwane conference, where Jacob Zuma was elected as the ANC president. According to Nzimande, Malema’s support for Zuma was not rooted in a desire for fundamental change but rather a pragmatic move because Malema “wasn’t eating during President Mbeki’s tenure.” This suggests a narrative where political support is seen through the lens of personal gain rather than ideological alignment.
The post includes an image from the SABC broadcast of the COSATU Central Committee Meeting, emphasizing the context of Nzimande’s remarks. The meeting, which took place from June 18 to 20, 2024, was significant for discussing critical victories like the National Health Insurance Act and the increase in the national minimum wage, showcasing COSATU’s influence in labor politics. However, Nzimande’s focus on Malema during such a meeting indicates the ongoing relevance of political dynamics within the broader labor and political landscape.
Julius Malema’s Political Journey
Julius Malema, born on March 3, 1981, has had a tumultuous political career. Initially rising as a prominent figure in the ANC Youth League, his relationship with Jacob Zuma was once strong, marked by vocal support during Zuma’s legal troubles. However, this relationship deteriorated, leading to Malema’s expulsion from the ANC in 2012 and the founding of his own party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in 2013. His political maneuvers, including his shift from supporting to opposing Zuma, reflect a strategic approach to political power, as highlighted by Nzimande’s commentary.
Public Perception and Reactions
The X post by @Absolute_Kganki sparked various reactions, with users like @tlhoks520 and @Thulanisox adding their takes on Malema’s political decisions, often using humor or sarcasm to comment on his perceived opportunism. For instance, @tlhoks520 suggested Malema should “Twerka wena for your position,” implying a dance or struggle for power, while @Thulanisox used the phrase “The rest is history Gwaza,” indicating the known outcomes of Malema’s political choices. These reactions reflect a public discourse that oscillates between criticism and recognition of Malema’s political acumen.
Implications for South African Politics
Nzimande’s critique of Malema as an “ethnic entrepreneur” by SACP standards, as reported in a News24 article, adds another layer to this analysis. This label suggests Malema’s use of ethnic identity for political gain, a common strategy in regions with diverse ethnic compositions, which can lead to both unity and division within political movements.
Moreover, the broader political context, including Malema’s founding of the EFF and his legal battles, underscores the volatility and complexity of South African politics. His ability to mobilize support, despite controversies, indicates a charismatic leadership that leverages public sentiment, particularly among the youth and disenfranchised sections of society.
Conclusion
Blade Nzimande’s commentary, as highlighted in @Absolute_Kganki’s X post, provides a critical lens through which to view Julius Malema’s political journey. From a supporter of Zuma to a founder of a rival party, Malema’s path reflects a strategic navigation of South African political landscapes. The reactions from the public, along with the historical and current political context, illustrate the ongoing debate over the motivations and impacts of political leaders like Malema. As South Africa continues to evolve politically, such analyses remain crucial in understanding the deeper currents shaping its future.
References
- South Africa: Cosatu Statement On the Second Central Executive Committee Meeting – allAfrica.com
- Julius Malema – Wikipedia
- Blade: Malema is an ethnic entrepreneur | News24 – www.news24.com[](https://www.news24.com/News24/Blade-Malema-is-an-ethnic-entrepreneur-20120712-2) (http://www.news24.com[](https://www.news24.com/News24/Blade-Malema-is-an-ethnic-entrepreneur-20120712-2))