Malema’s extremism exposes his self-serving and harmful politics
The article by Gerhard Papenfus (Sowetan 17 April) is evidence of the need to air views on pertinent matters. At the centre of his argument is expropriation without compensation.
This letter stokes the ongoing debate in your paper and rightfully depicts Julius Malema as a political toddler.
It is well known that Dali Mpofu is the man behind Malema. The same Malema who bought and demolished an expensive property to build a stateof-the-art mansion in opulent Sandton!
Why not in his village, to be with the people he is representing in parliament? You represent people most effectively when you go without water when they have none, without electricity when there is a power failure that takes weeks to fix. Preferring the heart of opulence as his residence justifies Papenfus’ view that Malema does not give a fig for the poor he claims to be fighting for.
He is merely rabble-rousing using a racial ticket. This calls to mind his admission that he does not care for his father, he only cares for his mother.
If he hates his progenitor, how does he justify caring for anyone he claims to represent in parliament?
Now, do not get me wrong. I am not out to crush Malema, but to influence him towards sowing a seed of patriotism. A seed that he should nurture, remembering that what makes a politician is his ability to develop pragmatic influence and ooze conciliatory forgiveness.
This is the time to master forgiveness. Any MP who lacks this should walk out of parliament.
Before being labelled an Uncle Tom, the reply from AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel to Prince Mashele addressed the issue in a progressive way. Permanent change evolves. Should it suddenly be in leaps and bounds one should suspect pretence. Richardson Mzaidume’s take was reactive, full of denialism and insensitive. Yet I have known him to be a rational thinker.
I do not write as a referee nor as a know-it-all, but as a player, having a say in what we should participate in to find answers to the pressing questions of our challenging times.
Benjamin Seitisho
Phuthaditjhaba