Statements made in Zimbabwe at the weekend by the ANCs youth league chairman, Julius Malema, Malema, predictably, came out strongly in favour of Zanu (PF) and condemned and vilified the MDC. He is an office bearer in the same party as Zuma who has been entrusted by the entire region to fulfil the role of even-handed mediator between the parties in the Government of National Unity.
Is what Malema said a true reflection of the ANC position on Zimbabwe or was he speaking out of turn? If the latter, can we expect a statement from the ANC disassociating itself from his comments?
At the time of going to press there was still nothing but deafening silence from the ANC and Zumas office. Are we therefore to infer that the ANCs policy on Zimbabwe has not changed since the days of Thabo Mbeki when the party openly sided with Mugabe and Zanu (PF)?
During his visit, Malema accused the MDC of fanning violence during previous elections he gave no examples, neither did he name any individual perpetrators of this alleged violence.
His pronouncements are contrary to overwhelming evidence that has been gathered, documented and is available from numerous reliable organisations. Violence has been a feature of Zimbabwean elections long before the MDC was formed. And the only common denominator in all reports is Zanu (PF). The victims are always people who dare to oppose Zanu (PF).
Malema praised Mugabe for the chaotic land invasions that have brought misery, poverty and hunger to millions of Zimbabweans. He said he would like South Africans to emulate the Zimbabwean model.
We believe that the ANC leadership is more level-headed than Malema, and sensible enough to know that such action would irrevocably de-stabilise South Africas economy. The resultant employment would undoubtedly lead to massive disaffection towards the ANC and subsequent political turmoil.
Millions of Zimbabweans have sought refuge in South Africa from Mugabes economic mismanagement. South Africans have nowhere else to go.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga