Controversial African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema made news headlines again this week — this time over his comment on Wednesday that the ANC would campaign in Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s backyard and even recruit his children to join the ANC. The IFP Youth Brigade responded heatedly, saying Malema’s comments are an “unforgivable insult” to Buthelezi and that the reaction from the party “will not be mild”. The Mail & Guardian Online took to the streets in Johannesburg on Friday to find out what the youth really think of the ANCYL leader.
Akona Mtinstsilana (23), works in retail industry
“Campaign space is not something people should fight over; voters must be allowed to make up their minds. I also think traditional loyalty would not overpower service delivery.”
(Oupa Nkosi)
Beatrice Ralfe (25), curator
“I can’t believe this guy runs our youth league. I find it offensive and appalling that he gets so much recognition in the media — he should be completely ignored. I definitely don’t see him as a youth leader.”
(Oupa Nkosi)
Lebohang Chauke (21), fashion designer
“I think he is an embarrassment to the youth. He does not really represent the youth — he creates an irrational picture of us with outbursts like ‘We’ll kill for Zuma’, when not all of us are like that. Malema is an airhead with too much power and that’s dangerous.”
(Oupa Nkosi)
Mary Robertson (28), music history lecturer
“Julius Malema absolutely doesn’t represent me. The IEC should have reprimanded the IFP because they are supposed to create a suitable environment for elections.”
(Oupa Nkosi)
Sthembile Nxumalo (21), media student
A media student from Soweto, Sthembile doesn’t “care much about the IFP either”. She believes “they can’t don’t do anything for you unless you are from KZN”. She says both the ANCYL and IFP Youth Brigade “are diverting from the real issues young people are facing in their everyday lives”.
(Oupa Nkosi)
Zama Madondo (18), student
“[Thulasizwe] Buthelezi is killing democracy. Just because KZN has many IFP supporters doesn’t mean that the ANC cannot campaign there. In fact, the IFP is violating human rights. This is not a dictatorship; they should allow for free and fair campaigning and see how the elections play out.”
(Oupa Nkosi)
Nkosinathi Mbele (23), construction worker
“It is bad that innocent people are always the ones fighting and dying, but the few politicians are always the ones getting the benefits and all the money.”
(Oupa Nkosi)