Malema: principle sacrificed on the alter of egoism
In dropping three of the four charges laid against ANCYL president Julius Malema, and pursuing only the fact that he did not show the appropriate respect for his President, the ANC has made it clear that democratic principles such as freedom of expression, the rule of law and democracy count for nothing when compared to deference and obsequiousness, in which the ruling party clearly places a far greater emphasis (see here).
Consider the principles that underpin the three charges dropped: with regard to endorsing Robert Mugabe - best democratic practice; in berating and expelling a journalist - freedom of expression; and in singing Dubul' iBhunu - the rule of law. All three of these charges were dropped. In turn, all three of those violations have effectively been sanctioned, without consequence or repercussion.
The sole charge remaining concerned an entirely superficial remark about President Zuma. Critically though, it went straight to the President's ego. And so, never mind the rule of law, never mind freedom of expression, it had to be dealt with. Because there is one thing a nationalist party cannot survive without, and that is deference towards its leaders. In doing so, the ANC sacrificed democratic principle on the alter of egoism, to the detriment of its own reputation.
Indeed, the ANC's actions are, if anything, deeply ironic. One of the charges revolved around the unequivocal public defamation of a BBC journalist, in which he was called a ‘bastard' and a ‘bloody agent' among other things on international television. That charge was dismissed. But the merest slight against Jacob Zuma - a comment which is no more an assault on the freedom of expression than a feather is likely to inflict a deadly wound - was responded to as the very height of unacceptable behaviour.
One wonders what the disciplinary committee would have made of the Free State ANC Youth League member's suggestion that Jonathan Jansen be shot and killed? No doubt it pales in comparison to the bruise Jacob's Zuma ego was dealt by Malema's comments.
As everything with the ANC there are two sets of rules: one for the public, and one for its own members. That is the legacy the ANC sets about entrenching everyday. Its duplicity will also be its downfall. In the meantime, the South African public will do well to go elsewhere for guidance when it comes to democratic principles and values. And certainly, in another direction entirely, if it accountability they are after.
As for who holds sway in the ruling party, this hearing constitutes further evidence that it is certainly not Jacob Zuma; if anything, Julius Malema enjoys the support of a substantial constituency which no one seems willing to cross. Thus expediency, compromise and appeasement are how it arrives at decisions and good leadership is nothing more than and idea to which its various demagogues occasionally allude.
Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho, MPL, Democratic Alliance Youth national spokesperson, May 12 2010
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