Julius Malema: A Racist or a Nationalist?

Authors

  • Leiyo Singo

Abstract

The rise of Julius Malema in the African National Congress (ANC)/South Africa ' s politics has received different interpretations within and beyond South Africa. First, it is because of his personality as a tricky, opportunistic and firebrand young politician; and secondly because of "uncomfortable" issues he is raising about nationalization of mines and land redistribution which contravene ANC ' s policy. The rise of Malema has not received a serious interrogation as many studies and discussions focus on the person of Malema and not on the issues. This article revisits the development that led to Malema ' s expulsion from ANC; the emergence of the new movement €“ the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the possible consequences of mass (youth) education by Malema to get popular support. It argues that mobilization of the desperate population that is seeking a new path or an alternative to the Neo-liberal policies is vital and therefore political activism is awaited for to spark off the anti-neoliberalism movement.

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Published

2017-02-22

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2014): The African Review

Section

Commentaries

License

Copyright © by Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar es Salaam

 

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The African Review: A Journal of African Politics, Development and International Affairs [ISSN 0856-0056 (Print) & ISSN 1821-889X (Online)] is published bi-annually, June and December by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35042 €“ Dar es Salaam €“ Tanzania