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== Education ==
== Education ==


His school career was undistinguished and he failed two high school grades<ref name="Pillay2008-06-18" /> as well as several subjects in his final secondary school examination. His highest mark attained at school was reported as a "C" for second language English and his lowest marks were published as an "H" (sub 25%) in maths and a "G" (sub 20%) in [[woodwork]], all in the standard grade.<ref name="Maseko2008-10-24">{{cite news | last = Maseko | first = Nomsa | date = 24 October 2008 | title = Malema matriculates at 21 | work = Eyewitness News | url = http://ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=221 | accessdate = 3 November 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Maughan2008-10-24">{{cite news | last1 = Maughan | first1 = Karyn | last2 = Serrao | first2 = Angelique | date = 24 October 2008 | title = Malema's grim report card is 'real' | work = [[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] | location = [[South Africa]] | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081024054110671C920927 | accessdate = 3 November 2009 }}</ref> He said he won R1000 in a high school debating competition.<ref name="Radio7022009-03-119:20">[[Radio 702]], 9:20am, 11 March 2009</ref> He eventually finished high school at age 21.<ref name="Maseko2008-10-24" />
His school career was undistinguished and he failed two high school grades<ref name="Pillay2008-06-18" /> as well as several subjects in his final secondary school examination. His highest mark attained at school was reported as a "C" for second language English and his lowest marks were published as an "H" (sub 25%) in maths and a "G" (sub 20%) in [[woodwork]], all in the standard grade.<ref name="Maseko2008-10-24">{{cite news | last = Maseko | first = Nomsa | date = 24 October 2008 | title = Malema matriculates at 21 | work = Eyewitness News | url = http://ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=221 | accessdate = 3 November 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Maughan2008-10-24">{{cite news | last1 = Maughan | first1 = Karyn | last2 = Serrao | first2 = Angelique | date = 24 October 2008 | title = Malema's grim report card is 'real' | work = [[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] | location = [[South Africa]] | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081024054110671C920927 | accessdate = 3 November 2009 }}</ref> He said he won R1000 in a high school debating competition.<ref name="Radio7022009-03-119:20">[[Radio 702]], 9:20am, 11 March 2009</ref> He eventually finished high school at age 21.<ref name="Maseko2008-10-24" /> In other words, Malema is an idiot with a double-digit IQ - a worthy candidate for hyper-speed/acceleration or chemical warfare testing.


== Recent political career ==
== Recent political career ==

Revision as of 08:52, 10 November 2009

Julius Sello Malema (born 3 March 1981, in Seshego) is a South African politician, and the president of the African National Congress Youth League. He is best known for his controversial statements and speeches, and vociferous support for African National Congress president Jacob Zuma. Other analysis depicts him as an orator and leader, with a broad appeal in the young electorate.[1]

Early life and career

Malema, a Pedi, was raised by a single mother, a domestic worker in Seshego township, Limpopo.[2][3] According to varying reports he joined the Masupatsela ("Trailblazers") pioneer movement of the African National Congress at age nine,[3] age ten[2] or age 14,[4] where, according to Malema, their main task was to remove National Party posters placed outside police stations.[3] Most reports agree that he was receiving military training by the age of 14, which is when he joined the ANC Youth League; according to Malema himself he was receiving training in the handling of firearms by age 13.[3]

Education

His school career was undistinguished and he failed two high school grades[2] as well as several subjects in his final secondary school examination. His highest mark attained at school was reported as a "C" for second language English and his lowest marks were published as an "H" (sub 25%) in maths and a "G" (sub 20%) in woodwork, all in the standard grade.[5][6] He said he won R1000 in a high school debating competition.[7] He eventually finished high school at age 21.[5] In other words, Malema is an idiot with a double-digit IQ - a worthy candidate for hyper-speed/acceleration or chemical warfare testing.

Recent political career

Malema was elected as both chairman of the Youth League branch in Seshego and the regional chairman in 1995. In 1997 he became the chairman of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) for the Limpopo province, and was elected as the national president of that organisation in 2001.[8]

Malema was elected as the president of the ANC Youth League in April 2008, in a close race at a national conference held in Bloemfontein.[9] The election – and the conference – were characterised by what Malema himself later described as "unbecoming conduct".[10] Allegations of irregularities in the polling procedure saw the conference adjourned shortly after the election results were announced.[11] It was resumed only in late June, when Malema's election was officially accepted.[12]

He said he will go to parliament only when he is "a shiny polished diamond."[13]

He was "booted" out of Port Elizabeth's Dora Nginza Hospital after the head of the hospital spotted him and 20 other ANC members campaigning in the wards for the April 2009 election.[14]

Malema told students at Walter Sisulu University, in East London, that his role in making controversial statements was that of a decoy, to “distract” the opposition while Zuma “sprinted to the Union Buildings”.[15]

Depiction in mainstream media

Malema is known for his controversial statements and has become a frequent target for lampooning. Cartoonists Zapiro and Jeremy Nell frequently draw him dressed in diapers.[16][17]

Controversial statements

Support for political leaders under criminal investigation

He has expressed vociferous support for both Winnie Madikizela-Mandela[18] and Jacob Zuma.[19][20][21] In an address to a Youth Day rally in Thaba Nchu, where Zuma was in attendance, Malema said, "Let us make it clear now: we are prepared to die for Zuma. Not only that, we are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma."

The remark drew widespread condemnation and complaints. The ANC partially distanced itself from the statement the following day,[22] former Archbishop Desmond Tutu called on Malema to apologise,[23] and complaints were laid with the South African Human Rights Commission by several opposition political parties, the General Council of the Bar of South Africa and individuals.[24] The complaints were settled by an agreement between Malema and the Commission. [25]

Official opposition party the Democratic Alliance said it would continue to insist that Malema be criminally prosecuted, for incitement to commit a crime, despite the agreement.[26][27]

Remarks about women

In January 2009, he suggested to a group of Capetonian students that the woman who accused ANC president Jacob Zuma of rape had a "nice time" with him because in the morning she had "requested breakfast and taxi money".[28] Public and media reaction was severe, Cape Times columnist John Scott suggesting facetiously that Malema be elected to parliament: "Young Julius has views about females that should not just be restricted to university campuses and other platforms where women don't have the right of immediate reply."[29]

Of ritual circumcision, he indicated that this is not the purview of women since "women are not allowed to speak about it."[30]

Statements concerning ANC members

In February 2009, he was criticized by his own party when he mocked Education Minister Naledi Pandor for having what he termed "a fake American accent."[31] He subsequently apologised directly to her after being told to do so by the ANC.[32] He was surprised when his grandmother also called him to complain.[33]

Statements about the University of Cape Town

He said to students at UCT, a university that was at the forefront of the anti-apartheid movement, that when Jacob Zuma comes to power, UCT lecturers and managers will be replaced since they are "counter-revolutionaries".[34]

Comments about whites

He indicated he wanted "apartheid agents" (whites) purged from administrative positions.[35]

After his court appearance to face charges of hate speech brought up by the Sonke gender equality organization he said "The black faces you see in front. Those are not real faces, they represent the whites who are opposed to African leadership."[36]


The land in South Africa has been stolen from its people, ANC Youth League president Julius Malema said on Friday the 23 of October 2009.

"At the negotiations pre-1999, they said to us that for them to agree we must accept the willing buyer-willing seller idea," he told the annual conference of the Black Management Forum at Midrand.

"But now we must say we can't buy the land from you because you stole it from us," he said to laughter from conference delegates.

Malema said political freedom meant nothing if the people did not control the means of production.

"The means of production are still in the hands of white males — not even females."

He said this did not mean whites would be driven into the sea.

"We must live together in harmony, but whites must open up a place and let us participate. They must allow us to be equal partners."

Malema also had a message for whites leaving the country:

"Don't leave before you transfer your skills."

He said freedom should not be reduced to satisfying service delivery demands or changing street names.

"We didn't fight to change the names of the streets. We fought to control the economy of this country."

Comments regarding opposition parties

COPE

In January 2009, Malema accused new opposition party COPE of wanting to "sell" the "country to British colonialists". Media reports noted that the remarks echoed similar sentiments expressed by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.[18]

In late February 2009 he said that many members of COPE were returning to the ANC because they were "surprised by COPE's arrangement of leadership for hire", referring to COPE's presidential candidate, Mvume Dandala. Malema stated COPE had chosen Dandala since they could not find any "moral" leaders in their party; he accused Zille of using "old apartheid tactics" when the DA leader had threatened to go to the Constitutional Court to prevent Zuma from becoming president. He criticised her for attempting to deny voters a choice between Zuma and other candidates, stating she was afraid of facing Zuma at the polls: "Zille is afraid of JZ [Zuma] and she is using a coward approach [by threatening to go to the Constitutional Court]. This is old apartheid tactics. When we say that people like Zille represent...the apartheid system, colonisers and are backward, we mean this. When they can't defeat them [opponents], they must arrest them and lock them up".[20]

Inkatha

In February 2009, he fired latent hostility between the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party by announcing that he would take the ruling party's 2009 election campaign not only to Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, but to the very backyard and house of IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, in a bid to convert his own children. The following day there was a firm response from the IFP Youth Brigade, challenging Malema to carry out his promise.[citation needed]

Later that night, Buthelezi himself put out a statement evincing his "extreme condemnation" of Malema's "derogatory" palaver, which was "contrary to the tenor in which we, as political opponents, contest elections in the spirit of our constitutional democracy".[37]

Buthelezi also echoed the oft-conveyed thoughts of others about Malema's political nescience:

It is clear that Mr Malema, who is still at an age younger than the number of years I have served my country, does not understand the unspoken rules of politics."[37]

Malema's comments were later described as "unfortunate" by the ANC who said that they "affirmed their respect for Buthelezi".[38]

He later indicated he respected, but did not fear Buthelezi.[39] He considers Inkatha only a "Mickey Mouse," "cultural" organisation, not a political party.[40]

Democratic Alliance

He has called Helen Zille, the female DA leader, an "apartheid spy",[41] a "racist, colonialist and imperialist", and a "little racist girl", despite Helen Zille having had very strong involvement in the Black Sash and other anti-apartheid movements.[33]

He also said the role of her deputy and DA chairperson, Joe Seremane, was "to smile at the madam."[42]

Helen Zille hit back by describing Malema as an "inkwenkwe", a derogatory Xhosa word referring to an uncircumcised boy.[43]

Malema is, in fact, uncircumcised[43] despite circumcision being a rite of passage in Pedi culture as well. Zille later qualified her "inkwenkwe" remark by stating that she used it because Malema "was insulting Joe Seremane, who is older than him. An inkwenkwe can't insult an ixhego [an elder], and that is the context in which I referred to him as that." She described Malema as "rude and disgusting", saying, "I am sick of this rude boy. He must go get a proper job."[20]

On the Redi Direko radio talk show, he offered to debate Zille.[44]

He has called the DA Youth Wing "Zille's garden boys."[42]

UDM

He said United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa was an "apartheid general".[45]

Opinions on the economy

Malema has opined on Jacob Zuma's understanding of the economy, saying that it amounted to "put a bread on the table (sic), we don't want sophistication".[46]

Zuma's education: Malema once said, "Educated or not educated, Zuma will be our President. You dont have to be educated to be a president". Reportedly the opinion was shared with MEC of education of Gauteng Province (currently president Of ANC Womens League)[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "Malema's appeal". fin24. 2 November 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  2. ^ a b c Pillay, Verashni (18 June 2008). "One-on-One with Julius Malema". News24. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d Makatile, Don (5 May 2008). "Child Soldier ... to Politician". Sowetan. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  4. ^ Matlala, Alex (6 March 2008). "Malema boost as ancyl head". Sowetan. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  5. ^ a b Maseko, Nomsa (24 October 2008). "Malema matriculates at 21". Eyewitness News. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  6. ^ Maughan, Karyn; Serrao, Angelique (24 October 2008). "Malema's grim report card is 'real'". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  7. ^ Radio 702, 9:20am, 11 March 2009
  8. ^ Mhlana, Zodidi (28 June 2008). "Leaders of the pack". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  9. ^ "Malema elected as new ANCYL leader". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  10. ^ "Malema slates ANCYL 'thugs'". News24. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  11. ^ Pillay, Verashni (7 April 2008). "ANCYL spat over poll process". News24. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  12. ^ Mkhwanazi, Siyabonga (29 June 2008). "No bare buttocks at ANCYL summit part 2". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  13. ^ Radio 702, 9:55am, 11 March 2009
  14. ^ du Plessis, Carien (17 April 2009). "Malema booted from hospital". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  15. ^ Ncana, Nkululeko (1 September 2009). "Malema says he was decoy for ANC". The Times. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  16. ^ Zapiro (21 November 2008). "Zapiro for November 21, 2008". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  17. ^ Nell, Jeremy (6 July 2009). "Mon 06 Jul 09". JeremyNell.com. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  18. ^ a b Lubabalo, Ngcukana (10 January 2009). "Malema says Cope selling SA to Britain". Daily Dispatch. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  19. ^ Msomi, S'Thembiso (1 September 2009). "'We are willing to kill if Zuma is tried'". The Times. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  20. ^ a b c Mbanjwa, Xolani (25 February 2009). "Malema is rude and disgusting – Zille". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  21. ^ Bearak, Barry (10 March 2009). "Waiting to Helm South Africa: President or Convict? Or Both?". New York Times. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  22. ^ Derby, Ron (17 June 2008). "ANC Distances Itself From Zuma Supporters' Threats of Violence". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  23. ^ Plaut, Martin (17 June 2008). "Tutu condemns 'Kill for Zuma' vow". BBC. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  24. ^ "Malema pressured for retraction". Independent Online. South Africa. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  25. ^ "Parties slam Malema's 'secret deal'". Independent Online. South Africa. 4 July 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  26. ^ "DA pressing charges against Malema". Independent Online. South Africa. 3 July 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  27. ^ "DA: Malema has new words, same intentions". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa. 14 July 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  28. ^ Lewis, Esther; Makinana, Andisiwe (23 January 2009). "Malema does it again". Cape Argus. Cape Town, South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  29. ^ Scott, John (27 January 2009). "Malema, Sexwale have news for parly ladies". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  30. ^ Karrim, Qudsiya (14 February 2009). "Motoring with Malema's mouth". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  31. ^ "ANC blasts Malema". News24. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  32. ^ "Malema: I'm sorry". Independent Online. South Africa. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  33. ^ a b Spit, Rianne (14 September 2009). "Malema as you've never heard him before". The Times. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  34. ^ Mtyala, Quinton (16 April 2009). "Malema threatens university". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  35. ^ "Purge apartheid agents - Malema". Independent Online. South Africa. 2 March 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  36. ^ Mohlahlana, Cathy (11 July 2009). "Black faces not real". iAfrica.com. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  37. ^ a b Buthelezi, Mangosuthu (5 February 2009). "Statement by Prince MG Buthelezi MP, Leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party On Statements Made by ANC Youth Leader, Julius Malema". Inkatha Freedom Party. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  38. ^ "ANC says sorry to IFP for Malema". News24. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  39. ^ Radio 702, 9:30am, 11 March 2009
  40. ^ Radio 702, 9:45am, 11 March 2009
  41. ^ Mbanjwa, Bheki (27 March 2009). "Malema: Zille looks like an apartheid spy". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  42. ^ a b Smook, Ella (23 February 2009). "I won't debate Zille's garden boys - Malema". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  43. ^ a b Du Plessis, Carien (24 February 2009). "Malema is not circumcised". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  44. ^ Radio 702, 9:15am, 11 March 2009
  45. ^ Khumalo, Sipho (27 March 2009). "Fiery Malema hits out at all and sundry". Independent Online. South Africa. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  46. ^ Harper, Paddy (2009-02-22). "'We want Zuma, corrupt or not'". The Times. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
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