Is Julius Malema a threat to peace and stability for SA?

African National Congress (ANC)  spokesperson Jackson Mthembu  warned any ANC leaders who might be contemplating support of the expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who faces charges of money-laundering by saying "he is too factious and thinks he is everything. He might support a leader now, but he will do a complete about-face within three years,". But the big question here is that; is Malema a threat to peace and stability of this country? One thing for sure is that this man deserves whatever comes his way because of his discourteous behaviour, especially by targeting the President of the nation, Jacob Zuma. Many people do not agree with Zuma's way of ruling the country, but after all I still think that he needs to be treated with respect. Now, it is the time we as the public must start to question about the nature of Malema's motives, whether it is to bring ANC down and its leaders or advocating for people. But, if if it is advocate for people by fighting the corruption endeavours that officials commit every now and then, why now? Julius Malema has failed us as a nation and there is not way he is going to restore his tarnished image to the public. He never cease to amaze, recently he claimed that he is an assassination target and that Zuma wants to kill him. (read more)



NOT AFRAID: Julius Malema claims that he is not
afraid of nonsense or intimidated by anyone.
source: www.timeslive.co.za

What does this reflect back to the media and to the public? To me, it feels like he is the biggest threat to the constitution of South Africa. ANC leaders fear for their lives, because of Malema's convictions. This is like the officials are faced with a dilemma and have no way to walk out or try to let Malema down. So I ask again, can he mobilise support against the state? The irony of his imminent arrest is not lost on the nonpartisan, although allegations of corruption may catapult one to the presidency of the ANC and of the country. While the nonpartisan can be found on both sides of the Malema argument, the partisan come in two varieties. There are those who believe that the president and his lieutenants are using state institutions against political enemies. The second variety does not need evidence of Malema’s guilt. I am of the variety that is convinced that some manipulation of state institutions did occur in the last few years leading up to the installation of Zuma as head of state, dethroning Thabo Mbeki.  Zuma had the capacity to mobilise against the state and his political enemies in the ANC. So, does Malema have the same capacity? We’ll see, what do you think?

Unconstitutional diployment of soldiers in South Africa

The deployment of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) inside the country over the next four months by President Jacob Zuma is unconstitutional. The notice on the deployment was too vague. when the presidency said earlier in the day it had authorised the deployment of soldiers to Marikana, backdated to 14 September, until 31 January next year to help the police fight crime. I mean, military deployment inside South Africa, sounds like Apartheid all over again hence I am saying that, the deployment is simply not in line with the Constitution of South Africa . (read more)



TROOPS ON PARADE: SANDF to be deployed across the country.
Source: www.iafrica.com

Is the President doing this because of the Marikana Massacre? Well, my argument is that, Marikana is stable now, why deploy soldiers after peace agreement was reached or is to prevent Julius Malema to go there? It appears as if the tipping point has been reached in which the momentum of years of ineptitude finally breaks through the thin veneer of civility. Given the projected population growth, the rate of economic development and the crisis in education, it was just a matter of time before the force of the state would be challenged by poverty and inequality. This move by the African National Congress (ANC) is a tacit acknowledgement of their botched attempts at governance,
a loss of administrative control to rampant fraud, the policy failure of cadre deployment, and the inability to develop or govern civil society.
 
With the deployment, in my own opinion I think that the role of PR and communication in this was inform parliament and the general public of the reasons for the deployment of the SANDF. Inform about the locations it would be deployed, the number of members to involved and the period of time the deployment will last. So, it is imperative that the President comply with the Constitution when deploying the defence force. Democratic Alliance (DA) supported the deployment of the SANDF to help when there were "exceptional circumstances" which were beyond the resources of the police. However, we as citizens of this country cannot support the routine deployment of the defence force inside South Africa. This would cause grievance and complaint to people who were once victims of the oppressive apartheid laws. This is a nation where people should live under a safe and free-zone without fear, so these soldiers would complicate so many people's lives. This should not be supported, and South Africans must stand together to fight this. What is your take on the deployment of soldiers to this country by the President? This tells us that the ANC have failed as a government. As this area has become a problem area for Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and ANC support. Are we witnessing an attempt at the restoration of law and order or the intimidation of those trying to organise themselves in opposition to the leadership of the ANC?

Pressure builds up on SA mines

The dethroned African National Congress Youth League leader, Julius Malema addressed thousands of striking mine workers, that the NUM's leaders did not listen to workers' needs and that they are the reason the Makikana massacre occured. Production at the Driefontien gold mine outside Carltonville came to a standstill on Monday, when almost 75% of the workforce went on strike.

They marched to mine management offices and handed over a memorandum of demands which included:

• The removal of the NUM's branch leadership (which was also requested during a sudden strike last week);
• The equalisation of salaries across job categories (an accord for this in principle had been signed); and
• The reinstatement of a number of previously suspended employees

ON TOP OF THE GAME: Malema,
addresses mineworkers, at Rusternburg.
Source: www.iol.co.za

The workers also complained their taxes were too high and demanded a salary of R12 500, echoing the demand of striking workers at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine, near Rustenburg. "It's no secret that President Zuma is being paid to protect the mines. His family trusts are being paid. You can't touch the mines, because Zuma doesn't care about the mine workers. He doesn't care about you. Our leaders are in bed with the capitalists,". I am sure what Malema said has caused a bad perception to the mine workers about the President. As the pressure builds up in South Afrian mines, my question is where does this leave us and our economy?  (read more)
I ask myself if this is the way Malema want to be reinstated if still carries on disrespecting and pointing fingers to the President. Will this make him ressurect and become part of the African National Congress after the expulsion of 5-years from the ANC.
 
How is the government dealing with strikes taking place?




PROPAGANDIST: Julis malema
is a real propagandist who wants
to benefit himself while playing
with people. Source: www.news24.com

The President has described the living and working conditions of Lonmin miners as "terrible", saying that he and the government have the right to criticise the company as it has lagged in its transformation. Answering questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr Zuma said the ANC led government could not be blamed for not delivering housing in the same way as the mining companies could. He said the mines have been operating for centuries in such a manner and there were historical factors to address. (Read more)
Lonmin’s Marikana mine has been in the headlines after protests there turned deadly, living 34 workers dead. This has left so many mineworkers to join forces and stand for what they believe is right for them, the Anglo Platinum workers are also string for the same amount the as the Lomnin's workers. The issue of Marikana has generated a lot of bad publicity, and this where the communication practitioners have to interfere to ease the amount of bad publicity by launching media campaigns that will help balance company's visions and missions so that they keep the reputation and enhance their relationship with their stakeholders, to show that they are still worth of the public support and approval. To maintain a favoured publicity and relationship, techniques of PR should not be abated because they help reshape the company as a brand.