Thursday 27 October 2022

The paths of contemporary South Africa

For a generation, the African National Congress has kept black voters in line with the constant refrain of 'We liberated you from apartheid." Now, those who were born after apartheid ended and therefore feel no struggle loyalty grow tired of the party of their parents.

Initially this might sound like a good thing, except that the largest opposition, the Democratic Alliance is broadly seen as only caring for the interests of rich whites.

Which leads to the third option, the Economic Freedom Fighters. By their own description, the EFF are radical Marxists led by Julius Malema, who rose to prominence as the head of the ANC Youth League, before being dismissed from the party when he became too powerful.

Ideologically, the EFF differs little from the ANC, they're just more pure in their zealotry. Malema seeks to expropriate the land "stolen" by whites, nationalise all critical entities within the state, and bring about a centrally planned utopia.

What makes Malema dangerous is that he's a gifted orator who speaks in militaristic terms. His supporters revere him, many willing to do violence in his name. The promises he makes about land and wealth are enticing to those who have little of either and if he comes to power in future, which is by no means impossible, South Africa as it is now will seem like paradise.

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