GARETH VAN ONSELEN: The Malema Moral Washing Machine
To Julius Malema, no person is a person: they are at best an absolute ally; at worst a total enemy, but always a metaphor in a story he is telling
“I am the Creator — of a television show that gives hope and joy and inspiration to millions.” Christof, The Truman Show. Attending a service at the Apostolic Faith Mission River of Life in Soshanguve on January 27, EFF leader Julius Malema casually remarked that, “I was even saying to the pastor that we've forgiven Zuma because of the sermon.” His comment didn’t elicit much attention. But let us dwell on it for a moment. First, it is important to understand that, when it comes to character judgment, Julius Malema is no Sigmund Freud. Instead, the main antagonists in his life, and words, are ascribed those attributes that, rather conveniently, mirror whatever grand conspiratorial fantasy he is presently in the grip of. In this way, former President Thabo Mbeki was put through the “Malema Moral Washing Machine”. He went in, as Malema would describe him in those early days, as a “sophisticated dictator”, coward”, and “snake” — a man who “abuses power” and, he implied, a president gene...
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