Malema and Zuma in happier times          P. Courtesy

Those who remember Thabo Mbeki’s unceremonious exit from South Africa’s presidency, (what the African National Congress (ANC) branded as Mbeki’s recall) still remember the power behind this disgraceful move: Jacob Zuma (current president) and Julius Malema (former president of ANC youth wing).

Zuma is  now facing his protege turned arch foe,  recently charged for money laundering and corruption. Is this the moment of truth that he who lives by the sword dies by the sword? "We must make sure Jacob Zuma does not become [remain] president of the ANC... Remove him as a president," he says.

In spite of uttering the above, Malema says that he is not fighting Zuma, but rather fighting for economic freedom. "The struggle for economic freedom is in motion and no amount of suppression and intimidation will silence us,” says  Malema.

According to Malema, the South African policy on empowering the people should emulate that of Robert Mugabe. Malema's take is that there won't be true freedom without the majority of South Africans benefiting from their economy which is still in the hands of the white minority. This is why Malema commands more support from youths in South Africans than Zuma.

"As far as a miner living in a shack is concerned, Mr Malema speaks truth to power. When he talks of nationalisation, it gives them the hope that they will see some benefit from the riches of South Africa," One south African analyst, William Gumede, observes. Gumedo goes on saying that it is hard to put Malema in the box thanks to what he says he stands for.

Given the fact that Zuma has power under his disposal and Malema popularity, who will win? Will Zuma’s power save him from Malema’s onslaught built on economic freedom the majority of black South Africans want to hear? Will the debate on economic freedom leave South Africa united or divided? Will Zuma bottle the genie or he will end up being bottled?

By Nkwazi Mhango
A Canada based Tanzanian and author of Saa Ya Ukombozi.