Watch this space: Julius Malema will make his return to ANC

THERE are some people who think that I’m an ultra-critical and controversial political analyst. On the other hand, there are those who believe my analysis to be both distinctive and unpredictable. For the record, it is the duty of an analyst to offer an analysis that is critical, constructive and scholastic.

When Julius Malema was expelled from the ANC in April last year, I wrote a predictive opinion piece. In that opinion piece, I predicted that Juju would form his own political party after the ANC’s Mangaung conference. I also expressed the same analytical opinion on various radio stations.

As expected, some people reacted angrily to that analysis. They dismissed it as a “wishful prophecy”. My message was short and simple: Time will tell.

Early this year, Malema publicly announced that he was forming a new party, the Economic Freedom Fighters. Some curious journalists phoned me and asked: “Elvis, how did you know that Malema would form a political party after the Mangaung conference?”

I have been exploring the revolutionary psychology and strategic political thinking of Malema since 2008. I have come to realise that he is not capable of surviving outside the political tutelage and protection of the ANC.

The norms, values and traditions of the ANC are permanently ingrained in Malema’s thinking and consciousness. Malema’s militant radicalism was inspired by the critical role played by the founders of the ANC Youth League.

Before his expulsion, Juju conducted himself like an untouchable political god. He falsely believed that the ANC would always protect, defend and worship him in all occasions and at all times.

While he was still in the ANC, Juju misbehaved because he thought the ANC would never abandon or destroy its own product, and it is undeniably true that Malema is a living product of the ANC’s strengths and weaknesses. In classic terms, he represents both the good and the bad of the ANC.

Juju was never prepared for any kind of political life outside the ANC. He was fed, clothed and comforted by the ANC throughout his life. Juju formed the EFF just because he was no longer welcome in the ANC. That explains why EFF policies are so similar to the ANC’s Freedom Charter and economic policy documents.

I think and believe that Juju formed his party just to spite and antagonise President Jacob Zuma. Juju hates Zuma in as much as he loves and adores the ANC.

I am fully convinced that there are ongoing secret plans to lure Malema back into the ANC. The provincial executive committee member of Gauteng ANC, Panyaza Lesufi recently said: “the ANC still needs Malema”.

Juju’s life has always been defined by the struggles, victories and politics of the ruling party. We should prepare ourselves for the impending reconciliation between the ANC and Juju and that will definitely happen after next year’s general elections.

Elvis Masoga

Political Analyst