Zuma rebukes Malema over BBC reporter, youth leader defiant

Zuma, who addressed a media conference on Saturday in Durban, said: “We must accord journalists the freedom to do their work unhindered. Should there be a need to take issue with anything that is being reported, it should be done in a manner that promotes frank and open engagement.

“We should engage them professionally and with dignity. The manner in which a BBC journalist was treated at an ANC Youth League press conference is regrettable and unacceptable, regardless of any alleged provocation on his part.”

Certainly there must be consequences for such behaviour, Zuma warned.

Conduct ‘alien' to the ANC

Zuma read from a statement, which the Presidency sent later on to all newsrooms. Even though he did not mention Malema by name, he was clearly referring to the populist youth leader, whose conduct he said was ‘alien' to the ANC.

Raymond Louw, veteran editor and media rights campaigner, told Bizcommunity.com last night, 11 April 2010: “While the President's statement is unprecedented and quite strong in relation to his previous statements about Malema - or his lack of them - when the man has behaved outrageously, it certainly could have been much tougher and contained actual censure, if not stronger action, directed at Malema by name.”

But surprisingly Malema, who seems to be losing support in his home province Limpopo, was unmoved.

He was quoted by sabcnews.com as saying: “From where I am sitting, I am unshaken. I have done nothing wrong.”

Last night, e.tv news also showed Malema saying: “I was shocked to be addressed in the manner in which it happened on TV last night [Saturday].

“But I know what happened to Peter Mokaba. I have seen Peter Mokaba dying after working hard for so many people who were in leadership at that time.

“Even if it happens to me, there is no problem. That is politics.”

Why the Mokaba reference?

However, it remains unclear why he was referring to the death of Mokaba, an ANC Youth League fierce leader. But whatever the meaning on his reference to Mokaba's death, this statement is highly likely to anger his bosses at Luthuli House (ANC headquarters).

Zuma's rare public rebuke on Malema has surprised many analysts who continue to criticise the president for being ‘dormant' and ‘lacking verve' to effectively manage the ANC's internal power struggles and alliance's crisis, and to rein in Malema.

Louw said Malema's swearing at the reporter was simply beyond the pale and cannot be justified in any possible way.

“The reporter's conduct was totally in keeping with normal practice at such conferences which can be robust affairs.

“Malema had made an untenable assertion about MDC conduct and the reporter interjected appropriately with a timely question which, it is clear, by Malema's response, he could not answer,” he said.

Malevolence towards media

He also said Malema appears to have a deep antipathy towards the media and he has given no sound reasons for this.

“Indeed instead of cogent reasons for criticising the media we are constantly affronted by intemperate and abusive language and outrageous accusations with no basis in fact.

“I draw a conclusion that racism is a strong motivating factor and also an attempt to distract public attention from the disclosures about his ‘tenderpreneuring' and other commercial activities that have made in the media to his embarrassment.

“One hopes that disciplinary action will be taken against Malema and soon and in a much more determined manner than ‘as the organisation deems
fit'.