Malema's criticism of Zuma rubbished

EXPELED ANC youth league leader, Julius Malema's recent criticism of South African President Jacob Zuma's mediation in Zimbabwe is a case of sour grapes and an attempt to maintain political relevance in the region, analysts have said.

Malema recently told a local state-owned weekly that Zuma was not a neutral facilitator, accusing him of having strong views against President Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF. But analysts said Malema's comments should not be taken seriously.

Political analyst and social rights activist, Hopewell Gumbo, said whatever criticism Malema had against Zuma would be taken as sour grapes after the youth leader was fired from the ANC.

"This does not however mean Zuma is the perfect mediator," Gumbo said.

"He has more serious flaws than just the hatred of Zanu PF that limits his capacity to bring a speedy resolution to Zimbabwe's over a decade-long crisis. On the contrary, it is his soft gloves dealing with Mugabe, among other factors, that has allowed Zanu-PF to remain adamant."

Gumbo said Zanu PF would continue "dining with Malema" even if this would not change anything, as Zuma's  mediation was just but one of the several ways to resolve Zimbabwe's crisis.

Another political analyst, Joy Mabenge, said it was a pity that the country was being used as a pawn in the feud between Malema and Zuma.

He said it was South Africa as a country which was responsible for mediation efforts in Zimbabwe according to Sadc resolution and not Zuma in his personal capacity.

"It is rather unfortunate that Malema has been reckless in order to discredit Zuma," said Mabenge.

"Zanu-PF is using Malema, who is known to be a loose cannon, so that they can derail and discredit the mediation process and return the country to its old system, where the party will have absolute power."

Malema struck a chord with Zanu PF when he visited the country in 2010 at the invitation of the party. Since then he has been attacking the MDC-T party labelling it an imperialist-funded movement.

Zanu-PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Malema was thrown into political wilderness by the ANC after he was fired for indiscipline and has since found a leeway to remain politically relevant by attacking and soiling Zuma's image.

Despite criticism from Malema and some elements in Zanu-PF, Zuma, the Sadc appointed mediator on Zimbabwe, has stood firm on the need for the country's political parties to implement agreed political and other reforms necessary for the country to hold free and fair elections.