Trump and Malema are more similar than they would like to admit
EFF leader Julius Malema. Photo: X
The
What Trump probably intended as a damning exposé of societal ills in South Africa inadvertently illuminated the bemusing congruence between himself and the very figure he sought to condemn. Despite occupying vastly different ideological poles, Trump and Malema are, in essence, two sides of the same political coin: larger-than-life figures who wield hyperbole and spectacle to bend public discourse to their will.
Trump built his brand on disrupting norms, lambasting elites, and speaking in a vernacular that resonated with a segment of the American populace feeling unheard. His rallies are choreographed performances, his pronouncements often designed more for shock value and media capture than for precise policy articulation.
Malema, too, is a showman par excellence. From his early days as a firebrand youth leader in the ANC to his role as the self-styled 'commander-in-chief' of the EFF, Malema has consistently pushed boundaries, employing confrontational rhetoric that electrifies his base and forces opponents to react. He thrives on controversy, using provocative statements and symbolic gestures, such as the controversial 'Kill the Boer' chant, to rally support for his vision of radical economic transformation and social justice. Malema is '
The core of their shared political artistry lies in their strategic deployment of hyperbole. For Trump, every challenge is a 'witch hunt,' every unfavorable media report 'fake news' and every policy critique an existential threat to the nation. This exaggerated language simplifies complex realities into digestible narratives of victimhood and heroism, positioning himself as the sole defender against perceived adversaries.
Similarly, Malema employs stark, often revolutionary, language to frame South Africa's systemic inequalities as a direct continuation of colonial and apartheid injustices, demanding radical solutions like land expropriation without compensation. While
What makes Trump's recent White House stunt so profoundly ironic is that in attempting to expose Malema, he merely exposed his own methods. The 'ambush' of Ramaphosa with a video clip was a calculated act designed to dominate the narrative and assert a particular, unsubstantiated, viewpoint. This is the very essence of both Trump and Malema's political styles: the transformation of political discourse into a dramatic spectacle, where facts are often secondary to emotional impact and media virality. They are both adept at wielding 'alternative facts' and 'dog whistles', using carefully constructed ambiguity to appeal to their base while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability.
This mutual reliance on political theatre, despite their opposing ideological agendas, is a critical lens through which to understand contemporary populist movements worldwide. Whether it is the right-wing nationalism espoused by Trump or the radical left-wing populism championed by Malema, the playbook often involves bypassing traditional political discourse, appealing directly to raw emotion, and manufacturing continuous engagement through engineered controversy. They both thrive on being perceived as 'outsiders' challenging a corrupt system, even when they occupy positions of significant power or influence.
The political world watched Ramaphosa's composed response to Trump's calculated ambush. Yet, the wider public must scrutinise not only the content of such stunts but also the shared theatrical impulses that drive them. When one larger-than-life, stick-it-to-the-man figure attempts to discredit another by highlighting their provocative rhetoric, it is not merely a diplomatic incident; it is a curtain-drawing moment. It reveals the shared DNA of political personalities who understand that in the age of constant information flow, it is often the most audacious, the most hyperbolic, and the most dramatic performance that captures the public imagination, for better or for worse. The true 'genocide' we face might not be of a specific race, but of nuanced debate and factual integrity, orchestrated by those who understand the formidable power of the political stage.
Lindani Zungu is a Mandela Rhodes scholar pursuing a master's in political studies and is the editor-in-chief of the youth-oriented publication, Voices of Mzansi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Middle East tensions could see an increase in SA fuel prices
South African motorists may have to dig deeper into their pockets in July, as another potential fuel price hike looms. Image: Newspress South African motorists may have to dig deeper into their pockets in July, as another potential fuel price hike looms. According to mid-June data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), Petrol 95 is under-recovering by about 47 cents per litre, and Petrol 93 by around 43 cents. Diesel prices are showing larger under-recoveries of approximately 69 and 71 cents per litre for the two types respectively. Illuminating paraffin is also under-recovering by roughly 57 cents per litre. An under-recovery occurs when fuel levies do not fully cover the rising global oil prices and currency fluctuations, resulting in higher pump prices to compensate for the shortfall. These are only projections based on mid-month data and not final figures. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will confirm the official prices just before they take effect in July. The situation is a result of a sharp jump in Brent crude prices because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. The conflict began last week when Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear and military facilities. These strikes resulted in the deaths of the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards and several top nuclear scientists. The situation was made worse when the US joined the war by launching an attack on Iranian nuclear sites with US President Donald Trump saying they had "totally obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said. According to Oxford Economics since the war began Brent crude oil prices spiked by over 10%. Oxford Economics is a "leading global economic advisory firm, providing data-driven insights and forecasts". "The Brent crude oil price spiked by over 10% as the conflict started and remains elevated in the $70-$78 per barrel range at the time of writing, well above pre-escalation levels. "The most severe scenario is a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Around one-third of all seaborne oil passes through this chokepoint, and a shutdown would freeze oil exports from Kuwait and Qatar, and restrict exports from Iraq, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia". [email protected] IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Xi Jinping looks to Africa
During his first term as US president, Donald Trump is remembered for having described African countries in a very derogatory manner. During his current second term in the White House, Trump's legacy has been underscored by much more quagmire – further disregard for global trade treaties and diplomatic relations. Trump has not only squeezed poor and developing nations, through ending American donor funding of good causes in the sphere of health and research, he has punished Africa with stringent trade tariffs – an act of desperation to earn respect. Amid all the Trump madness, Africa is rejoicing at a positive outcome of another quiet revolution is taking place – led by China in its quest to reposition Africa's economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently announced a zero-tariff regime to benefit all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with the world's second largest economy – a development sending a sobering message to Trump on how best to treat Africa. Presidents Xi and his Republic of Congo counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso, respectively sent congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) - extending warm congratulations to the convening of the meeting. Xi pointed out that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has strongly driven the flourishing development of China-Africa cooperation – becoming a model for solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. Xi recalled that in September last year, at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, he and African leaders unanimously agreed to jointly advance modernisation that is just and equitable, open, a win-win and an eco-friendly development. Underpinning Xi's message is putting people first - featuring diversity and inclusiveness. This, said Xi, was based on peace and security - taking 10 partnership actions, steering China-Africa relations into a new stage of building an all-weather China-Africa community, with a shared future for the new era. The concerted efforts of both sides, with the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit, having already yielded several encouraging results. Much more is awaited. The two sides have also reached a consensus on organising the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, with Xi having expressed the belief that this would inject new vitality into China-Africa friendly cooperation. In his congratulatory letter, Sassou Nguesso said that since the convening of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Africa-China strategic and practical cooperation, has yielded fruitful results. The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators has coincided with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. Sassou Nguesso pledged to make all-out efforts and work unwaveringly with Xi to make greater progress in building an Africa-China community, with a shared future – enhancing the well-being of people on both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo has pledged to work with China and other Global South countries, strengthening: cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Jointly building a multipolar world - free from unilateralism and protectionism. Ushering a new era of universally beneficial and inclusive globalization. 'We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South, represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism,' read part of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. Added the declaration: We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic, bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.' Nguesso said. This is commendable indeed – a lesson for Trump and his allies, on building lasting cooperation, healthy trade relations and forging world peace.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Can Floyd Shivambu lead a new party? Critics say he's too ‘weak' to tackle South Africa's problems
Despite his bold push to launch a new political party, Floyd Shivambu faces criticism over his inability to solve pressing issues during his time with the EFF and MK Party. Image: Facebook / MK Party Although many critics believe former uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu is 'too weak' and does not have what it takes to lead a political party, one political analyst argues he should not be underestimated. Shivambu, who was recently removed from the MK Party's parliamentary list and demoted from his post as secretary-general, held a press briefing last week, outlining his plans for a nationwide consultation process. He said he intends to engage with church leaders and community stakeholders to determine whether there is support for establishing a new political party. IOL News previously reported that Shivambu's announcement followed a report indicating the MK Party had excluded him from its list of Members of Parliament. However, Shivambu publicly criticised the move. In a surprising twist, the MK Party cited Shivambu's unauthorised visit to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi as a breach of party protocol, which they claimed led to his removal. However, Shivambu dismissed the explanation, alleging that he was sidelined for questioning the alleged embezzlement of R7 million in party funds. 'I was redeployed for daring to speak out against corruption within the party,' Shivambu said during the briefing. 'Despite this, I remain committed to serving the people and will not leave the MK Party. I am exploring the possibility of forming a new political entity that reflects our shared values.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He added that his motivation stems from a desire to promote transparency and accountability in South African politics. Critics argue that he lacks the political clout to lead a new movement, especially given his prior roles in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the deputy president and secretary general in the MK Party, during which he was accused of failing to address the country's major challenges. 'I don't think Shivambu has what it takes to lead a political movement and address the challenges facing the country, because he failed to do so in the EFF and MK Party. He's not going to make it, he's too weak to lead a party, I think he should just join other parties instead…,' said Magret Mashita from Mokopane, in Limpopo. Meanwhile, political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said Shivambu should not be underestimated. 'If Floyd has the funds to start and register a party with the IEC, just like Hlaudi Motsoeneng, Duduzane Zuma, and many others did - so can he,' Ntombela told IOL News. 'Floyd cannot be as weak as some claim. He's entering a space that many - strong and weak, have fallen into...' Shivambu recently posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that 10,000 people had volunteered to be part of the consultation process for the potential formation of the new party. Asked if this signals genuine grassroots momentum or simply early-stage enthusiasm remains to be seen, Ntombela said, 'I would lean more toward premature excitement.' 'Ten thousand doesn't come close to the number of votes needed to secure a parliamentary seat. And of those 10,000, how many will stick around when Floyd makes a mistake? If the ANC, a legacy party, has just over 1.4 million members in a country of 63 million, that should tell you how hard it is to earn support.' According to Ntombela, there will always be a need for new parties in the country. 'The real question is: what's novel about the new party? What change is it offering? Can it distinguish itself from the ANC and DA?' He also warned against expecting transformation from familiar political figures. 'If the leader comes from the ANC or DA, it would be foolish to expect anything different.' Responding to criticism on whether Shivambu can realistically win public support, especially considering his track record with the EFF and MK Party, Ntombela expressed skepticism. 'He can be hopeful, but it will be difficult to find a unique political niche.' 'The ANC rides on legacy. The DA is seen as predominantly white. The EFF appeals to the youth. MK and the IFP are rooted in Zulu identity and their founding leaders. None of these parties command overwhelming cross-racial support. Floyd's options are limited.'
