Factional fighting in the ANC has put Zuma at odds with Malema, who analysts and party sources say is seeking to oust the president ahead of internal elections scheduled for the second half of 2012.
“We don’t think Malema is in charge. He is not. The ANC is in charge in terms of the country. The government of this country is in charge. It’s as clear as that,” Zuma said at a business breakfast in Johannesburg.
Malema, who wants to nationalize mines in the world’s largest platinum producer and seize white-owned farmland, was instrumental in Zuma’s rise to power but has switched allegiance as his radical policy agenda has fallen on deaf ears.
The 30-year-old who once said he would “kill” for Zuma is now facing an ANC disciplinary hearing on charges of bringing the former liberation movement into disrepute.
The hearings, which started at the end of August, resume at the end of this week. If found guilty, Malema could be suspended or expelled from the party.
Malema, who comes from an impoverished background, has the support of millions of young black South Africans who still live in poverty and have little prospect of securing a job.
He argues that nationalising mines will improve the lives of the poor. Economists say the cost would bankrupt the government.
ANC insiders say Malema is fronting calls from black businessmen who are desperate for the government to buy out struggling mines.
“Julius Malema is not a problem for the ANC,” Zuma said in response to a comment that Malema was a loose cannon. “We have controlled Malema all the time. When we felt he was getting out of control, we have taken action.”
Malema’s calls to take over mines have unnerved investors who will be watching an ANC policy conference in the first half of 2012 at which the Youth League will present a feasibility study on nationalization.
Zuma maintains that open debate within the ruling party about social and economic issues cannot be stifled, and all views should be aired, no matter how controversial.
Mid-way through his five-year term, Zuma, 69, is portrayed as indecisive and better known for his polygamy than policy-making.
Zuma’s approval rate now stands at 45 percent down from 52 percent in April 2009 shortly after he took office, a poll released on Monday by TNS Survey Results of about 2,000 people in seven big cities showed.
“In 2009, President Zuma’s approval levels were good, averaging in the mid-fifties. After a year of volatility during 2010, President Zuma’s approval level for September 2011 shows a slow decline, 45 percent of metro adults approve of the way the President is doing his job, compared with 48 percent in March,” TNS said.
With a year to go before he faces reelection as head of the ANC, Zuma is on a push to clean up his image, launching investigations into a real estate deal involving the chief of police and reopening a probe into a multibillion-dollar arms deal dating back to his time as deputy president.
