EFF leader Julius Malema has received a lot of praise from controversial radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu, who has given him an olive branch.
The former Ukhozi FM radio presenter expressed these sentiments while addressing the so-called Bhinca nation on Tuesday evening.
He praised Malema, stating that he was on par with struggle stalwarts such as Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Jacob Zuma, and Nelson Mandela, among others.
Malema was misled
“In our lifetime and generation, there is no politician like Malema,” Mchunu said in an address that was streamed on social media.
“There is nothing that he has not said about what needs to be done to emancipate black people.”
He also discussed what set off his argument with Malema ahead of the May 29 general elections, during which he went on the attack, declaring that the leader of the EFF should never set foot in KwaZulu-Natal.
He explained: “He was misled by certain people, which made our relationship extreme. I had to defend myself. But I profusely apologise to the EFF members and their commander in chief.”
Campaigning for the ANC
In order to reach out and offer an olive branch, Mchunu added that he had intended to meet Malema in person.
Mchunu staged his own cultural carnival maskandi event, which was perceived as a ploy to deflect attention from the EFF’s event, while the red berets held their election manifesto in Moses Mabhida, Durban.
It was believed at the time that Mchunu was in the pockets of the ANC.
Addressing that question and his alleged affiliation to the ANC, Mchunu said: “If I was seen massaging any political party, it was a mistake made.
“Alikho isoka elingenasici [no one is perfect]. For that, I apologise.”
It was widely expected that Mchunu would order his forces to back the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Instead, he was seen drumming up support for the ANC.
The Bhinca nation
Particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, the Mchunu-populated Bhinca nation has been gaining traction as key in shaping public opinion and the political landscape.
Social media is used to unite people who identify as Zulus in the shared objective of upholding their culture at all costs and taking the lead in society.
The Bhinca nation is derived from the world ububhinca, a strong culturally inclined group within the AmaZulu nation. It follows the cultural norms of Zulu culture and the king.
The rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal are often the origin of fierce proponents of the movement and lifestyle.
Like a cult, they share a common lifestyle, such as their love for traditional music, mainly the maskandi genre.
They dress expensively in items made popular by the taxi industry, like leather jackets, Omega sandals, and Bentwood trousers, and they share the same belief that they should not adhere to social norms.
