Photo: News24

ANC youth league president Julius Malema is not one to shy away from the media; however, he never gets in ‘trouble’. For the average Joe paying a fine of more than R500 is expensive-but for Malema R100 000 fines do not impact on his back account. One has to ask who are these friends that constantly keep him out of the mud?

The youth league president is controversial himself, but behind every person is a team of people who build him up to be that, perhaps even protecting him. These people have vested interests in Malema-if he falls so do they. Having powerful friends can make or break you. In South Africa who you know will and can take you places perhaps, even make you president.

Earlier this year the leader was caught in a hate speech trial, some of his elite friends were not shy to come and stand behind him during the trial. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attended all the court proceedings. Friends include ‘sushi king’ Kenny Kunene, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe, Science and Technology deputy minister Derek Hanekom, ANC veteran Wally Serote just to name but a few. Moreover, it is the faceless friends which remain anonyamous that one should worry about.

Last year Malema was ordered to pay R50 000 after making a remark about a woman who took president Zuma to court on the grounds of rape as enjoying it. Funny enough, Malema paid nothing-the fine was paid by an ex-policeman in R100 notes to the people opposing women abuse (POWA).

President Jacob Zuma once called Malema a ‘future ANC president’. Once the seeds are sowed so shall they rise! With such powerful friends; the youth league leader is being polished to be the next ANC president.