Lepeli Moeketsi
“STUPIDITY has now become South Africa’s official ideology” this headline was in the article written in the Sowetan of November 15, 2011 by Andile Mngxitama.
The writer was talking about some pathetic things that black South Africans do when they come into money.
The African National Congress’ suspended youth league leader, Julius Malema, built bunkers under his house.
He also attended a M15 million wedding of a close friend in Mauritius.
There is Kenny Kunene who is now known as the Sushi King for organising opulent parties where models’ bodies are used as “serving” dishes.
Mngxitama came up with that headline for his articles after looking at the shenanigans of some black South Africans.
But I find it proper to apply it in Lesotho as well because it fits well to our current situation.
In our case it applies to the Lesotho Congress for Democracy youth League (LCDYL) which thinks it can it be hypocritical and morally upright at the same time.
They think it is right when they play “aunt” to other people when they flagrantly misbehave in the political arena.
While watching Lesotho Television on Tuesday, I was appalled by the statements made LDC youth league members.
LCDYL said Basotho cannot always resort to demonstrations when there is a national issue.
They argued that demonstrations are dangerous, citing the example of 1998 turmoil which led to damage of national as well as private properties. As a result, those having grievances should opt for dialogue rather than strikes.
On face value their call is noble.
The problem however is that the LCD youth league forgets that no rational person can take to the streets if dialogue has succeeded in dealing with their grievances.
All demonstrations happen in this country because there have been a failure to reach a conclusion which satisfies parties concerned.
Demonstrations are not a hobby but a last resort for people who feel that dialogue has failed to sort out their problems.
In some cases people take to the streets because they want the powers-that-be-to take notice and engage in dialogue.
They march and demonstrate because they fee those in power are not interested in hearing their case or solving their problem.
Demonstrations are normally a result of failed dialogue.
Noble as the youth’s call may sound, it should also be noted that it smacks of hypocrisy and double standards.
The very same LCDYL are the ones who are quick to take to the streets when they have their political issues.
They are in a party that has become popular for internal fights.
They are members of a party that has become notorious for staging marches and demonstrations.
Not long ago the Lija-mollo faction was demonstrating to show their dissatisfaction with the Minister of Science and Technology Mothetjoa Metsing whom they said was a “traitor” who had “sold” their leader to foreigners.
When the same faction lost the case at the High Court, it took to the streets in dissatisfaction in a fight for mere “keys”.
Furthermore in April, the very same faction (LCD youth league backed by the women’s wing) marched to the State House to “show” solidarity with the Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili against the will of the LCD national executive committee which was opposed to the idea of the march. We should also remember that members from the same party besieged marched to the Court of Appeal in October, demanding that a judge recuses himself.
The LCD youths should practice what they preach if they want to be taken seriously as a political force.
They should set example that demonstrations are unnecessary and should be avoided.
I was particularly surprised by that the LCD youth league had the audacity to warn other youths of being used as pawns by political party leaders that want to accomplish hidden agendas.
They were implicitly referring to the National University of Lesotho’s students who marched to the parliament to present their concerns.
Yet we all know that LCD youth members have become useful and willing tools for party’s bigwigs that are involved in a bitter power battle that has torn the ruling party apart.
One can ask on what moral grounds the LCDYL accuses people with genuine issues of being used by politicians.
When the President of LCD youth league Mosala Mojakisane claims the doors are open and they are ready to assist those having grievances by taking them through proper channels, what does he mean? The demonstrators already know why they are demonstrating and they already know to whom they shall take their petition to. They don’t need to go via LCDYL.
Mojakisane and his LCDYL should focus on fostering unity between their party members as well as leadership, not to be so worried about things which don’t concern them.
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