JOHANNESBURG - Penuel Mlotshwa, the charismatic and opinionated YouTube content creator, has once again ignited a firestorm of controversy with his scathing critique of Julius Malema and Elon Musk, while also extending congratulations to the EFF and MacG.
Penuel The Black Pen, Mlotshwa took no prisoners as he unleashed a barrage of pointed criticisms towards Julius Malema, the outspoken and polarizing leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Known for his unwavering stance on social justice and economic equality, Malema has been both revered and reviled in South Africa's political landscape.
Mlotshwa, once an ardent supporter of Malema, expressed his disillusionment with the charismatic leader, who he had admired since Malema's days in the ANC Youth League. The content creator labeled him a "brave, vocal, young lion" who once shook the political landscape in unimaginable ways. But that admiration has waned over time as Mlotshwa witnessed what he perceives as Malema's flip-flopping on critical issues and his willingness to do business with wealthy white individuals behind closed doors.
"I'd argue that he inspired many young leaders like myself, & many others... & reminded us that the fight was bigger than worshipping ANC elders," Mlotshwa commented in the video. "But we cannot respect elders who are disrespecting the fight for the true liberation of poor, black South Africans & all South Africans in general."
As a former EFF supporter who voted for the party in the 2019 national elections, Mlotshwa expressed his disappointment with the current state of the party. He criticized the EFF's call for open borders and accused the leadership of being capitalist hypocrites who pretend to be communists and socialists for votes and hype.
- I currently don't support the call for open borders.
- I think the leadership are capitalist hypocrites, who pretend to be communists/socialists for votes & hype.
Julius flip-flopped with Jacob Zuma. - Julius flip-flopped with Thabo Mbeki.
Julius flip-flopped with Cyril Ramaphosa. - Julius comes across as having issues with whites but happily does business with them behind closed doors.
Julius, on a radio show, articulated that the EFF is a pacifier for the poor, black masses so they don't attack the well-off, like himself & rich white people.
The VBS links obviously weren't too great, & I can imagine there are more scandals, as with most other politicians.
Julius is pushing his African leadership career, regardless of whether it doesn't put South Africans first.
"Julius, like Gayton McKenzie, loves power... almost at all costs," Mlotshwa asserted.
"He lost Andile Mngxitama. He lost Mandisa Mashego. And I'm sure others as well. Nothing wrong with clashing ideologies, but some of the people he lost stand for causes that he flip-flops on... land, women's rights, nationalization, homosexuality, etc."
The content creator did, however, have praise for some EFF members, including Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Floyd Shivambu, and Mam' Khawula, whom he described as providing "amazing leadership, and inclusive leadership." But even Ndlozi, known for his sharp wit and eloquence, was not spared criticism when he attacked Bill Gates for being a school dropout.
Adding further weight to his critique, Mlotshwa also raised concerns about the EFF's links to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, among other potential scandals he believes may exist within the party's ranks. He questioned whether the EFF is genuinely putting the interests of South Africans first, or if Malema's pursuit of an African leadership career takes precedence.
In a polarizing moment during the video, Mlotshwa touched on the controversial chant/song "Dubul' iBhunu" (Shoot the Boer), which resurfaced at the EFF's 10-year celebration. He voiced his personal views on the matter, expressing concern about its polarizing nature and potential to escalate racial tension.
Amidst his critical analysis of Malema, Mlotshwa also turned his attention to another prominent figure – Elon Musk. The tech mogul and billionaire entrepreneur, who recently made headlines as the new owner of Twitter/X, has been a symbol of innovation and ingenuity on a global scale.
"Julius Malema pretends like he doesn't know Elon Musk, the wealthiest man on earth," Mlotshwa said with a hint of sarcasm. "The new owner of Twitter/X. The man who championed Paypal, Space X, Tesla, etc."
Mlotshwa further commented on Malema's knack for entertaining his supporters and deflecting criticism. "All to entertain ignorant supporters to believe Julius doesn't acknowledge anyone who doesn't support him, regardless of their profile.
It's lame, but it gets the people going. He pretended like he didn't know Nhlanhla Lux at some point. But then again, he's a politician. An actor. And he's brilliant at it. One of the best we've had in SA... he plays the game so well."
But Mlotshwa isn't one to be swayed by political theatrics. He sees through the theatrics and the pandering to the "peanut gallery" that laps up the EFF's rhetoric with no substantive basis. He emphasized the importance of substance over entertainment in the political landscape.
On Julius Malema, Elon Musk& Penuel The Black Pen
— Penuel The Black Pen (@GodPenuel) August 3, 2023
Written by Penuel Mlotshwa
03 August 2023
I've been a huge fan of Julius Malema... since his ANC Youth League days... a brave, vocal, young lion who shook the political landscape in unimaginable ways!
I'd argue that he inspired…
"I don't need Julius Malema to acknowledge me or my podcast. I'm a mafikizolo that still needs to earn his keep," Mlotshwa declared, dismissing any need for recognition from the controversial leader.
He also addressed the contentious issue of the "Dubul' iBhunu" song, acknowledging that it holds a significant historical context from the struggle days. Mlotshwa shared his hope that Malema would take the opportunity to educate Elon Musk and his followers about its significance and how it could potentially benefit the EFF and South Africans as a whole.
