Thank you for your comment.

I would not say Julius Malema epitomises mediocrity, I think that would be an undeserved compliment. All things considered, Julius Malema would do well only to aspire to be mediocre, such is the level of his contribution to our democracy.

What is often mediocre in this regard, however, is the media’s response to Malema – the degree to which his rhetoric (and the rhetoric of those aligned to the ANC and the Youth League) is tolerated and reported on. Any proper interrogation of its substance reveals there is nothing there, only the sensation caused by its outlandishness. But sensation is the staple diet for much of our mainstream media and so the more he says, the more prominence he is given. That is certainly a triumph for mediocrity. Not just with regards to the media, but to the audiences for which it caters. How sad.

Sincerely,

Gareth

Beslis ‘n puik ontleding van die inherente swakhede in die ANC se mondering.

Mens wil nie gedurigdeur sy naam noem nie — hy verdien dit nie — maar is Julius Malema nie die beste eksponent van middelmatigheid in die ANC wat verhef word tot kwaliteit nie? Om te dink hy word deur Jacob Zuma as ‘n leier van formaat beskou!

Ook die aanval op Kader Asmal onlangs toon aan hoe onverdraagsaamheid teenoor kritiek, selfs uit eie geledere, nou alledaags word in die ANC. Soos jy aangedui het in jou artikel, is gebrek aan insig een van die mees ontstellende aspekte wat ‘n samelewing kan bedreig.

Dankie vir die opstel. Dis net jammer dat dit waarskynlik nooit gelees of verstaan sal word deur diesulkes op wie dit die meeste betrekking het nie.

Expose corruption, and give them horns, Gareth. It is necessary for the good of all, and also, it is really appreciated.

Thank you for your kind compliment.

Perhaps self-delusion is mediocrity’s defining trait. One could write at some length on this idea, for its consequences are fairly profound. If something is not self aware it makes any appraisal of its worth impossible. And here the implications are just as significant for those that wish to end mediocrity’s influence as it is for mediocrity itself. Indeed, in a certain kind of way, one almost feels sorry for mediocrity. Like a child battling with an abstract concept mediocrity doesn’t know it is a child and its doesn’t understand excellence. It will never be able to appreciate it although it will argue in child-like fashion that it comprehends it absolutely.

Gareth

I WISH ONE COMRADE COULD COME AND SEE THE SITUATION OF THE STUDENTS WHO DID NOT GET FUNZA LUSHAKA.

WE ARE OWING RESIDENCE AND WE DO NOT MONEY FOR FOOD. SOME STUDENTS ARE DROPPING OUT.PLEASE HELP