E! News, previously known as E! News Daily and E! News Live, is a nightly entertainment newsmagazine program airing on E!: Entertainment Television. The program debuted on September 1, 1991 and talks about Hollywood celebrities and gossip. E! News stands for Entertainment Television News.

Overview[link]

The program first aired on September 1, 1991 and was originally hosted by Dagny Hultgreen. It features stories and gossip about celebrities as well as the film, music, and television industries. Since its launch, it has broadcasted under a variety of formats, at one point even airing live during the mid-2000s (at this time, the show was named E! News Live). Since 2006, it has been hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic. From 2006 until late 2010, The Daily 10, hosted by Sal Masekela, Catt Sadler, and at one point Debbie Matenopoulos, aired following E! News.

On September 21, 2010, E! announced the cancellation of The Daily 10. At this time, it was announced that E! News would be expanded to a one-hour format. The expansion became effective beginning on October 25, 2010, making it one of two entertainment news programs to have weekday editions that air in an hour-long format, HLN's Showbiz Tonight being the other. The series also debuted a new news set and began broadcasting in 16:9 high definition, downconverted to 4:3 letterbox (with pillarboxing for 4:3 SD video) on the channel's primary SD feed.^[1] Some talent previously featured on The Daily 10, including Catt Sadler, Clinton Sparks and Robbie Laughlin, were integrated into E! News, along with the addition of a segment called The Daily 10 Take, along with the inclusion of some former Daily 10 segments.

Unlike most entertainment news programs, E! News does not air its weekday editions every weekday throughout the year, the program is occasionally preempted for major holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

On-air staff[link]

Current on-air staff[link]

E! News is currently hosted by Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest. Jason Kennedy, Ashlan Gorse, Kristina Guerrero, Catt Sadler, David Burtka, Alicia Quarles, Ken Baker, Ted Casablanca, Kristin Dos Santos, Marc Malkin and Michael Yo are correspondents (Jason Kennedy often substitutes as host during the months of American Idol, a show for which Ryan Seacrest is the host).

Anchors[link]

• Giuliana Rancic - anchor (2002–2004, 2005–present)
• Ryan Seacrest - co-anchor (2006–present)

Correspondents[link]

• Jason Kennedy - correspondent/primary fill-in anchor (2005–present)
• Ashlan Gorse - correspondent/secondary fill-in anchor/"E! News Now" anchor (2008–present)
• Kristina Guerrero - correspondent (2009–present)
• Catt Sadler - correspondent/primary fill-in anchor & "Daily 10 Take" segment (2010–present)
• David Burtka - correspondent (2012–present)
• Alicia Quarles - New York correspondent (2012–present)
• Ken Baker - chief correspondent (2008–present)
• Ted Casablanca - "The Awful Truth" (1996–present)
• Kristin Dos Santos - "Watch With Kristin" television correspondent (2001–present)
• Marc Malkin - celebrity gossip columinist (2006–present)
• Melana Scantlin - "E! News Now" anchor (2010–present)
• Clinton Sparks - music correspondent (2010–present)
• Michael Yo - celebrity correspondent (2008–present)

Former on-air staff[link]

• David Adelson - correspondent (1991–2005)
• Greg Agnew - correspondent (1994–2002)
• Jules Asner - anchor/correspondent (1996–2003)
• John Burke - anchor/correspondent (2004–2005)
• Alisha Davis - anchor/correspondent (2004–2005)
• Bianca Ferrare - anchor/correspondent (1994–1995)
• Jason Feinberg - correspondent (2002–2005, now at KVVU-TV in Las Vegas)
• Linda Grasso - correspondent (1996–2004)
• Samantha Harris - correspondent (2005–2008, later at The Insider and Entertainment Tonight)
• Cindy Hom - correspondent (?–?)
• Dagny Hultgreen - anchor/correspondent (1991–1993)
• Steve Kmetko - anchor/correspondent (1994–2002)
• Lynda Lopez - correspondent (2003)
• Ben Lyons - film critic (2006–2012; now at Extra)
• Kristin Malia - correspondent (1997–2008)
• Eleanor Mondale - correspondent (1997, now deceased)
• Amy Paffrath - correspondent/"E! News Now" anchor (2009–2011, later at TV Guide Network)
• Todd Newton - anchor/correspondent (1995–2007)
• Patrick Stinson - correspondent (1997–2005, later at TV Guide Network and now ReelzChannel)
• Gina St. John - anchor/correspondent (1997–1999)
• Kathleen Sullivan - anchor/correspondent (1995–1996)

Broadcast[link]

United States[link]

The show airs weeknights at 7 p.m. ET (with a same-day encore at 11:30 p.m. ET, and the previous day's edition rebroadcast at 7 a.m. and noon ET the following weekday); two versions of the weekday editions are compiled and made available for broadcast: a "standalone" version used exclusively in the initial broadcast in which E!'s primetime schedule airs afterwards, and a version for broadcasts where Chelsea Lately airs immediately after. Until October 22, 2010, an additional "standalone" version was used exclusively in the late night re-airings where E!'s early-morning infomercial block aired afterwards, this was dropped following E! News' expansion to one hour when the channel stopped airing a rebroadcast at 3:30 a.m. ET weeknights. An hour-long weekend edition is also produced, consisting of mostly rebroadcasts of stories aired during the weekday editions, airing on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with encores Saturdays at 3 p.m. ET and Sundays at 9 a.m. ET.

International[link]

In the UK the show airs weekdays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. In Europe, excluding the UK, E! News is often edited into a 15-minute version. The show also keeps changing airing times from week to week. During August 2009, it was only airing once a day at 2:25 a.m. CET.

In the Philippines, the show airs on ETC after the US Telecast Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-11:00 p.m. with replays at 1:00-2:00 p.m. and the show only Telecasts the Weekend Edition on Velvet.

In India, the show airs on Zee Cafe at 6:00 p.m from Monday to Friday.

[edit] E! News Now

E! News Now is an online-only entertainment news program, that is streamed on E! Online. Launched in 2008, it streams Hollywood gossip, including at times when E! News is not airing on television. It is currently hosted by Amy Paffrath and Melana Scantlin.

International versions[link]

Latin American version[link]

In Latin America the show was presented by Daniela Kosán and John Paul Ospina. Although E! News Latin America had different anchors, the video clips were the same. The show was cancelled in late 2008 and as of May 20, 2009 the show has been replaced by its American counterpart, with a two minute recap of Latin American entertainment news retained, along with a 'week in review' half-hour program on Thursday nights. Both are currently hosted by John Paul Ospina.

[edit] E! News Asia

Introduced in 2010, E! News Asia is a weekly round-up of entertainment stories from Hollywood and Asia. The anchors are Dominic Lau (VJ Dom) and Marion Caunter.^[2] E! News Asia is available in 15 countries around Asian region. The show airs on Sundays (9.30pm MY).

Canada[link]

The E! News name was avoided for local news branding on the now-defunct Canadian over-the-air system, as that brand became similarly predominant for most of the broadcast day. However, local news coverage and other regional programming reverted to local branding, such as CHCH News in Hamilton, CHEK News in Victoria, and "CJNT Montreal" for multicultural programming on the Montreal station. Local branding was also used for most local community sponsorships. This decision was made at least partly to avoid confusion, but it was likely also intended to ensure that local newscasts were not themselves perceived as celebrity-oriented.

References[link]

External links[link]

• E! News Official Website
• E! News in Jump The Shark
• E! News' official Twitter
• E! News at the Internet Movie Database
• E! News at TV.com

Ryan Seacrest
Seacrest in The American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World Resort.
Born	Ryan John Seacrest (1974-12-24) December 24, 1974 (age 37) Dunwoody, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation	Reality and game show host, television and radio personality
Years active	1990–present
Website
RyanSeacrest.com

Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974)^[1] is an American radio personality, television host and producer. He is known internationally as host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase American Idol. ^[2] He has been nominated for an Emmy award in the "Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program" category for his work on American Idol. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for co-hosting the 2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa. As a television producer, Seacrest has won an Emmy for the ABC show Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. On radio, Seacrest is host of On Air with Ryan Seacrest, his market-topping #1 nationally syndicated LA morning drive-time radio show for Clear Channel’s 102.7 KIIS-FM. ^[3] , as well as a nationally-syndicated Top 40 radio show. ^[4] Seacrest hosted the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 16, 2007.^[5] Seacrest has extensive deals with brand heavyweights Proctor & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and has a strategic marketing and technology alliance with Eventful, Inc.

Early life[link]

Seacrest was born on December 24, 1974, in an Atlanta suburb, Dunwoody, Georgia,^[6] the son of Constance Marie (née Zullinger),^[7] a homemaker, and Gary Lee Seacrest.^[1][8][9] Connie Seacrest told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Instead of playing with G.I. Joes or Cowboys and Indians, [Ryan] would always have a little microphone and do shows in the house."^[10] "But people would call my answering machine just to listen to his voice. They thought I had a professional doing it. That's when I thought, this might be bigger than I think it is."^[11]

At age fourteen, he attended and soon became the "Voice of Dunwoody High School", as his school's regular morning public address system announcer.^[12] "I wore braces and glasses and was fat and got teased about it," Seacrest said, "but I was always very ambitious."^[13] At aged 16, while still attending high school, Seacrest won a hard-to-get internship at WSTR FM,^[11] in Atlanta, with Tom Sullivan, who trained him in the many aspects of radio. When the regular DJ called in sick, Sullivan put him on the air for the very first show of his broadcasting career.^[14] In a surprise phone call the next day, the station owner told Seacrest that, although he was not a professional, his stint of the night before had not been "too bad."^[15] Soon he was given the weekend overnight shift at WSTR.^[10] Seacrest continued to work on air at WSTR FM until graduating from Dunwoody High School in 1992.^[16] Seacrest went on to study journalism at the University of Georgia in the fall of 1992.^[11] There, he would continue his radio show at a local Athens station. Seacrest left UGA at age 19 and moved to Hollywood to pursue his broadcasting career.^[10]

Seacrest at 2008 Primetime Emmys at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles

Career[link]

Early career[link]

In 1993, Seacrest hosted the first season of ESPN's Radical Outdoor Challenge and in 1994, a kids show called Gladiators 2000 was created as a spinoff television show of American Gladiators. Seacrest appeared as the host of the fictional game show Lover's Lane on Beverly Hills, 90210 in "The Final Proof".^[17] In the fall of 2000, Seacrest was the host of NBC Saturday Night at the Movies.^[18] On Saturdays in the fall of 2000 through the spring of 2001 NBC would dedicate the 8–11 PM EST block to showing a major theatrical film. Seacrest would appear as the host during the commercial breaks. He offered trivia on the film and a chance to win prizes by calling in a specific number. In 2001, he hosted a reality television program, Ultimate Revenge,^[7] where elaborate "get even" practical jokes were played on family and friends instigated by their own relatives and friends. The two seasons featured current radio talk show host Karel.^[19] It was shown on TNN from 2001 to 2003.^[17][20]

[edit] American Idol

In 2002, Seacrest accepted the position as co-host of the hit Fox reality TV series American Idol with comedian Brian Dunkleman. American Idol went on to phenomenal success, putting Seacrest in the national spotlight. The following year, when he became the sole host, Seacrest's on-screen enthusiasm made him an overnight sensation, and the show was seen by some 26 million viewers weekly.^[21] In 2003, Seacrest hosted the spin-off show, American Juniors.^[22] In July 2009, Seacrest inked a deal with CKX for $45 million to continue to host American Idol, making him the highest paid reality television host to date.^[23] In April 2012, Seacrest signed a two-year, $30 million deal to stay on as host of American Idol. ^[24]

Radio[link]

In January 2004, Seacrest became the new host of the radio program American Top 40,^[25] a syndicated weekly countdown show, created and formerly hosted by Casey Kasem. The show was syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. In February 2004, Seacrest became host of Los Angeles radio station KIIS's morning show, replacing long-time host Rick Dees.^[26] This show, also known as On Air With Ryan Seacrest, remains on the air. Seacrest is the host, executive producer of this syndicated daily show airing on over 150 stations in North America, with affiliates worldwide.

New Year’s Rockin Eve[link]

In August 2005, it was announced that Seacrest would become executive producer and co-host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. On December 31, 2005, Seacrest performed much of the show's hosting duties. Dick Clark's role was limited by speech and mobility issues due to his recovery from a stroke. Seacrest also occasionally served as a substitute host on the CNN television program Larry King Live, and co-emceed Larry King's final show with Bill Maher on December 16, 2010.^[27] In 2009, ABC renamed the program Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest, to reflect Seacrest's role. The 40th Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest, delivered ABC’s biggest New Year’s primetime numbers (9.8 million viewers, 3.0/11 in adults 18-49) in 11 years.^[28] Dick Clark passed away on April 18, 2012,^[29] and Seacrest publicly remembered his mentor’s impact on his life in a special tribute in The Hollywood Reporter. ^[30]

E![link]

In January 2006, U.S. cable channel E! announced a three-year, $21 million deal for Seacrest to host and produce various programs, including E! News and its red carpet awards show coverages (E!'s signature piece of original programming).^[31] Seacrest remains managing editor of E! News and produces its red carpet awards show coverage but, as of January 2012, he no longer hosts E! News on a daily basis. ^[32]

In April 2012, Seacrest signed a deal with NBCUniversal expanding his on-air role beyond E! to NBC. He is expected to contribute to the Today Show, Olympics coverage, entertainment programming, as well as news and other special events. Seacrest will remain managing editor of E! News and host and produce its red carpet awards show coverage.^[33]

An Associated Press profile portrayed Seacrest as using both the deal with E! and the Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve involvement as a springboard towards a long-lasting career in television production and ownership.^[34]

Producing[link]

In 2006, Seacrest launched Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP), which has since become a television production powerhouse. In August 2008, Seacrest named his longtime William Morris Agent, Adam Sher, as C.E.O. of Ryan Seacrest Productions.^[35] Comcast had first-look rights for all Ryan Seacrest Productions shows through January 2012.^[36] Clear Channel acquired a minority stake in RSP in early 2012, but the company no longer has a first look deal with any network. ^[37]

RSP produces the hit series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the highest-rated show on the E! network, and the spin-offs Khloe and Lamar, Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami. RSP also produced the Emmy Award-winning ABC reality series Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. RSP also produced two new reality series in 2012 including Melissa and Tye, which aired on CMT and Shahs of Sunset for Bravo. Bravo announced a second season pick-up of Shahs of Sunset on April 18, 2012, as the show generated solid ratings and lots of attention.^[38] RSP's new show Married to Jonas will premiere on August 19th on E!. ^{[39] [40]}

Ryan Seacrest Media[link]

In early 2012, Seacrest entered into a joint venture through a holding company, Ryan Seacrest Media, along with HDNet, AEG, and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to rebrand HDNet/HDNet Canada to launch AXS TV (pronounced: access). AXS TV will debut in the summer of 2012, providing viewers with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to live concerts and music festivals, red carpet premieres, award shows, parties, pop culture events, and in-depth interviews with the people and artists who make live entertainment so uniquely fascinating.^[41]

On January 31, 2012, Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital LLC announced that they would commit up to $300M in capital to Ryan Seacrest Media to buy and develop companies, content and other properties.^[42]

Philanthropy[link]

In 2010, Seacrest, along with his family, launched Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children through unique programs that utilize multimedia and interactive platforms. RSF is building broadcast media centers within hospitals for children to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. RSF has launched two centers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. ^[43]In April 2012, Seacrest named Selena Gomez as Ambassador to the foundation. ^[44]

Personal life[link]

Since the spring of 2010, Seacrest has been romancing Julianne Hough, a professional dancer, actress and singer best known for Dancing with the Stars.^[45][46]

Credits[link]

Radio ^[17]

• On Air with Ryan Seacrest: Host, executive producer of this syndicated daily show airing on over 150 stations in North America alone, with affiliates worldwide
• American Top 40: Host of this syndicated weekly countdown show
• 2003 Radio Music Awards: Co-host
• 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles: Since 2004, Morning Drive Personality with co-host Ellen K.
• Former: KYSR and WSTR On-Air Personality.
• 98.7 FM 1pm to 4pm

Film

• Knocked Up as a parody of himself^[47][48]
• Get Smart as himself (Host of American Top 40)
• Shrek Forever After as voice of the father of Butter Pants

Television^[17]

• American Idol: Co-Host (season 1); Host (season 2–present)
• American Juniors: Host (2003)
• Bank of Hollywood :Producer (2009–present)
• Channel 1 News: News Anchor/Reporter. Co-anchor Maria Menounos
• Click: Host^[17]
• CNET Central: Co-Host
• Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest: Host (2005-present), executive producer
• E! News: co-host
• Super Bowl XLII (2008) Host for pregame and halftime shows
• Gladiators 2000: Co-Host
• Wild Animal Games: Host
• The New Edge: Host
• Ultimate Revenge: Host
• Fear Factor: Contestant
• Reality Check: Jack Craft
• The NBC Saturday Night Movie: Host
• Hey Arnold!: Fighting Families Host
• Larry King Live: Guest host, substitute host
• Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: (2005–Present) Host
• America's Party: Live from Las Vegas: Host
• Good Day Live: Guest host
• Disneyland 2000: 45 Years of Magic: Host
• Robot Chicken: (2005) Himself
• 59th Primetime Emmy Awards: Host
• Mind of Mencia: (2005) Himself
• Blind Date: Himself
• Punk'd: Himself
• Keeping Up with the Kardashians: Executive Producer
• Denise Richards: It's Complicated: Executive Producer
• "2009 Academy Awards" Host on E!
• Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution: Executive Producer
• Shahs of Sunset: Executive Producer
• Melissa & Tye: Executive Producer
• Married to Jonas: Executive Producer

References[link]

External links[link]

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (October 2011)

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Ryan Seacrest

• Official website
• Ryan Seacrest at the Internet Movie Database
• Larry King Live interview
• Time Out New York interview
• DigitalReview.net Biography and reviews of Ryan Seacrest
• Ryan Seacrest on Twitter

Julius Malema
Former president of the ANC Youth League
In office April 2008 – April 2012
Vice President	Andile Lungisa, Ronald Lamola
Preceded by	Fikile Mbalula
Personal details
Born	Julius Sello Malema (1981-03-03) 3 March 1981 (age 31) Seshego
Nationality	South African
Political party	Independent (2012–present) African National Congress (1990–2012)
Nickname(s)	Juju

Julius Sello Malema (born 3 March 1981, in Seshego) is a South African politician, and the former president of the African National Congress Youth League. Malema occupies a notably controversial position in South African public and political life; having risen to prominence with his support for African National Congress president, and later President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. He has been described by both Zuma^[1] and the Premier of Limpopo Province as the "future leader" of South Africa.^[2] Less favourable portraits paint him as a "reckless populist" with the potential to destabilise South Africa and to spark racial conflict.^[3] He was convicted of hate speech in March 2010^[4][5][6] and again in September 2011.^[7] In November 2011 he was found guilty of sowing divisions within the ANC and, in conjunction with his two-year suspended sentence in May 2010, was suspended from the party for five years.^[8]. In 2011, he was also convicted of hate speech after calling for the murder of white people. On 4 February 2012 the appeal committee of the African National Congress announced that it found no reason to “vary” a decision of the disciplinary committee taken in 2011,^[9] but did find evidence in aggravation of circumstances, leading them to impose the harsher sentence of expulsion from the ANC. On April 25 2012 Malema lost an appeal to have his expulsion from the ANC overturned, as this exhausted his final appeal, his expulsion took immediate effect.

Early life and career[link]

Malema, a Pedi, was born in Seshego. His mother was a domestic worker and a single parent.^[10][11] He joined the African National Congress's Masupatsela at the age of nine^[11] or ten.^[10] His main task was to illegally remove National Party posters.^[11]

Education[link]

Malema took longer than usual to complete secondary school, graduating at the age of 21 from Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego, Limpopo; he failed most of his subjects.^[12][13][14] In 2010, Malema completed a two-year diploma in youth development through University of South Africa (UNISA). He is currently enrolled at UNISA for a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and African languages.^[15]

Girls wear t-shirts portraying Malema at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Johannesburg 2010.

Political career[link]

Early political career[link]

Malema was elected a chairman of the Youth League branch in Seshego and the regional chairman in 1995. In 1997 he became the chairman of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) for the Limpopo province, and was elected as the national president of that organisation in 2001.^[16] In 2002, Malema led a Cosas march by school pupils, through the streets of Johannesburg that was marred by incidents of violence and looting.^[13]

Election as leader of ANC Youth League[link]

Malema was elected as the president of the ANC Youth League in April 2008.^[17] The election – and the conference – were characterised by what Malema himself later described as "unbecoming conduct".^[18] The integrity of his election has been criticised and questioned.^[19] He was later re-elected unopposed for a second term on 17 June 2011 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand when Lebogang Maile, the only opposing nomination, declined the nomination.^{[citation needed]}

April 2010 Zimbabwe visit[link]

In 3 April 2010, Malema visited Zimbabwe, in what was described as a visit on indigenisation. He was expected to meet Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. Upon landing in Harare, Malema was greeted by Zanu-PF supporters as well as Zimbabwe's Youth and Indigenization Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, and ZANU-PF Youth Chairman Absolom Sikhosana, as well as Zimbabwean business figures who had risen to prominence in recent years.^[20] Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwean Prime Minister, condemned Malema's visit, after Malema criticised Tsvangirai's party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).^[21] During the visit, he described Tsvangirai as an ally of "imperialists", and called for the Zimbabwe-style seizure of mines and farms in South Africa (see below).^[22] Youth organisations in Zimbabwe criticised Malema's visit, citing his controversial racial statements and alleged corruption.^[23] Malema's comments during the visit sparked fears that South Africa would follow Zimbabwe's chaotic land reform example.^[23] Malema also blamed the MDC for introducing political violence to Zimbabwe, and defended Robert Mugabe's political and human rights record.^[24]

On Malema's return from Zimbabwe, the ANC Youth league released a statement praising Mugabe and Zimbabwe's land seizures. It also called on South Africa's youth to follow the example of young people in Zimbabwe, and to engage in agriculture in order to reduce their dependence on white farmers.^[25] Malema's support within the ANC Youth League remains strong, although no longer monolithic.

Malema's visit came while President Jacob Zuma was trying to broker a political settlement in Zimbabwe, and reportedly caused concern among ANC officials, but Zuma himself blessed the visit.^[26] The ANC, however, in a later statement distanced itself from the ANC Youth League's electoral support of ZANU-PF.^[27]

Incident involving BBC journalist[link]

On 8 April 2010, at a Johannesburg media briefing covering his visit to Zimbabwe, Malema was involved in a racial abuse incident with Jonah Fisher, a BBC journalist.^[28] Malema had been criticising the Movement for Democratic Change for having offices in affluent Sandton, when BBC journalist Jonah Fisher commented that Malema himself lived in Sandton. Malema lashed out at Fisher, after Fisher described Malema's comments as rubbish.^{[29][30][31][32][33][34]} Malema was unapologetic about his actions, and accused Fisher of being disrespectful, and of coming from a country [the UK] which undermined the credibility and integrity of African leaders.^[35] After the incident Malema said he expected an apology from Fisher^[36] However, the next day, the ANC issued a statement condemning Malema's actions during the news conference.^[27][36] On 10 April 2010, at a Durban news conference, where he characterised Malema's conduct as "alien to the ANC",^[37] President Jacob Zuma publicly criticised Malema's behaviour ^[38] saying that "the manner in which a BBC journalist was treated at an ANC Youth League press conference is regrettable and unacceptable, regardless of any alleged provocation on his part", and said that he had spoken to Malema about his conduct by telephone.^[39][40] Malema remained defiant after Zuma's rebuke.^[37]

Disciplinary procedures by ANC[link]

On 18 April 2010, it was reported that Malema faced disciplinary procedures by the ANC for bringing it and the government into disrepute.^[41][42] The charges related to his endorsement of Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party during his visit to Zimbabwe, when President Jacob Zuma was trying to broker a negotiated settlement in the country, a controversial incident involving a BBC journalist, his comments on the murder of Eugène Terre'Blanche, and unfavorably comparing Zuma to his predecessor Thabo Mbeki, after Zuma called a press conference reprimanding Malema.^[43] Julius Malema faced a "hostile" disciplinary committee on 3 May 2010.^[44]

On 11 May 2010, Malema entered into a plea bargain, and three of the charges against him were dropped (the attack on the BBC journalist, his endorsement of Mugabe, and his singing of "shoot the Boer" after it was banned). He pleaded guilty to criticising Zuma after Zuma publicly censured him, and was ordered by the disciplinary committee to make a public apology for his conduct, fined R10 000 to be donated to a youth development project, and to attend anger management classes. He was also warned of suspension from the ANC if he re-offended within two years. Malema complied, apologising "unconditionally", stating that he accepted that his "conduct and public utterances should at all times reflect respect and restraint"^{[citation needed]}.

Nationalisation and land redistribution[link]

Malema became a vocal advocate of nationalising South African mines.^[45][when?] Although the ANC, including Mining Minister Susan Shabangu, and president Jacob Zuma^[46] made it clear that this was not ANC policy,^[47] Malema continued to advocate this position. Malema's opinions on nationalisation are not shared by South Africa's large National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which stated that it is against the nationalisation of South Africa's mines^{[citation needed]}. At a public meeting at the University of Western Cape, Malema asked: "Why should we pay for our land?"^[48] He then advocated the return of land without compensation and the removal of the "willing buyer, willing seller" principle. At a June 16 Youth Day celebration, Malema accused white South Africans of "stealing land" and again advocated for the redistribution of land without compensation.^[49]

In April 2010 Malema led a youth delegation to Venezuela to study that country's nationalisation programme.^[50]

Other activities as Youth League president[link]

Malema campaigned enthusiastically for the ANC in the April 2009 elections. However, he was asked to leave Port Elizabeth's Dora Nginza Hospital after the head of the hospital noticed him and 20 other ANC members campaigning in the wards.^[51] In an apparent effort to reach the new youth, Malema also began visiting schools. These visits were criticised by Deputy President of South Africa, and of the ANC, Kgalema Motlanthe for being disruptive to education.^[52]

In early 2010, Malema urged ANC Youth League members to join the South African National Defence Force, and said that there were plans for the Youth League leadership to join the reservist programme.^[53] The military training was confirmed in May 2010, with the naval ^[54] training due to commence in September 2010.^[55]

In March 2010, in what was widely held to be a rebuke of Malema, the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) lashed out at the "new culture of public feuds, insults and personal attacks" and adopted a policy of disciplining those who became involved in public disputes with members of the governing ANC-SACP-COSATU alliance.^[56]

Malema's bid for a second term as Youth League president received a boost in 2010 when a number of Eastern Cape ANC Youth League regional conferences in the Eastern Cape elected candidates remained loyal to him,^[57] although there were some allegations of irregularities from Malema's opponents.^[58] In Malema's home province, Limpopo, a fiercely contested race for the Youth League presidency had been expected.^[36] The Limpopo meeting experienced vigorous discussion, on occasion degenerating into violence. Malema's rivals and journalists were reportedly ejected by police, at the behest of Malema.^[59][60]

Disciplinary review by ANC[link]

On Aug 30, 2011 Malema was subjected to a disciplinary hearing by the ANC. Malema's supporters held a rally in the center of Johannesburg that turned into a violent confrontation such as the country had not seen since the end of apartheid. Some of the protesters held placards with slogans like "South Africa for blacks only",^[61] that caused many disapproving reactions from the black community.

Julius Malema subsequently submitted an application to have all charges against him revoked. The ANC's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) met on the 31st August 2011 and 1 September to deliberate on this application. The ruling was delivered at 09h00 on the 2 September 2011. The NDC dismissed Julius Malema’s application to have the charges quashed.^[62]

On 10 November 2011, ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema was found guilty of contravening Rules 25.5(c) and (i) of the ANC Constitution^[63] for expressing views at a press conference of the ANC Youth League on 31 July 2011 "which sought to portray the ANC government and its leadership under President Zuma in a negative light in relation to the African agenda and which had the potential to sow division and disunity in the ANC, and for expressing his personal views on Botswana which contravened ANC policy."^[64] He was suspended from the ANC for five years.^[8]

Convictions handed down by the National Disciplinary Committee to ANC Youth League leaders were upheld by an appeals committee on Saturday 4 February 2012. As a result ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema was stripped of his title and party membership.^[9] The NDC was instructed by the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA) to hear evidence in mitigation and aggravation of sanction in the cases involving Sindiso Magaqa, Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema.^[64]

On 29 February 2012, the National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Derek Hanekom, announced the results of their review from Luthuli House. In their statement the NDC characterised the relationship between the ANC and the three respondents as "contractual in nature", bound by a "membership oath". It goes on to state that the respondents "were fully aware of the provisions of the ANC Constitution; they considered themselves bound by the ANC Constitution and they undertook to respect the ANC Constitution and its structures."^[64] The report characterised Malema as a repeat offender who was unrepentant and did not accept the findings of the disciplinary machinery of the ANC. Their conclusion in respect of Malema was:

"The NDC is of the view that if comrade Malema is not prepared to accept final decisions of the NDCA, then the likelihood of him respecting the ANC Constitution is remote." —point 74 of the report^[64]

The NDC expelled Malema from the ANC, ordered him to vacate his position as President of the ANC Youth League, but gave him leave to appeal to the NDCA against sanction within 14 days.^[64] On 24 April 2012 the appeal process ended when the NDCA confirmed his expulsion with immediate effect.^[65]

Involvement in state contracts[link]

Reports about Malema's possible involvement in state tenders (contracts)^[19] began appearing in November 2009.^[66] Questions about his personal lifestyle were raised by the South African media.^{[67][68][69][70][71][72][73]} Some analysts suggest that this is also known as being a tenderpreneur, which is the early emergence of a form of kleptocracy, or predatory behaviour by a clique in the ruling elite, to generate personal wealth by capturing resources.^[74]

In March 2010, addressing the allegations at a rally at a university campus, Malema, sang the struggle song "shoot the Boer"^[75] (see below), and lashed out at opposition politicians. He also attacked COSATU general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.^[76][77]

In August 2010, the Public Protector released a report which cleared Malema of involvement in state tenders in Limpopo. This was received with scepticism by some.^[78]

Threats to expose journalists[link]

A few weeks after the tender controversy was first reported, the ANC Youth League released the personal details of City Press Investigations Editor Dumisane Lubisi, his wife and his children, including their identity numbers, bank details, residential address and vehicle details.^[79] Lubisi had reported on the poor construction quality of the Limpopo projects carried out by Malema's firms.^[80][81] The ANCYL made claims that it had evidence that journalists were corrupt in several respects.^[82][83]

In response, a large group of political journalists complained ^[84] to various authorities within the ANC and to the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) stating that they viewed the release as an attempt to intimidate them into not publishing further stories, and as a threat to media freedom. They further questioned how a political organisation obtained sensitive personal information without breaking the law.^[85][86] The Sowetan newspaper, in an editorial, called the steps to silence journalists "tyrannical", and accused the ANC Youth league of exploiting its closeness to "state and institutional power", to intimidate journalists who wrote about Malema.^[87] SANEF also released a statement supporting the journalists.^[88]

Malema then issued a statement that the ANCYL would continue to expose journalists.^[89]

Investigation by the Hawks[link]

When he was overseas at a friend's wedding in Mauritius at the end of October 2011, it was reported^{[citation needed]} in various South African media that Malema faced various charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering – these charges having been brought forward by the Special Investigative Unit, the Hawks.^{[citation needed]} At the core of the allegations is the Ratanang Trust, a trust ostensibly set up by Malema and named for his son – with his son and grandmother listed as beneficiaries – but allegedly is the focal point for payments made by politically-connected businessmen in return for lucrative state tenders, mostly in the impoverished Limpopo region.

Malema has since denied all wrong-doing, while various investigations continue.^{[citation needed]}

Hate speech convictions[link]

March 2010 hate speech conviction[link]

On March 15, 2010 Malema was convicted of hate speech by the Equality Court, fined R50 000 and ordered to apologise unconditionally,^[4][5][6] following a 2009 incident when he told a group of Cape Town students at a South African Students' Congress (SASCO) meeting that the woman who accused ANC president Jacob Zuma of rape had a "nice time" with him because in the morning she had "requested breakfast and taxi money"^[90] Following the conviction SASCO expressed "delight" at the ruling and attacked Malema for the "gratuitous abuse" of the platform that SASCO granted him ^[91]

"Shoot the Boer" song[link]

In March 2010, at a rally on a university campus Malema sang the lyrics "shoot the Boer" (Dubul' ibhunu^[92]) from the anti-apartheid song Ayasab' amagwala (the cowards are scared)^[93] ("Boer" is the Afrikaans word for "farmer", but is also used as a derogatory term for any white person^[94][95]). His singing was compared to similar chants by deceased Youth League leader Peter Mokaba in the early 1990s, to "kill the boer",^[93] which had previously been defined as hate speech by the South African Human Rights Commission.^[96]

Malema's singing of the song led to a barrage of complaints against him, both to the police, and to the commission.^[96][97]

The ANC said "We wouldn't appreciate any statements against any member of our society, including whites... they are also South Africans", however, it "had not taken a decision in the matter".^[98]

The Southern Gauteng High Court ruled on 26 March 2010 that Malema's song (which he had continued singing at public gatherings ^[99]) was "unconstitutional and unlawful", and that any person singing it could face charges of incitement to murder, stating that the song called for the killing of the "farmer/white man", however, the ANC defended the song.^[100] The ANC announced it would appeal the ruling. The Northern Gauteng High Court, on 1 April 2010 then granted an interdict preventing Malema from publicly uttering the words of this or any other song which could be considered to be instigating violence, distrust and/or hatred between black and white citizens in the Republic of South Africa" until the matter was heard by the Equality Court, to which the case was referred by the presiding judge.^[101][102]

In the aftermath of Eugène Terre'Blanche's April 2010 murder, senior leaders of the ANC temporarily banned the singing of the song, amid concerns that struggle songs were being used to "scapegoat" the ANC and to further racial hatred, and because of concerns that ANC leaders who continued singing the songs may have been in contempt of the court orders banning the singing of the song.

President Jacob Zuma, at a 10 April 2010 news conference said Malema was "totally out of order" for ignoring ANC instructions to obey the court order banning the singing the song. Zuma emphasised the constitutional role of the judiciary and the rule of law, and also said that the role of the judiciary "as the final arbiter in disputes" had to be respected, and that defiance of the proper procedures in place to challenge judicial rulings, made a "mockery of the judicial system" and "should not be tolerated".^[38][40]

Hate speech trial and conviction[link]

In April 2011 Afriforum brought a case of hate speech against Malema in regard to the song and several notable ANC figures such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and secretary-general Gwede Mantashe threw their weight behind him in the court battle. Aggressive and patronizing questioning of black witnesses by lawyers for the Afrikaner groups bringing the suit reportedly allowed Malema to portray himself a victim of Afrikaner persecution.^[103]

On 12 September 2011, Malema was found guilty of hate speech.^[7][104]

Depiction in mainstream media[link]

Malema is known for his controversial statements and has become a frequent target for lampooning. Initially, Cartoonists Zapiro and Jeremy Nell frequently drew him dressed in nappies.^[105][106] Some analysts depict him as an orator, with a broad appeal in the young, poor, and disadvantaged black electorate.^[107] More recently, as Malema's public profile has grown, he has been described by critics in the media as a "demagogue".^[108] He was listed in Time (magazine)'s Least Influential People of 2010,^[109] whereas conversely Forbes Magazine named him as one of the "10 Youngest Power Men In Africa" in September 2011.^[110]

External links[link]

• Max du Preez: The man is a bully
• Third Degree special on Malema
• Julius Malema – An unlikely leader
• Carte Blanche on Malema

References[link]