Someone had better reconnect the wiring between the ANC NEC and the ANCYL before the latter's president Julius Malema totally obliterates any goodwill that there is towards the ruling party.

Yesterday's tirade at the University of Johannesburg went beyond trying to deflect the damage resulting from the lifestyle audit and spoke of a pathological need for recognition when the limelight is starting to fall elsewhere.

It also finally placed in context why it is dangerous for people to suggest that the media should not focus its attention on Malema. A man in charge of one of the most powerful political groups in the country.

The League's President who is playing to packed houses and who sent inter alia the following messages yesterday :

Calling for white people to be shot and accused them of being rapists. (Sowetan)

Attacking Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi regarding his recent call for lifestyle audits.

Confirming that the people of Alexandra can call for him to account but not the people of Sandton.

Accusing DA leader Helen Zille of being involved in Satanism

Claiming that Zille demolishes churches in Khayelitsha.

Suggesting that ID leader Patricia de Lille’s husband should divorce her.

While a lot of what he says is clearly wrong and can be taken with a pinch of salt what cannot be ignored are the racist calls that he has made and which will translate into action on the ground.

Far too often we are told that what Malema says is nonsense and that he should be ignored. That the press are highlighting his every word. Yet what he is saying is not only dangerous but being done in front of vast audiences who see him as a role model and a leader.

How many at the height of the campaign wherein it was suggested to the masses that they should 'kill the farmer kill the boer', claimed that it was mere rhetoric?

With the death toll now in the thousands how many of them would suggest it now?

Words do matter.

And Malema's words may well come back to haunt the ANC.