A public debate is raging about the role ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema plays in local politics.

Malema faced a fresh round of calls to make a public apology for alleged racist remarks he made against Deputy Transport Minister Jeremy Cronin, whom he likened to a ‘white messiah’.

Political analyst Nic Borain said the youth league leader was causing confusion among foreign investors because his stance on the nationalisation of mines differed from that of the ruling party.

“This is reflective of a deep weakness or at least an apparent weakness at the centre of the Zuma government. Malema is a powerful ANC politician, who do you believe here? What is ok to be said?,” he remarked.

Local archetype researcher Tracy Robinson said Malema had a vital role to play in local politics, especially in exposing undercurrents of racism in society.

“He is saying things that are shocking to us because they are taboo but in fact it is something we all know to exist right now,” she said.