You lie all the time—Goolam shoots back at Malema after he said this about Ramaphosa.

 

Goolam has escalated the already simmering tensions between Julius Malema and himself by launching into a vicious verbal attack against Malema, accusing him of persistent dishonesty. The impact of this most recent exchange on public discourse is a major worry for many observers. Goolam's comment is in reaction to yesterday's comments made by Malema on Cyril. It is crucial to address remarks like these with critical thinking and an emphasis on constructive conversation, since strong opinions and passionate debates are commonplace in politics. It is expected in a democratic society, even among political opponents, that there will be different opinions. Nonetheless, a civil and constructive discussion is ruined by name-calling and other forms of personal assault. By doing so, they sidetrack discussion of the real problems and make it harder to find workable answers. Public personalities can help create a more positive political atmosphere by having respectful conversations that highlight the value of evidence-based arguments and helpful criticism. Citizens can be better educated and given more agency to decide for themselves what to think if the focus is on real problems rather than attacks on individuals. It is our responsibility as information consumers to discern between opinion and fact. Checking assertions, looking at things from several angles, and using credible sources are all important steps in developing an informed judgment. In the end, a nation's progress is dependent on its leaders and citizens' capacity to have open, honest, and courteous conversations. By promoting an atmosphere that values many viewpoints and encourages constructive discourse, we may strive for a more inclusive and successful society.