The Point has a friend who has a puppy. This friend is trying to train his puppy using behaviour modification. You know — Russian dude; dogs; bells. Basic concept: behaviour that is rewarded is repeated.

This made The Point think about South Africa's youth. And its president. And its Cabinet. And its opposition politicians. Well… the whole political milieu, really.

Let me elaborate. Julius Malema says something silly (I know, I know, a bit of a push… but work with me here). The media delightedly spreads the silliness. The public laps the silliness up and with a gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair decries that cretin Julius. Julius's profile grows (reward).

Being something of an apt student, Julius quickly learns that to achieve the same result, all he needs to do is repeat the silliness.

Someone should stop the cycle. It won't, of course, be me. For, if I did, I would have absolutely nothing to write about. I too am but a victim of the endless interlinking cycles of behaviour modification. I mock politicians. You read my column. I mock politicians some more.

Ah… so it would seem that the fate of mature journalism and political debate rests squarely with you. The Point sincerely hopes you take Option B.

CAMPAIGNING. REWARD. MORE CAMPAIGNING

Proving that old Thabo isn't the only one who can flex his foreign affairs (sorry, international relations) muscles, President Zuma stepped boldly into the arena of continental politics. Our fearless leader on the problem of dictators:

"The leadership of Africa today must come very boldly and deal with these issues. It's not for our sakes as leaders. It's for the sake of our people, for the sake of our continent."

Now, this quote may lead you to think that one of our leaders is finally standing up to the continent's bullies. But you would be wrong. Zuma's solution, it would seem, is to give them all 'get out of jail free' cards. Fitting.

On the home-front, Msholozi seems determined to prove that, unlike his predecessor, he has not forgotten the people who voted him into power. Yip, he has embarked on a Siyabonga (thank you) tour of the nation.

"The meetings are meant to thank South Africans who participated in the 2009 National and Provincial Elections and also to thank those who ensured that the ANC received a decisive victory," said ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte.

One can only hope that somewhere in between this election's victory laps and next election's campaigning he actually does some presiding.

If not, the ANC may have to dish out more than R200-million on their next campaign. Out of the mouths of babes (well, okay fine, young Julius):

"We voted for President Zuma. We say to the president: we no longer want squatter camps. We want houses which have water and electricity. We say to President Zuma: our votes were not cheap, they were expensive."

Well, technically they were free… but, yes, we get the picture.

STUPIDITY. REWARD. MORE STUPIDITY

This year South Africa's youth (at least those who like to don red) took it upon themselves to celebrate Youth Day by proving that Darwin's theory of evolution is flawed. In fact, it is entirely possible that simply by existing the Young Communist League's Castro Ngobese has provided all the evidence necessary for a Theory of Regression.

"We call on Bafana Bafana to apply the militancy and radicalism of the June 16 martyrs on the field of play by performing well and doing the country proud."

Militancy and radicalism. On a football field.

Not to be outdone in the silliness stakes, the chubby-cheeked-one had a few Youth Day messages of his own.

"The youth of South Africa must be careful, especially those who think that sleeping around is fashionable. They must know that doing that is like committing suicide," said the staunch Jacob Zuma supporter, apparently missing the irony.

But wait… there's more.

"Doctors are paid less than a receptionist at a municipal council. Teachers should not use their salaries to abuse alcohol. Once police are paid properly, they will no longer accept (bribes)."

Talk about a non-sequitur. I can't help but feel that teachers got a little shafted in that analysis.

HONESTY. ER… REWARD?

And because you've stuck it out this far, I have a little reward for you. Yes, something positive about South Africa for a change.

Putting a positive spin on our unfortunate crime figures, Zuma explained that it all comes down to reporting.

"I think in a sense we should look at South Africa even from that point of view, that we are so transparent, that there are no issues that we believe are the issues that should be dealt with [as] domestic issues. They are all known. If you come to South Africa you know exactly what to meet. You can't be surprised by issues when you come in."

Erm… okay, so not quite in the Obama Orators' League, but I think the message he was trying to get across was this: Sure, we have crime, but at least we're honest about it.

And, while we're being honest…

"It is tapping into that goodwill that is important, and not to always blame and label white commercial farmers as the enemy. There are patriotic white South Africans who want to help this country," explained Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

Well, I can think of at least one: Barbara Hogan.

Make that two: Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

The Point needs (a) more integrity (b) more Julius Malema (c) more cynicism or (d) any combination of (a), (b) and (c) that excludes (a). Share your thoughts!

The beggar gauntlet Rebekah Kendal reckons that begging is bad for SA because it fosters a culture of dependency.

Visit our politics page Need the latest political news, features, interviews and profiles? Visit our dedicated page...

Behind closed doors Rebekah Kendal reckons that the real losers in the Percy saga are victims of domestic abuse.