Stalinism was a totality approach that seriously derailed into totalitarian rule. No boundaries between party and state. No free media but media as a tool to brainwash [obviously Stalin called it "spreading the revolution"]. His approach was devoid of intellectual and ideological depth, and focused on a hardline approach of power.

State apparatus was solely used for holding onto and strengthening his grip on power. Dirty tactics (secret files; dirty profiling in state media of opponents and critics; spying; terror of all sorts, levels and intensity) were the tools used.

Flexibility of a "policy" aimed at constant adjustments to keep power within. No judicial independence as it was seen as another power tool to hold on to power.

The Richard Mdluli affair, the growing corruption, the paranoia, the attacks on media and judiciary, Blade Nzimande's third-force insanity and Mangaung could seriously be a step closer to Stalinistic tendencies. Slippery slope.