50 Fascinating Facts About Julius Malema: The Firebrand Leader of the EFF

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Julius Malema photo

Julius Sello Malema is one of South Africa’s most influential — and controversial — political figures. As the founding leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Malema is known for his unapologetic views, signature red beret, and defiant stance on land reform, race, and economic justice. From humble beginnings in Limpopo to the halls of Parliament and headlines around the world, his life has been a rollercoaster of politics, protest, and power plays. Here are 50 facts that explore the life, career, and legacy of Juju.

Early Life and Background

  1. Julius Malema was born on 3 March 1981 in Seshego, near Polokwane in Limpopo.
  2. His mother, Flora Malema, was a domestic worker and raised him as a single parent.
  3. After his mother’s death, Malema was raised by his grandmother, who passed away in May 2019.
  4. Malema joined the ANC’s Masupatsela movement at age nine or ten, where his job was to remove National Party posters.
  5. He attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego.
  6. Malema has claimed he received military training at age 13, though this remains unverified.

Education and Academic Life

  1. He earned a Diploma in Youth Development through UNISA in 2010.
  2. In 2016, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and African Languages from UNISA.
  3. He earned an Honours degree in Philosophy in 2017.
  4. Malema enrolled for a Master’s degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2018.

Political Rise

  1. Malema became national president of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in 2001.
  2. He served as ANC Youth League president from 2008 to 2012.
  3. He defeated Saki Mofokeng to win the ANCYL presidency.
  4. His fiery campaign slogan in 2008 was: “We are prepared to die for Zuma.”
  5. In 2011, Malema was re-elected unopposed as ANCYL president.

Controversy and Disciplinary Actions

  1. Malema was disciplined by the ANC multiple times between 2010 and 2012.
  2. In 2010, he was found guilty of provoking division within the ANC.
  3. He was ordered to attend anger management and ANC political school.
  4. In 2011, he was suspended from the ANC for five years.
  5. In April 2012, he was expelled from the ANC entirely.
  6. His final appeal was dismissed by a panel chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa.

Founding the EFF

  1. In 2013, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
  2. He was elected EFF president in December 2014 — unopposed.
  3. The EFF’s signature red beret symbolizes revolution and working-class struggle.
  4. The EFF won 25 seats in Parliament in the 2014 general election.

Parliamentary Life

  1. Malema has been a Member of Parliament since May 2014, representing Limpopo.
  2. He has been ejected from Parliament several times over the years.
  3. In 2014, he was removed for accusing the ANC of murdering miners at Marikana.
  4. He clashed with Zuma during multiple State of the Nation Addresses.
  5. In 2015, he accused Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa of being a “murderer.”

Economic Views

  1. Malema is a vocal advocate of nationalising mines and banks.
  2. He supports expropriation of land without compensation.
  3. He visited Venezuela to study its nationalisation policy.
  4. Malema once asked: “Why should we pay for our land?”
  5. He has also endorsed military training for Youth League members.

Legal Troubles

  1. Malema has been convicted of hate speech twice — in 2010 and 2011.
  2. In 2012, he faced charges of fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.
  3. The charges were dismissed in 2015 after repeated delays.
  4. In 2013, he faced R16 million in tax evasion charges.
  5. His home was auctioned to repay debts to SARS.
  6. He was arrested in 2013 for speeding 215km/h and acquitted in 2014.

Controversial Statements

  1. Malema once said: “We are not calling for the slaughter of white people… at least for now.”
  2. In 2019, he tweeted: “The only white man you can trust is a dead white man.”
  3. He called FW de Klerk’s death in 2021 “Thank you God” with dancing emojis.
  4. In 2023, he promised to fund Hamas if the EFF wins elections, sparking global criticism.

Public Perception

  1. Malema was named one of Forbes Africa’s “10 Youngest Power Men” in 2011.
  2. He was also listed in Time Magazine’s “Least Influential People” of 2010.
  3. He has been widely described as a demagogue, fascist, or radical populist by critics.
  4. Despite criticism, Malema is known for his sharp wit and powerful oratory.
  5. He is married to Mantwa Matlala, with whom he has two sons — Munzhedzi and Kopano — and another son, Ratanang, from a previous relationship.

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