Julius Sello Malema, born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego township, South Africa, is a prominent South African politician known for his outspoken nature and skills as an orator. He is the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a far-left political party recognized by the red berets and military-style outfits worn by its members. Before founding the EFF, he was the president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) from 2008 until his expulsion from the party in 2012.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Julius Sello Malema |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Seshego township, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Partner | Mantwa Matlala |
| Children | Munzhedzi, Kopano, Ratanang |
| Occupations | Politician, Activist |
| Political Party | Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) |
Early Life and Education
Julius Malema was raised by his mother, a domestic worker, and his grandmother in Limpopo province. He attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego.
In 2010, he completed a two-year diploma in youth development through the University of South Africa (UNISA).
He re-enrolled at UNISA and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and African Languages, and later an Honours degree in Philosophy.
In 2016, Malema obtained a BA Degree in Political Leadership and Citizenship from UNISA.
Political Career
Malema’s political journey started at a young age, joining the African National Congress (ANC) Masupatsela (Trailblazers) movement at age nine. His tasks included removing National Party posters.
By 14, he was the chairperson of the ANCYL branch in Seshego, and by 1995, he was regional chair. Malema became the chair of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) for the Limpopo province in 1997, and in 2001, he was elected as the national president.
In April 2008, he was elected president of the ANCYL. As president, he supported nationalizing South Africa’s mining industry and expropriating land without compensation.
Malema was an outspoken supporter of Jacob Zuma, then-ANC president. In June 2008, Malema defended Zuma, who was facing prosecution on corruption charges, and said, “We are prepared to die for Zuma… We are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma”.
Ahead of the 2009 general election, Malema campaigned for the ANC and for Zuma. Although Malema remained an ally of Zuma after his election as President of South Africa in May 2009, they fell out publicly by mid-2010.
Malema later explained that he had turned on Zuma when he realised Zuma was incapable of fulfilling the left-wing policy agenda.
As the end of Malema’s first term in the presidency approached, observers expected him to face a strong challenge to his re-election bid. Nonetheless, Malema was elected to a second term as league president in June 2011.
In August 2011, the party convened a disciplinary hearing after he called for the government in neighbouring Botswana to be overthrown.
In November, the ANC announced that Malema was found guilty of provoking divisions within the organization and bringing it into disrepute and would be suspended for five years. His appeal was rejected in February 2012, and the ANC expelled Malema.
In 2013, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). In the 2014 general election, the EFF won 25 seats in the National Assembly. Malema was sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly on May 21, 2014. He was re-elected to the seat in the 2019 general election.
Controversies
Malema has been ejected from Parliament several times. In June 2014, he was ejected from the State of the Nation debate after he refused to withdraw a statement that the ANC government had murdered mineworkers during the Marikana massacre.
Recently, Malema has been the subject of controversy surrounding his chanting of “Kill the Boer” at rallies.
Elon Musk has publicly called for sanctions against Malema, labeling him an “international criminal.”
Malema and the EFF have defended the chant as a historical part of South Africa’s struggle, not an incitement to violence. These events have unfolded amid existing tensions between South Africa and the US regarding land expropriation policies.
Personal Life
Julius Malema is married to Mantwa Matlala. They married in 2014 and have two sons, Munzhedzi (born in 2016) and Kopano (born in 2018). Malema also has a son named Ratanang from a previous relationship.
