Julius Malema is a South African politician and founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party. He previously served as the president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) before his expulsion in 2012.
Julius Malema’s Age
Julius Malema was born on the 3rd of March 1981 in Seshego, Transvaal Province, South Africa. He is 44 years old and usually celebrates his birthday every 3rd of March.
Early Life and Education
Julius Malema was born in Seshego in the Transvaal, the region of Limpopo. His grandmother raised him after the death of his mother, who was a domestic worker.
While growing up, Julius Malema was part of the Masupatsela movement of the African National Congress (ANC).
In 1995, he joined the ANC Youth League and was the chairperson of the branches in Seshego and Capricorn.
In 1997, Julius Malema was elected the provincial chairperson of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in Limpopo.
He matriculated from Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego. In 2010, Julius Malema finished his two-year Youth Development diploma at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Still at the institution, he completed a bachelor of arts in communication and African language and an honor degree in philosophy.
Julius Malema did his master’s degree at the University of Witwatersrand.
Career
ANC Youth League
Julius Malema started his political journey with the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. In 2008, he was the provincial secretary of the Limpopo branch of the ANC Youth League and a contender for the position of national president.
After a tense campaign, Julius Malema was elected ANC Youth League president at the 23rd National Conference.
During his election, he strongly supported ANC President Jacob Zuma and even defended him during his prosecution for corrupt charges.
Julius Malema actively campaigned for Zuma ahead of the 2009 general elections.
Despite his support and close relation with the then South African President-elect Jacob Zuma, Malema had a fallout with him publicly in 2010.
Julius Malema criticized the president for failing to fulfill his promised policy agenda in 2007.
Re-election
After his first term, observers expected Julius Malema to face stiff competition for the presidency of the ANC Youth League.
Despite many concerns and numerous conferences held, Julius Malema remained firm and focused.
In 2011, he was elected for his second term as the ANC Youth League President. He stood unopposed while Ronald Lamola succeeded Lungisa, his former deputy in the league.
Expulsion
In July 2011, Julius Malema made controversial comments about the political situation in Botswana in a briefing.
He described the ruling party as “a footstool of imperialism” and announced the league’s plan to establish a command team in the country.
In addition to this, Julius Malema issued a shocker to President Jacob Zuma and his cabinet, saying that there existed “a vacuum on the ideology and political leadership of Africa.” since the existence of Thabo Mbeki.
Following his statement against the government of Botswana, the ANC announced that Julius Malema was charged with bringing disrepute into the party.
The hearing started on the 30th of August, 2011, at the headquarters at Luthuli House in Central Johannesburg.
On the 10th of November, the ANC National Disciplinary Committee announced that it had found Julius Malema guilty of his remark and breaking the party’s rule.
Following the findings, the National Disciplinary Committee suspended Julius Malema for five years and informed him to immediately vacate his position as president of the ANC Youth League.
He didn’t accept the verdict and submitted his arguments regarding the sanction.
After further arguments, the committee released its decision and expelled Julius Malema from the party.
The committee stressed that following his lack of remorse and refusal to accept the party’s decision, he had to be removed. Cyril Ramaphosa, the chairperson of the internal appeals committee, confirmed it.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Following his expulsion from the ANC, Julius Malema was prominent in criticizing the government.
At the scene of the 2012 Marikana Massacre, he called for Jacob Zuma to resign. Furthermore, Julius Malema made controversial remarks during his visit to Zimbabwe, citing the whites in Africa as having appropriated the mineral resources belonging to indigenous people.
In 2013, he started canvassing for the establishment of the political party Economic Freedom Fighters.
He was appealing for financial aid despite being on trial for money laundering and racketeering.
In 2014, the inaugural national elective conference occurred in Bloemfontein, and Julius Malema was elected political party president.
Member of Parliament
In the 2014 general elections, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) won 25 seats in the National Assembly.
Julius Malema was sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly on the 21st of May 2014.
At the 2019 elections, he was re-elected to the seat and headed various portfolio committees.
Family
Julius Malema is married to Mantwa Matlala, and they have two children. He has a son from a previous relationship with Maropeng Ramohlale.
Net Worth
Julius Malema had an estimated net worth of R45 million.