Profile of Julius Malema: Early Life, Family, Education, Career & Politics

Julius Sello Malema was born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego township in Limpopo province, South Africa, where he was raised by his mother, a domestic worker, together with his grandmother.

He became politically active at a young age and joined the Masupatsela movement, which is aligned with the African National Congress (ANC), at about nine years old.

Malema later formally joined the ANC after South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

Malema attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego before pursuing higher education while he was already active in politics.

Also Read: Betty Kyalo Announces Birth of Baby Girl With Her Gen Z Boyfriend

Malema’s Education

He studied youth development at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Leadership and Citizenship from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.

His early political career developed through student leadership structures during his university days.

He served as chairperson of the Limpopo branch of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) before rising to become the organisation’s national president between 2001 and 2004, roles that marked his entry into national political visibility.

Politics

Malema gained even wider prominence after being elected as president of the African National Congress Youth League in 2008.

During his tenure, he became known for his outspoken political rhetoric and strong support for then ANC leader Jacob Zuma, positioning himself as a vocal advocate for economic transformation policies.

However, his leadership also attracted controversy, and in 2012, he was expelled from the ANC after internal disciplinary proceedings that found his conduct had tarnished the party’s reputation.

After his expulsion from the ANC, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in 2013 and became its president and commander-in-chief.

Malema’s Political Party

EFF describes itself as advocating radical economic transformation in South Africa, including policies such as the nationalisation of mines and banks, land expropriation without compensation and expanded access to education and public services.

The EFF entered South Africa’s National Assembly after the 2014 general election and has remained one of the country’s major opposition parties.

Malema became a Member of Parliament in 2014 following the EFF’s first participation in national elections.

Malema also married his long-time partner in 2014, and they have three children.

Since then, the party secured about six percent support in the 2014 elections, nearly eleven percent in 2019 and about 9.5 percent in the 2024 general election.

Malema In Opposition

Malema has remained a prominent opposition voice, particularly on issues of economic inequality and land redistribution.

Throughout his political career, Malema has faced several legal and political controversies.

In 2012, corruption-related charges were brought against him, but were later withdrawn in 2015.

Malema continues to serve as president of the Economic Freedom Fighters and remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable opposition leaders, continuing to mobilise political support across the country, particularly among young voters, while remaining active in parliamentary politics.

Also Read: Kenya Introduces New Rules to Regulate AI and Medical Software in Healthcare

Malema Convicted And Charged In Court

In 2025, Malema was convicted on firearm-related offences linked to a 2018 political rally where he allegedly discharged a rifle in a public gathering.

On April 16 2026, a South African court sentenced him to five years in prison over the unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm.

His legal team has therefore filed an appeal against the sentence.

Under South African law, a prison sentence exceeding 12 months may affect eligibility to serve as a Member of Parliament if upheld.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

EFF leader Julius Malema during a past press conference. PHOTO/ POLITY.