Julius Sello Malema is one of South Africa’s most talked-about political figures. As the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), he has built a reputation as an outspoken advocate for radical economic reform, including land redistribution, Whether admired or criticized, Malema remains a central figure in the country’s political conversation, and his name consistently draws attention in South African and international news.
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This article breaks down his age, background, political rise, the controversies that have followed him, and what is publicly known about his finances.
Julius Malema’s Age and Early Life
Julius Malema was born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego, a township near Polokwane in South Africa’s Limpopo province. As of 2026, he is 45 years old. He was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in a working-class household, an upbringing he has often referenced when discussing his political motivations around inequality and economic justice in post-apartheid South Africa.
Malema became politically active at a remarkably young age. By his early teens, he was already involved in youth political structures, and he went on to lead the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) between 1999 and 2002. This early exposure to organizing and public speaking laid the groundwork for the more prominent roles he would take on in national politics.
Political Career: From ANC Youth League to the EFF
Malema’s political career can be divided into two major chapters: his time within the African National Congress (ANC), and his later leadership of his own party, the EFF.
Rise Through the ANC Youth League
Malema joined the ANC Youth League and steadily rose through its ranks, eventually becoming its president in 2008. During this period, he became known for his combative rhetoric and his vocal support of Jacob Zuma’s rise to the presidency of South Africa. His leadership style was polarizing from the start, supporters saw him as a bold voice for the youth and the poor, while critics accused him of reckless populism.
His relationship with the ANC eventually soured. Disciplinary disputes, allegations of sowing division within the party, and disagreements with senior leadership led to his expulsion from the ANC in 2012.
Founding the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Rather than exiting politics, Malema used his expulsion as a launching pad. In 2013, he founded the Economic Freedom Fighters, positioning the party as a far-left alternative to the ANC. The EFF’s platform centers on land expropriation without compensation, nationalization of mines and banks, and free education, among other radical economic policies.
Under his leadership, the EFF quickly became South Africa’s third- or fourth-largest party in parliament, drawing significant support from young voters and those frustrated with the pace of economic transformation since the end of apartheid. Malema has served as a Member of Parliament since 2014 and continues to lead the party as its president and commander-in-chief.
Controversies Surrounding Julius Malema
Few South African politicians generate as much controversy as Malema. Some of the most notable episodes include:
Firearm Conviction and Sentencing. In October 2025, Malema was convicted on several charges connected to an incident at the EFF’s fifth-anniversary rally in 2018, where he was filmed firing a rifle into the air in front of thousands of supporters. The charges included unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging it in a public place. He maintained the weapon was a toy, an argument the court rejected. In April 2026, a magistrate sentenced him to five years’ direct imprisonment. Malema’s legal team was granted leave to appeal, a process expected to take a considerable amount of time, and he has continued to serve in Parliament while the appeal proceeds.
Hate Speech Ruling. In August 2025, an Equality Court found that remarks Malema made at a 2022 rally amounted to hate speech, ruling that his comments about violence went beyond legitimate political expression.
“Kill the Boer” Chant. Malema has long faced criticism over his use of the liberation-era chant “Kill the Boer,” a phrase with deep historical roots in the anti-apartheid struggle that critics argue incites violence against white farmers, while Malema and his supporters maintain it is a symbolic, not literal, expression tied to the fight against oppression.
International Attention. Malema’s rhetoric has drawn attention well beyond South Africa’s borders, including being referenced during high-profile diplomatic exchanges involving South African and U.S. officials.
These controversies have cemented Malema’s image as a deeply polarizing figure, one who is celebrated by supporters as a fearless champion of economic justice and condemned by critics as an instigator of division.
Julius Malema’s Net Worth
Determining Malema’s exact net worth is difficult, and public estimates vary enormously, from roughly $3 million on the lower end to figures in the tens of millions, with a handful of unverified claims going even higher. This wide range reflects the fact that most figures circulating online are estimates rather than audited financial disclosures.
What is publicly documented is that Malema earned a monthly salary as ANC Youth League president between 2008 and 2012, and he has drawn a parliamentary salary as an MP since 2014. Beyond his political income, various reports point to business interests and investments, though the specifics and scale of these ventures are not independently verified in most cases. Given the discrepancies across sources, readers should treat any single net worth figure as an approximation rather than a confirmed fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Julius Malema? Julius Malema was born on March 3, 1981, making him 45 years old as of 2026.
What political party does Julius Malema lead? He is the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a South African political party he established in 2013.
What is Julius Malema’s net worth? Public estimates vary widely, ranging from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. There is no single, verified figure, so reported numbers should be treated as approximations.
What happened with Julius Malema’s firearm case? He was convicted in October 2025 on charges related to firing a rifle at a 2018 rally and was sentenced to five years in prison in April 2026. He has been granted leave to appeal.
Is Julius Malema still a Member of Parliament? Yes, as of 2026, he continues to serve as a Member of Parliament while his appeal is ongoing.
When did Julius Malema start the EFF? He founded the Economic Freedom Fighters in 2013, shortly after his expulsion from the ANC.