Julius Malema: A Profile of South Africa’s Controversial Firebrand
Julius Sello Malema, born on March 3, 1981, is a prominent and often polarizing figure in South African politics. He is the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a self-described communist political party recognized for its members’ distinctive red berets and military-style attire. Malema’s career has been marked by his fiery rhetoric, populist message, and numerous controversies, including the “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” chant that recently drew the attention of President Donald Trump.
Early Political Life and Rise to Prominence:
Malema’s political journey began at a young age. He reportedly joined the Masupatsela (Young Pioneers or Trailblazers) group of the African National Congress (ANC) when he was nine, and later the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in 1994, quickly assuming leadership roles. He also served as president of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) from 2001 to 2004.
His national profile surged when he was elected president of the ANCYL in 2008. During this period, he became a vocal supporter of Jacob Zuma, who would later become President of South Africa. Malema’s outspoken nature and calls for radical economic transformation, such as the nationalization of mines and banks and the expropriation of white-owned farmland, resonated with many, particularly young, disenfranchised South Africans.
Expulsion from the ANC and Formation of the EFF:
Malema’s controversial statements and behavior, however, led to repeated disciplinary hearings by the ANC. He was found guilty of hate speech in 2010 for comments made about a woman who accused Zuma of rape, and again in 2011 for singing the song “Shoot the Boer” (Dubul’ ibhunu). His continued disruptive rhetoric, including criticism of Zuma and calls for the overthrow of the Botswana government, ultimately led to his expulsion from the ANC in 2012.
Following his expulsion, Malema co-founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in 2013, positioning it as a more radical alternative to the ANC. The EFF’s platform echoes many of Malema’s earlier propositions, advocating for economic emancipation, nationalization of key industries, and land redistribution without compensation. The party quickly gained traction, becoming South Africa’s third-largest political force and securing seats in the National Assembly in 2014.
The “Kill the Farmer” Controversy:
One of the most enduring and globally recognized controversies associated with Malema is his repeated use of the chant “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer.” This decades-old rallying cry originated during the anti-apartheid struggle against white-minority rule. While courts in South Africa have ruled that, in its historical context, it does not constitute hate speech and can be considered a “provocative means of advancing his party’s political agenda,” its continued use by Malema and the EFF after 1994 deeply angers many in South Africa, particularly white farmers and opposition parties.
The chant gained international attention when President Donald Trump played a video of Malema using it during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, attempting to back unsubstantiated claims of “white genocide” in South Africa. Ramaphosa, in response, stated that the chant is not a call to murder and should be understood within the context of the liberation struggle, emphasizing South Africa’s freedom of expression and distancing his government from Malema’s rhetoric. Despite the ongoing debate and attempts to ban the song, Malema has vowed to continue singing it, asserting it is part of the “heritage of our struggle.”
Legal and Financial Troubles:
Beyond the political controversies, Malema has also faced various legal and financial challenges. In 2012, he was charged with fraud, money laundering, and racketeering related to a government contract, though these charges were later dismissed in 2015 due to repeated delays. He has also been accused of owing a significant amount in unpaid taxes and has been linked to allegations of looting from a bank, though a parliamentary probe into the latter closed without a conclusion.
Impact and Public Perception:
Julius Malema remains a highly influential and divisive figure in South African politics. His supporters, largely young and black South Africans, view him as a champion for the disadvantaged and an orator who fiercely advocates for addressing the country’s stark social inequalities inherited from apartheid. His critics, however, accuse him of opportunism, fueling racial tensions, and engaging in divisive rhetoric. Despite the criticism, Malema’s ability to mobilize supporters and command media attention underscores his continued relevance in shaping South Africa’s political discourse.
Source; BBC Â , CFR , Wikipedia
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