Julius Malema

Firing 14 to 15 live rounds from a stage before an estimated 20,000 supporters at an Economic Freedom Fighters rally led to the eventual criminal conviction of Julius Malema in October 2025. This event marked a significant turning point in a political career defined by rapid institutional shifts, persistent legal challenges, and the founding of a major opposition party.

Early Involvement and Education

Born on 3 March 1981 in the Seshego township near Polokwane, Malema entered political life at an early age. He reports joining the Masupatsela movement of the African National Congress (ANC) at approximately nine or ten years old. His formal education included matriculation from Mohlakaneng High School, followed by a diploma in youth development from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2010. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and African languages from the same institution in 2016, and an Honours degree in philosophy in 2017. He subsequently pursued master's studies at the University of the Witwatersrand beginning in 2018.

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Leadership of the ANC Youth League

Malema held local and regional leadership positions within the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the ANC Youth League during his youth. In April 2008, he secured the presidency of the ANC Youth League during a volatile 23rd National Conference in Bloemfontein. Although the results faced immediate disputes and allegations of intimidation, a follow-up congress in Johannesburg later confirmed his position. During his tenure, he was a vocal advocate for the nationalization of mining industries and the redistribution of land. He initially maintained a robust alliance with Jacob Zuma, publicly vowing to defend his candidacy for the national presidency.

Founding the Economic Freedom Fighters

Relations between Malema and the ANC leadership deteriorated as he faced internal disciplinary proceedings. In April 2012, the party expelled him for bringing the organization into disrepute. By 2013, he established the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a political party oriented toward black nationalist and communist platforms. His new organization achieved immediate parliamentary representation in 2014, securing 25 seats in the National Assembly. Malema served as a member of the National Assembly from 2014 through 2019 and continued his service in the legislative body following the 2019 elections.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Throughout his career, Malema has faced various legal actions. He received a hate speech conviction in 2010 regarding comments made about a rape accuser, and a later hate speech conviction in 2025 linked to remarks against individuals described by the court as racists. His most significant legal outcome occurred in April 2026, when he received a five-year prison sentence following his October 2025 conviction for illegal firearm possession, discharging a weapon in public, and reckless endangerment. Under the South African Constitution, this custodial sentence effectively barred him from serving as a Member of Parliament.

Fast facts

Born: 3 March 1981, Seshego, South Africa
Political Party: Economic Freedom Fighters (Founder)
Education: University of South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand
Parliamentary Service: National Assembly of South Africa (2014–2026)
April 2026 Sentence: Five years imprisonment
ANC Youth League Presidency: 2008–2012

Questions readers ask

What led to the end of Malema's parliamentary career?

He was sentenced to five years in prison in April 2026 for firearm-related offenses, which, under the South African Constitution, bars individuals receiving sentences of 12 months or more from serving as a Member of Parliament.