Julius Malema: Net Worth, Biography, Wife, Family, and Political Legacy in 2025

Celebrities News, Politics News / November 23, 2025 / Melly Brown

Julius Malema, often called “Juju” by supporters and critics alike, remains one of South Africa’s most polarizing figures. As the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), he has championed radical economic reforms while sparking endless debate. Born into poverty in the apartheid-era townships, Malema’s journey from a young activist to a national icon is a story of ambition, controversy, and unyielding defiance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into his biography, net worth, family life—including his wife and children—and his enduring impact on South African politics as of 2025.

Whether you’re a fan of his revolutionary rhetoric or skeptical of his methods, Malema’s life offers a window into the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa. Let’s explore.

Early Life and Education: From Township Roots to Political Firebrand

Julius Malema Biography Julius Sello Malema was born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego township near Polokwane in Limpopo province (then part of the Transvaal under apartheid). Raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker and supported by his grandmother, Malema grew up in poverty amid the harsh realities of racial segregation. His Northern Sotho family instilled in him a deep sense of resilience, but resources were scarce—education, in particular, was a battle.

Malema attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego, where he struggled academically and repeated grades multiple times. Despite this, his passion for activism ignited early. At age nine or ten, he joined the ANC’s youth wing, Masupatsela, where his main task was dismantling National Party posters—a small act of rebellion that foreshadowed his lifelong fight against inequality.

By 14, Malema was chair of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) branch in Seshego and regional chair by 1995. In 1997, he led the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in Limpopo. Formal education took a backseat to politics, but Malema later returned to it with determination. In 2010, he earned a two-year diploma in youth development from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and African Languages in 2016 and an Honours degree in Philosophy in 2020. These milestones weren’t just personal—they symbolized his belief that education is key to “reclaiming black pride.”

Malema’s early life shaped his worldview: a product of systemic oppression, he vowed to dismantle it, blending street-smart charisma with a hunger for change.

Political Career: From ANC Youth Leader to EFF Commander-in-Chief

Malema’s rise in politics was meteoric and marred by drama. Elected ANCYL president in 2008 amid allegations of voter intimidation, he became a vocal supporter of Jacob Zuma, famously declaring he’d “kill for Zuma.” As ANCYL head, Malema pushed bold policies like nationalizing mines and land expropriation without compensation—ideas that rattled the ANC establishment.

Tensions peaked in 2012 when he was expelled from the ANC for sowing division and undermining the party. Undeterred, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in July 2013, styling it as a “radical, leftist, anti-capitalist” movement. Donning red berets and military fatigues, the EFF positioned itself as the ANC’s radical heir, focusing on economic emancipation for the black majority.

The party’s electoral breakthroughs were swift:

2014: 25 seats in the National Assembly (6.35% of the vote).
2019: 44 seats (10.79%).
2024: Around 11%, cementing its role as South Africa’s third-largest party and a potential kingmaker.

As EFF leader (Commander-in-Chief since 2013), Malema has disrupted Parliament with theatrical protests, from occupying the well of the house to demanding accountability on corruption. His advocacy influenced national debates on land reform and inspired youth mobilization, turning the EFF into a symbol of resistance against elite capture.

Julius Malema Political Career

Personal Life: Wife, Children, and a Guarded Family Circle

Behind the beret and bravado, Malema is a devoted family man who fiercely protects his privacy. He married Mantwa Matlala in a traditional ceremony in Seshego on December 27, 2014, after dating since her high school days. An accountant from Polokwane, Mantwa is often credited as the “captain steering the ship” while Malema and the kids are “passengers.” The couple celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2024, with Malema gushing about her support amid his chaotic career.

They have two sons together:

Munzhedzi Kgaogelo Malema (born October 2016).
Kopano Muhle Malema (born February 2018).

Malema also has an older son, Ratanang Malema (born October 2006), from a previous relationship with Maropeng Ramohlale. He describes his boys as “little fighters” and shares rare glimpses—like their first day of school in 2025—emphasizing his role as a hands-on dad. “When it comes to my wife and kids, I shoot to kill,” he’s said, underscoring his protective streak.

The family resides in a luxurious Hyde Park home in Johannesburg (rented by Mantwa), though Malema has distanced himself from ownership amid scrutiny. Despite rumors of marital strain in late 2024 (after he deleted her photos from Instagram), recent posts show a united front.

Julius Malema Wife and Children

Net Worth in 2025: Assets, Income, and the Wealth Debate

Estimates of Julius Malema’s net worth vary wildly, reflecting his blend of parliamentary salary and business ventures. As of 2025, most credible sources peg it at R45 million (about $2.5 million USD), derived from his MP salary of roughly R133,000 monthly (R1.6 million annually), plus interests in trusts like Ratanang Family Trust and companies such as Mgagao Shamba (farming).

Outliers exist: some reports claim up to R55 million or even $15 million, citing “consulting fees” and donations, while critics inflate it to R500 million–R1.2 billion amid VBS scandal links. Malema owns luxury cars (Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover) and properties, including a Limpopo farm sold in 2014 for R2.5 million. He settled a R16 million tax debt in 2014, but questions linger about funding his lifestyle.

Key Assets & Income Sources	Estimated Value/Amount
Annual MP Salary	R1.6 million
Business Trusts (e.g., Ratanang)	Contributes to core wealth
Properties (Hyde Park home, Limpopo farm)	R10–20 million combined
Luxury Cars	R5–10 million
Total Net Worth (2025)	R45 million

This wealth fuels debates: Is it the fruit of savvy entrepreneurship or a betrayal of his anti-capitalist stance? Malema insists it’s transparent and earned.

Controversies and Achievements: The Double-Edged Sword of Malema’s Legacy

Malema thrives on controversy, but it’s his bold achievements that keep him relevant.

Key Controversies:

Hate Speech Convictions: Twice guilty—once for demeaning Zuma’s rape accuser (2010) and for singing “Shoot the Boer” (2011), ruled as incitement. In 2023, “Kill the Boer” chants drew Elon Musk’s ire.
Financial Scandals: Linked to Limpopo tenders (cleared in 2010), VBS Mutual Bank looting (via cousin), and a R1 million loan from a cigarette smuggler. A 2013 tax evasion case was settled.
Outspoken Clashes: Threats in Parliament (e.g., 2021 Pan-African session) and support for Hamas (2023) have painted him as divisive.

Major Achievements:

EFF’s Rise: Built a party from scratch into a parliamentary powerhouse, influencing land reform motions (e.g., 2018 constitutional amendment).
Agenda-Setting: Forced national conversations on nationalization and inequality; visited Marikana post-massacre (2012), amplifying workers’ voices.
Youth Empowerment: Mobilized disenfranchised black youth, promoting Pan-Africanism through speeches in Ghana and Kenya.
Personal Triumphs: Overcame expulsion to re-enter Parliament in 2014; graduated amid a packed career.

At 44, Malema’s legacy is unfinished: a disrupt-or who exposes flaws but risks alienating allies.

Final Thoughts: Why Julius Malema Matters in 2025

Julius Malema isn’t just a politician—he’s a mirror reflecting South Africa’s unresolved tensions. His net worth, family devotion, and radical vision embody the contradictions of a nation still grappling with equality. Love him or loathe him, Malema’s influence shows no signs of fading as the EFF eyes bigger gains.

What do you think of Malema’s impact? Share in the comments below. For more on South African leaders, check out our guides on Cyril Ramaphosa and Jacob Zuma.

Last updated: November 23, 2025. Sources include Britannica, Wikipedia, and recent reports from Business Insider and The Southern African Times.