Julius Sello Malema, born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego, Limpopo province, South Africa, is a fiery politician, activist and the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
His charisma and bold public speaking, often marked by controversial remarks, frequently lead many to question his education level, particularly due to his confrontational demeanor during debates and press conferences.
Malema’s intellectual accomplishments are, however, evident as he has shown a strong commitment to education over the years. His dedication to learning, even while navigating a demanding political career, challenges the doubts often fueled by his outspoken and confrontational public persona.
Raised by mother who was a domestic worker and later by his grandmother , Malema’s early life in the township of Seshego was modest. He began his formal education at Mohlakaneng High School in his hometown.
Malema was a born politician, as his career began at the age of nine when he joined the Masupatsela movement of the African National Congress (ANC), engaging in activities such as removing National Party posters.
In 1994, he joined the ANC Youth League and swiftly rose through its ranks. By 1995, he had become the chairperson of the Seshego branch and the regional chair for the broader Capricorn region.
He was elected as the provincial chairperson of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in Limpopo in 1997 and became the national president in 2001, serving until 2004.
In April 2008, he was elected president of the ANC Youth League by a narrow majority during a highly contentious and polarized conference. The event was marked by intense debates and factional divisions, highlighting Malema’s rising influence within the party and his ability to mobilize youth support.
It was during this period that Malema decided to pursue higher education, despite the demands of his rapidly growing political career. In 2010, he successfully completed a two-year diploma in Youth Development through the University of South Africa (UNISA).
He continued his studies at UNISA, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and African Languages in March 2016.
Demonstrating his dedication to academic advancement, Malema enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the same institution in August 2016 and graduated with Honours in 2017.
In 2018, he enrolled in a Master’s degree program at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on a thesis exploring the removal of “Die Stem” from the South African national anthem.
Malema is a firm believer in continuous learning, balancing his academic pursuits with a demanding political career. His journey from grassroots activism to earning advanced academic qualifications is a testament to his determination to change the narrative surrounding politicians’ intellectual capabilities.
