“I have never had the privilege of knowing my father” – Julius Malema
JOHANNESBURG – In a rare glimpse into his personal life, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has revealed that he grew up without a father, a secret kept by his mother and grandmother that has shaped his life and leadership.
Malema shared that his mother and grandmother kept his father’s identity a secret. “I have never had the privilege of knowing my father, but that void has been filled by my role as a leader and a father figure to many,” he explained.
Malema’s childhood was marked by hardship, with his family struggling to make ends meet and his mother battling severe epilepsy. Despite these challenges, his mother instilled in him strict Christian values.
“My mother’s severe epilepsy was a tremendous challenge, but her strong Christian faith remained a constant source of strength,” Malema recalled.
Malema’s grandmother, who helped raise him, refused to disclose his father’s identity even after his mother’s passing. “My grandmother, who played a pivotal role in my upbringing, remained tight-lipped about my father’s identity even after my mother’s passing. Her response was simple: she couldn’t bring herself to defy the wishes of the deceased,” Malema said.
Julius Malema’s life is a testament to resilience and determination. Born on March 3, 1981, in Seshego, Limpopo, Malema’s early life was marked by hardship.
His late mother, Flora Mahwasane, played a significant role in shaping his perspective on family and fatherhood.
Today, Malema leads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), fighting for the rights of the poor and marginalized in South Africa.
