FIVE things you didn't know about Julius Malema

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Here are five things you might not know about Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

1. He joined politics at just 9 years old

Julius Malema’s political journey began remarkably early.

He joined the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League at the age of nine, reportedly tasked with removing National Party posters.

His rise through the ranks was rapid, eventually becoming president of the ANC Youth League in 2008.

2. He was once a top ally of Jacob Zuma

Before becoming one of former President Jacob Zuma’s harshest critics, Malema was a staunch supporter.

He famously said he was “prepared to kill for Zuma” in 2008.

Their relationship soured in later years, with Julius Malema eventually leading calls for Zuma’s resignation over corruption scandals.

3. He was expelled from the ANC

In 2012, Malema was expelled from the ANC for sowing division and bringing the party into disrepute.

This led to the founding of the EFF in 2013 – a move that drastically reshaped South Africa’s political landscape by creating a vocal, leftist opposition force advocating for land expropriation and economic justice.

4. He holds a master’s degree in philosophy

Despite public scrutiny of his academic credentials in the past, Julius Malema has steadily pursued higher education.

He holds a BA in Communications and African Languages and later completed an Honours and then a Master’s degree in Philosophy through the University of South Africa (UNISA).