Julius Malema Reflects on Childhood and Upbringing
The politician shared details about his early life and his mother's struggle with epilepsy in a recent podcast.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Youth
In a recent appearance on the Motherhood Network podcast, 45-year-old Julius Malema opened up about his upbringing in Seshego. He discussed his early life, including being raised in a four-room house by his grandmother while caring for his mother, Flora Mahlodi Malema, who suffered from epilepsy.
Why it matters
The personal account sheds light on the background of one of South Africa's most prominent political figures, detailing the circumstances that shaped his early years. His story highlights the challenges he faced growing up as one of three children in a household without his father.
Malema was one of three children born to his mother and was raised by his grandmother in a four-room house. He began his political journey at age nine and later led the ANC Youth League at age 28.
The players
Julius Malema
He is a prominent South African politician who serves as the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party.
Flora Mahlodi Malema
She was the mother of Julius Malema and struggled with epilepsy during his upbringing.
The details
Born in Seshego, Malema assumed caregiving responsibilities for his mother as his grandmother aged, a period marked by his mother's battle with epilepsy. Despite never meeting his father, Malema went on to form the EFF in 2013 after being expelled from the ANC.
Timeline
Malema began his political involvement at the age of nine.
Malema served as president of the ANC Youth League at age 28.
Malema was expelled from the ANC in 2012.
Malema founded the EFF political party in 2013.
Culture Shift
Malema's public discussion of his difficult childhood mirrors broader societal conversations regarding resilience and family structures in South Africa. His trajectory from a humble upbringing to a national political leader reflects a significant shift in the country's modern political landscape.
For followers of South African politics, this disclosure offers a more humanising look at the leader of the EFF. It underscores the personal history of a figure whose policies and public persona impact daily life and governance across the country.
The takeaway
The interview provides a rare glimpse into the formative years of a divisive public figure. Readers can gain a deeper understanding of how early life experiences often influence the long-term motivations of political leaders.
Further reading
Learn more about local figures and trends in the Youth section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sunday Times.
