Julius Malema under siege

Convicted on firearm charges, implicated in serious corruption allegations in a new book, and facing sharp criticism in the United States, the outspoken politician’s challenges are piling up.

Malema is one of South Africa’s most prominent politicians and describes himself as a “revolutionary activist for radical change in Africa.”

He first rose to prominence as president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) from 2008 until his expulsion from the party in 2012.

Following his expulsion from the ANC, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party through which he has remained a prominent figure in South African politics.

Under the EFF, Malema has continued to make headlines for his outspoken leftist positions and provocative rhetoric, including controversial statements about the country’s white population.

Some of his public remarks, including the singing of the “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” song at rallies, have drawn criticism and legal attention.

Throughout his career, Malema has been involved in several high-profile legal battles. In March 2010, he was convicted of hate speech for comments about former President Jacob Zuma’s rape accuser.

In 2012, he faced charges of fraud, money laundering, and racketeering, though the case was eventually dismissed after numerous postponements.

Earlier this year, he was again convicted of hate speech for remarks perceived as inciting racial violence and has filed an appeal.

Malema has also had disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). In 2014, he acknowledged non-compliance with past tax obligations.

SARS previously applied for a provisional sequestration order, which was withdrawn in June 2015. In 2023, Malema accused SARS of harassing his family, an allegation the agency denied.

The year 2025 has been particularly challenging for Malema, marked by an adverse legal ruling, revelations in a new book regarding his finances, and scrutiny in the United States.

Julius Malema guilty of various gun charges

In October 2025, Julius Malema was found guilty on various firearm charges in the East London Magistrate’s Court.

The charges emanate from the 28 July 2018 EFF rally during which Malema fired a rifle in the air.

The firearm allegedly belonged to a security company of which Adrian Snyman, Malema’s co-accused, was the director.

The prosecution presented its evidence by calling 19 witnesses to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Malema and Snyman subsequently made an application for a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which was dismissed by the court.

Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and discharge of a firearm in a built-up area.

He also failed to take reasonable precautions to protect persons or property and was reckless in endangering them.

The matter has been adjourned to 23 January 2026 for pre-sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the judgment reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and proper administration of justice.

In a statement, the EFF described the verdict as a “witch hunt” to target Malema, attributing it to a judiciary influenced by “imperialist and right-wing agendas,” including pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Malema himself addressed supporters outside court, calling prison or death a “badge of honour” and vowing to appeal.

New book – Malema: Money. Power. Patronage.

Micah Reddy and Pauli van Wyk published a new book about the EFF leader, titled, Malema: Money. Power. Patronage.

According to the book, Malema has leveraged his growing political clout to bankroll his party and amass a personal fortune over the past two decades.

Investigative journalists Reddy and Van Wyk followed the money, demonstrating how Malema built his fiefdom.

They unearth astounding details about Malema’s old, seemingly forgotten scandals in the Limpopo province.

According to the book, he and his cronies allegedly duped the public and each other. The authors trace how loot from the VBS Bank found its way to Malema and Shivambu.

The book shows how, over the years, Malema has refined his modus operandi, making it difficult for the justice system to hold him accountable.

It also tells a bigger story about the insidious ways in which money courses through South African politics.

It further shows how self-styled radical leaders, like Malema, exploit valid grievances about inequality to enrich themselves.

Reddy and Van Wyk argue that Malema and others stole from the very people they claim to fight for.

No direct statements have been made by the EFF on the book. However, the party has historically dismissed similar corruption allegations as smears by rivals, without specific rebuttals to this publication.

Malema dossier handed to the United States

AfriForum recently visited the White House to meet with senior officials within the Trump Administration as part of a follow-up liaison visit to the United States.

Trump has accused Malema of anti-white violence, including through playing “Kill the Boer” footage during a 2025 Oval Office meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

During this visit, which was conducted in partnership with Solidarity, the group handed these officials a Malema dossier.

This dossier provides the foundation for international consequences, such as targeted sanctions, for Malema.

It documented his history of incitement to violence, alleged involvement in corruption, and his support for terrorist groups.

“Bringing Malema’s extremism to the attention of the Trump administration is one part of a larger international campaign,” Afriforum said.

“This is to ensure Malema faces consequences for his incitement of violence and other transgressions that he is currently getting away with in South Africa.”

Earlier this year, the United Kingdom rejected Malema’s visa application on the grounds of his extremist rhetoric.

Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, said they will continue their years-long mission to make Julius Malema face justice in South Africa.

“We will also expose him to the world so that he can face consequences internationally as well,” Van Zyl said.

The EFF called it a “grave distortion” of history and political speech.

They argued it “misread revolutionary rhetoric and context”, assuming listeners could not grasp metaphors from liberation struggles.