Julius Malema Net Worth (2026): Age, Wife, Cars, Salary & Biography

Julius Malema is one of the most influential and controversial political figures in South Africa. As the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), he has shaped political discourse in the country for over a decade. His full name is Julius Sello Malema, and he was born on 3 March 1981 in Seshego, Limpopo Province. As of March 2026, he is 45 years old. His estimated net worth is between R45 million and R55 million (approximately $2.5 million to $3 million). This page covers his full biography, income sources, salary, wife, children, cars, and political career.

Quick Facts Table

FactDetails
Full NameJulius Sello Malema
NicknameJuju, CIC (Commander-in-Chief)
Date of Birth3 March 1981
Age (March 2026)45 years old
BirthplaceSeshego, Limpopo Province, South Africa
TribeNorthern Sotho (Lemba)
WifeMantwa Matlala (married December 2014)
Children3 sons (Ratanang, Munzhedzi, Kopano)
Net Worth (2026)R45M – R55M
Monthly SalaryApproximately R133,000
OccupationPolitician, Activist, Member of Parliament
Political PartyEconomic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

Julius Malema Net Worth in Rands (2026)

Julius Malema’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at between R45 million and R55 million.

In US dollars, this converts to approximately $2.5 million to $3 million depending on the exchange rate used.

Multiple South African financial publications cite Business Insider and other sources reporting his net worth at around R45 million. Other celebrity net worth sites report figures as high as R55 million when factoring in all assets, trusts, and business interests.

This figure is derived from several known factors:

  • His salary as a Member of Parliament and leader of the EFF
  • Holdings in various family trusts and business entities
  • Property ownership in Johannesburg and other areas
  • Vehicle collection reportedly worth tens of millions of rands

It is important to note that Julius Malema has not publicly disclosed his full financial position. These figures are estimates based on publicly available information, investigative journalism, and official parliamentary disclosures.

How Much Does Julius Malema Earn Per Month?

Julius Malema earns approximately R133,000 per month as a Member of Parliament and leader of the EFF.

This amounts to roughly R1.6 million per year from his parliamentary salary alone.

Income TypeAmount (ZAR)
Monthly Salary (MP)Approximately R133,000
Annual SalaryApproximately R1.6 million
Potential Deputy President SalaryR2.9M – R3.5M per annum

His total income may be higher when factoring in:

  • Speaking engagements and event appearances
  • Book royalties
  • Income from business trusts and investments
  • Other undisclosed sources

Julius Malema Cars and Lifestyle

Julius Malema is known for his luxury lifestyle, which has attracted both admiration and criticism given his political stance on economic equality for the poor.

His reported car collection includes:

  • Two Range Rovers
  • Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Minibus
  • Mercedes-Maybach S680 (reported in 2025)
  • BMW X7

The total value of his vehicles has been estimated at over R56 million, though many of these were acquired between 2008 and 2012 when he was serving as ANC Youth League president. This attracted significant public scrutiny at the time.

Beyond cars, his lifestyle includes:

  • Designer clothing including Gucci and Louis Vuitton
  • Expensive watches and accessories
  • High-end properties in exclusive Johannesburg suburbs

This lifestyle has led critics to question how it aligns with his political message of fighting for the economically disadvantaged. Malema has responded to such criticism by stating that one does not need to be poor to fight for the poor.

Who Is Julius Malema?

Julius Sello Malema is a South African politician, activist, and the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). He is known for his fiery speeches, bold political positions, and outspoken criticism of government policies.

He entered national politics as president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) from 2008 to 2012. During this time, he became a prominent supporter of Jacob Zuma and advocated strongly for the nationalisation of mines and banks and the expropriation of land without compensation.

Following his expulsion from the ANC in 2012, he founded the EFF in July 2013. The party describes itself as a radical, leftist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist movement fighting for economic emancipation.

Under his leadership, the EFF has become the third-largest political party in South Africa, fundamentally shifting the country’s political landscape.

He has been a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly since 2014.

Julius Malema Age (2026)

Julius Malema was born on 3 March 1981. As of March 2026, he is 45 years old.

His zodiac sign is Pisces.

He will remain 45 until March 2027 when he turns 46.

Where Is Julius Malema Originally From?

Julius Malema was born and raised in the township of Seshego near Polokwane in what is now Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Seshego is located in the former Transvaal region. He grew up in humble circumstances, raised by his mother who was a domestic worker and single parent. After his mother died, he was raised by his grandmother, who passed away in May 2019.

He attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego.

What Tribe Is Julius Malema?

Julius Malema comes from a Northern Sotho (Pedi) background.

He is also a member of the Lemba tribe. The Lemba tribe has traditionally referred to itself as having Jewish ancestry and has been described as the “black Jews of Africa” or “descendants of the lost tribe of Israel.”

Malema is a practising Christian. He has publicly acknowledged his tribal heritage in various statements and interviews.

Is Julius Malema From Zimbabwe?

No, Julius Malema is not from Zimbabwe.

He is a South African citizen, born in Seshego, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This question appears to stem from online misinformation or confusion.

His entire upbringing, education, and political career have been in South Africa.

Julius Malema Wife

Julius Malema is married to Mantwa Matlala (now Mantwa Matlala Malema).

The couple married on 27 December 2014 in a private ceremony under heavy security in his hometown of Seshego, Polokwane. The wedding was a highly exclusive event with tight security, and some guests reportedly arrived by helicopter.

Mantwa Matlala is known for maintaining a very low public profile. She has no verified social media accounts and rarely appears at public events. She is an accountant by profession and works at a company in Johannesburg.

Despite her preference for privacy, Julius Malema regularly shares his appreciation for his wife on social media, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries publicly. He has referred to her as “management” and frequently praises her role as a mother and wife.

In December 2024, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, putting to rest various divorce rumours that had circulated in the media.

Mantwa’s net worth has been separately estimated at around R5.5 million ($300,000).

How Old Is Julius Malema’s Wife?

The exact age of Mantwa Matlala is not publicly confirmed.

She maintains a very private profile and her date of birth has not been officially disclosed. What is known is that the couple started dating when she was still in school and they were together when Malema matriculated in 2010.

Out of respect for her privacy, specific age details are not included here as they have not been verified by reliable sources.

Does Julius Malema Have Children?

Yes, Julius Malema has three sons:

1. Ratanang Malema

  • Born: 2006
  • Mother: Maropeng Ramohlale (previous relationship)
  • Ratanang is now a DJ and is in his late teens

2. Munzhedzi Malema

  • Born: 2016
  • Mother: Mantwa Matlala (wife)
  • First child with his wife

3. Kopano Malema

  • Born: February 2018
  • Mother: Mantwa Matlala (wife)
  • Second child with his wife

Mantwa also serves as stepmother to Ratanang, and by all accounts, Julius treats all three of his sons equally. He frequently shares birthday wishes and celebrates their milestones on social media.

What Happened to Julius Malema?

This question typically refers to his expulsion from the ANC and subsequent founding of the EFF.

Timeline of key events:

2008: Julius Malema was elected president of the ANC Youth League under controversial circumstances. He became a strong supporter of Jacob Zuma.

2010: His relationship with Zuma deteriorated after Malema began criticising his policies and visited Zimbabwe, praising Robert Mugabe against ANC foreign policy.

2011: The ANC convened disciplinary hearings against Malema for various statements and conduct deemed disruptive. In November 2011, he was found guilty and suspended for five years.

2012: His appeal was rejected in February 2012, and he was expelled from the ANC. A further appeal in April 2012 upheld the expulsion.

July 2013: Malema announced the launch of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), with himself as Commander-in-Chief.

October 2013: The EFF was officially launched as a political party.

2014: The EFF won about 6 percent of the national vote in its first election, giving Malema and 24 EFF colleagues seats in the National Assembly.

Since then, Malema has remained a major figure in South African politics, leading the EFF as the third-largest party in parliament and continuing to advocate for economic transformation policies.

Julius Malema Career Highlights

Political Career:

  • Joined ANC’s Masupatsela movement at age nine or ten
  • Became provincial chairperson of Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in 1997
  • Elected ANC Youth League President in April 2008
  • Expelled from ANC in 2012
  • Founded Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in July 2013
  • Became Member of Parliament in 2014
  • Led EFF to become third-largest party in South Africa

Education:

  • Attended Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego
  • Matriculated in 2010 (at age 28)
  • Enrolled at University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2010 for youth development
  • Enrolled for Bachelor of Arts in Communications and African languages at UNISA in 2011
  • Enrolled in master’s degree programme at University of the Witwatersrand in 2018

Business Interests: According to the Registers of Members’ Interests for 2021, Malema has holdings in:

  • Ratanang Family Trust
  • Kopano Charity Trust
  • Mazimbu Investment Trust
  • Munshedzi Family Trust
  • Mgagao Shamba (farming company, as director)

Julius Malema House

Julius Malema’s primary residence is in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. Hyde Park is an affluent suburb known for its leafy streets and high-end properties.

The home has been described as a multi-million rand mansion secured with a four-metre high barrier and security cameras.

He also has access to an official residence in Cape Town as a Member of Parliament.

Various reports have suggested he may own additional properties across South Africa, though only the Hyde Park property has been officially confirmed in his name. Some reports indicate other properties may be registered under his wife’s name or through family trusts.

The Hyde Park residence has been the subject of media attention. It has been reported that his family residence was located next door to a property owned by a controversial businessman, though Malema stated that his wife rented the property.

Is Julius Malema a Millionaire?

Yes, Julius Malema is a millionaire.

Based on multiple estimates, his net worth is between R45 million and R55 million. This firmly places him in millionaire status in rand terms.

His wealth comes from:

  • Parliamentary salary (approximately R1.6 million annually)
  • Business interests and trusts
  • Property holdings
  • Past business dealings and investments

He is not a billionaire. A billionaire in rand terms would have a net worth of R1 billion or more. Julius Malema’s estimated net worth places him well below that threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Julius Malema’s net worth?

Julius Malema’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at between R45 million and R55 million (approximately $2.5 million to $3 million USD).

How old is Julius Malema?

Julius Malema was born on 3 March 1981. As of March 2026, he is 45 years old.

Is Julius Malema married?

Yes, Julius Malema is married to Mantwa Matlala. They wed in December 2014 in a private ceremony in Seshego, Polokwane. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in December 2024.

Where is Julius Malema from?

Julius Malema is from Seshego township near Polokwane in Limpopo Province, South Africa. He is not from Zimbabwe.

How much does Julius Malema earn per month?

Julius Malema earns approximately R133,000 per month as a Member of Parliament and EFF leader. His annual salary is approximately R1.6 million.

How many children does Julius Malema have?

Julius Malema has three sons: Ratanang (born 2006, from a previous relationship), Munzhedzi (born 2016), and Kopano (born 2018). The younger two are with his wife Mantwa.

What tribe is Julius Malema?

Julius Malema is Northern Sotho (Pedi) and is a member of the Lemba tribe, which has historically claimed Jewish ancestry.

Is Julius Malema a millionaire?

Yes, Julius Malema is a millionaire. His estimated net worth of R45-55 million confirms his millionaire status in rand terms.

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