Who Is Julius Malema? South African Politician and Controversial 'Kill the Farmer' Chant Leader

Julius Malema, the outspoken leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, continues to fuel controversy both at home and abroad. Known for his fiery rhetoric, luxury lifestyle, and radical politics, Malema has again drawn international attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump called for his arrest over chants perceived as highly inflammatory. The chant in question, “kill the farmer, kill the Boer,” has become a lightning rod for debate on hate speech, land reform, and race relations in South Africa.

Malema, often seen sporting designer brands such as Rolex and Gucci, positions himself as a champion of the poor from a lavish residence reportedly situated on one of South Africa’s most exclusive streets. Despite his populist messaging and self-styled image as a “commander in chief,” he faces persistent accusations of hypocrisy and corruption. Critics allege that Malema has enriched himself at the expense of ordinary South Africans, citing the notorious collapse of VBS Bank, which left pensioners and low-income savers destitute. Allegations suggest Malema and senior EFF figures benefited from the bank's questionable dealings, but formal charges have yet to be brought against him.

The controversy escalated recently when Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to Washington with footage of Malema repeating the “kill the farmer” chant at a rally. While the chant was ruled by South Africa’s Constitutional Court in 2022 not to constitute hate speech—deeming it part of struggle-era songs—many observers argue that Malema’s continued use of incendiary language is destabilizing and dangerous. Malema, who sits on the Judicial Services Commission responsible for appointing judges, reportedly maintains that the chants are symbolic, though his critics contend otherwise.

In the wake of these controversies, Trump has offered Afrikaner farmers refuge in the United States, citing disputed claims of systematic violence and forced land seizures targeting white landowners. Trump’s intervention has intensified global scrutiny of South Africa’s volatile land reform debate and the country’s polarized political climate. Meanwhile, Malema appears to double down on his defiant posture, leading public rallies where he reiterates provocative slogans and associates himself with international causes—most notably declaring support for arming Hamas, following the group’s October 7 attack on Israel last year.

The EFF, which once enjoyed surging youth support due to its radical approach in one of the world’s most unequal societies, has seen its influence wane. In the most recent national election, the party secured less than 10% of the vote, and internal rifts led to the departure of key founding members. Still, Malema’s penchant for courting controversy—whether by stoking racial tensions or aligning with contentious global actors—keeps him firmly in the spotlight. Some analysts describe him as South African politics’ “bad boy,” whose strategies oscillate between calculated publicity stunts and genuine attempts to disrupt the status quo.

Calls are mounting from opposition figures for justice in the VBS scandal, with demands for criminal prosecution of all implicated politicians, including Malema. Despite his denials of any wrongdoing, pressure continues to build, particularly now that U.S. authorities are watching closely. Experts warn that Malema’s connection to both domestic scandals and groups labeled as terrorist organizations could leave him exposed to international legal action, including the imposition of Global Magnitsky Act sanctions—measures that could be enacted swiftly and unilaterally.

For now, Julius Malema remains both a symbol of radical resistance and a subject of heated dispute—embraced by many for his anti-establishment message, but dogged by allegations that threaten to undermine the very ideals he claims to represent.