Over the weekend, the leader of the EFF, Julius Malema, was seen celebrating his son Ratanang’s 20th birthday. A light-hearted video of the father and son dancing in their home was shared on social media, sparking an internet debate over the seemingly lavish home they were filmed in.
Also see: ‘Government must be your sugar daddy’: Julius Malema to young girls
Lavish birthdays
Julius and Ratanang were filmed dancing in what appeared to be a living room. Julius jokingly mocked his son as he danced with a bottle of champagne in one hand. The warm moment was overlooked as social media users focused on the lavish room they were dancing in.
Haters are mad that my president Julius Malema is happy and healthy with his family while other comrades are collapsing live on interviews. https://t.co/H6AosSSi8y
— MANANA🇿🇦 (@AndyPhylany) October 17, 2026
Some comments accused the politician of living a lavish life while many South Africans suffer.
“Such an expensive, lavish life, and then telling us poor we must fight while you live in luxury and waste,” one commenter shared.
Many people also showed anger at the supposed hypocrisy of Julius representing the impoverished.
“He’s definitely laughing at the fools that continue to vote for him while he enriches himself,” one person wrote. Another commenter asked how the politician can afford the house.
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“Was he supposed to live in a shack?”
People countered these arguments, asking whether or not a party leader was supposed to be impoverished to represent the people they claim to represent.
“Was he supposed to live in a shack?” a commenter asked.
Another one pointed out that Julius was not the president of the country, highlighting how misplaced the anger was.
“Why are people always angry at Malema when it’s their government of choice who’s to be blamed?”
Much of the counter-arguments lie in the fact that it is unfair to criticise Julius for his lifestyle when he isn’t in the position to be responsible for the average South African’s suffering in the first place.
Featured image: X/@Ndi_Muvenda_
Also see: Julius Malema triggers debate over proposal to document undocumented immigrants
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