- A video of Julius Malema celebrating his son Ratanang Malema's birthday inside a sleek, upscale home surfaced on TikTok
- The footage of the lavish setting sparked a fierce debate among South Africans about the EFF leader's seemingly lavish lifestyle
- Thousands of viewers flooded the comments with divided opinions, from fierce criticism to staunch defence of Malema
A birthday celebration at Julius Malema's home became an unexpected flashpoint online. A TikTok video of a moment of Malema and Ratanang on a special day went viral on 17 October 2026.
Source: TikTok
The clip captured guests singing happy birthday inside what appeared to be a modern, upscale living space fitted with sleek ceiling lighting and minimalist décor. Malema was dancing and celebrating in the joyful, informal atmosphere while waving a champagne bottle in the air.
Many viewers zeroed in on the opulence of the setting posted by @newsnexussa, contrasting it with the Economic Freedom Fighters leader's political messaging around poverty and inequality. Others pushed back just as firmly, arguing that Malema was simply a father celebrating his child's birthday and had every right to enjoy his personal life. Watch the birthday celebration that divided Mzansi below:
Mzansi reacts to Malema's house
The video drew thousands of comments. Here is what viewers had to say:
@anonymousmojo wrote:
"Such an expensive, lavish life and then telling us poor people we must fight while you live in luxury and waste"
@balz hlatshwayo fired back:
"Was he supposed to live in a shack?"
@Phumla🇿🇦 asked:
"How does he afford such a big house?"
@Nkanyezi Thabethe came to his defence:
"Guys, this is a man who is celebrating his son 😩✋🏾, so now he can't be happy?"
@lwazie_thandor🫧🤍 added:
"Living a good life while people are suffering 🧏♀️ Malema is not the president, maye, Hawu what's wrong with y'all, you are scared of the elephant in the room, you are scared of Malema"
@Velly Verge Nkosi noted:
"This is the same man who was bashing alcohol at Mac G's podcast."
Other Briefly News stories about Julius Malema
- EFF leader Julius Malema sat down with presenter and entrepreneur Nandi Madida on The Motherhood Network's Election Series podcast ahead of the Local Government Elections.
- Speaking to supporters outside the East London Magistrate's Court following a pre-sentencing appearance, EFF Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema shared his thoughts on young Afrikaner protesters.
- EFF Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema sparked intense online debate after telling attendees at the party's Jazz Hour event in Johannesburg that the EFF does not hate white South Africans and wants them to remain in the country as "partners and neighbours."
Source: Briefly News
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