Julius Malema
By Thabo Mosia
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President and Commander-in-Chief, Julius Malema, celebrated his birthday by donating R200,000 to the Tembisa Child Welfare Society on 03 March 2025. This act underscores his dedication to supporting vulnerable children and fostering community development. Speaking at the event, Malema shared a heartfelt message: “When you spend time like this with the less fortunate, you get to inspire them…So, we are here because we love the Less fortunate.” The donation and celebration shone a spotlight on the struggles of Tembisa’s children and Malema’s commitment to making a difference.
A Birthday with Purpose
Julius Malema turned 44 on Monday, 03 March 2025, and chose to mark the day not with a big party for himself, but by giving back to those who need it most. At the Tembisa Child Welfare Society, located at 157 Milky Way Street in Tembisa, Gauteng, he handed over R200,000 to help the organisation keep its doors open for kids facing tough times. The event, starting at 15:00, was filled with song, applause, and a clear message of hope from the EFF leader.
Malema didn’t just show up with a cheque—he stayed to connect with the kids, staff, and community. “We are here because we believe that THERE IS NO CHILD WHO MUST GROW UP WITHOUT A PARENT,” he told the crowd, his voice ringing with conviction. This wasn’t a one-off gesture; it’s part of his long-standing push to uplift the poor and vulnerable, something the EFF has been loud about since day one.
The EFF announced the event on Sunday, 02 March, via spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, calling it a celebration of Malema’s “unwavering commitment to the struggle for economic freedom.” Posts on X from @EFFSouthAfrica echoed this, with one saying: “President Julius Malema has donated R200,000 to the Tembisa Child Welfare Society as part of his birthday celebration, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting vulnerable children and supporting community development.” That hashtag, #HappyBirthdayJuliusMalema, was trending all day.
Why Tembisa Child Welfare Matters
Tembisa, a bustling township east of Johannesburg, is home to thousands of families battling poverty, unemployment, and social challenges. The Tembisa Child Welfare Society steps in where others can’t, offering a safe haven for kids who’ve lost parents, faced abuse, or been abandoned. According to a Central News report on 02 March 2025, the organisation protects children from “Orphanhood; Abuse; Neglect; Abandonment and Risks imposed by family dynamics.” It’s a lifeline in a place where hope can feel hard to come by.
The woman behind it all, affectionately called “Mama” by staff and kids alike, shared her story at the event. Now 72, she’s spent 39 years building this home from scratch. “When I got into Tembisa, I couldn’t believe it when I look at such a big Township… it didn’t have a children’s home,” she said in the video transcript. Starting at the back of a Dutch Reformed Church after losing her own parents at 11, she turned her pain into purpose. With a master’s degree, six diplomas, and sheer grit, she’s raised R24 million over the years—on top of government subsidies—to create a double-storey children’s home, a crèche, and a centre for HIV-positive kids.
Running the place costs between R13-14 million a year, but government funding only covers R10 million. That gap is where fundraising—and donations like Malema’s—come in. “We survive on fundraising,” Mama explained, her pride clear as she pointed to over 35 graduates and 10 qualified teachers who’ve come through her doors. Malema’s R200,000 will help keep that legacy going, supporting everything from food to skills training for these kids.
Malema’s Words: Inspiration and Unity
Malema’s speech was short but packed with meaning. “When you spend time like this with the less fortunate, you get to inspire them,” he said, looking out at the kids singing “Happy Birthday” to him. He didn’t stop there. “Jwale, re nyaka gore ba Management ba tsebe le bona gore ba na le support sa rena, le all the Staff Members,” he added in Sesotho, promising the EFF’s backing to the welfare society’s team. It was a nod to the workers who keep the place running 24/7, often as volunteers.
He wrapped up with a powerful line: “Re tlo cutter cake, ge re fetsa mo, ra e kela gae – mara, ro robala bokoro bo bose after re bone dilo tsa mokguta o, gore THERE ARE STILL BLACK PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT OTHER BLACK PEOPLE.” In plain English, that’s: “We’ll cut the cake, finish here, and take some home—but we’ll sleep with full hearts after seeing this place, knowing there are still black people who care.” It’s a message of black solidarity, a theme Malema’s pushed hard in his 10 years leading the EFF.
The crowd roared with applause, and the kids’ energy lit up the room. A drum roll led to chants of “How we feel? So good!” as Malema soaked in the love. For him, this wasn’t just a birthday—it was a chance to show what the EFF stands for.
A Bigger Picture: Malema and the EFF in 2025
This birthday comes at a pivotal time for Malema and the EFF. Just months ago, in December 2024, he was re-elected unopposed as party president at the third National People’s Assembly in Nasrec, Johannesburg. News24 reported on 14 December 2024 that he urged branch members to fundraise to tackle the party’s financial woes, showing the EFF’s grassroots grit. But his leadership hasn’t been without drama—key figures like Floyd Shivambu and Dali Mpofu jumped ship to Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in 2024, with BBC calling it an “exodus” over his “dictatorial style.”
Despite the setbacks, Malema’s still a force. A Central News piece on 03 March 2025 hailed his “unwavering dedication to the total emancipation of the African people,” tying his Tembisa visit to that mission. He’s been vocal elsewhere too—on 24 February 2025, IOL reported him pushing for a wealth tax over VAT hikes in Parliament, and on 09 February, he clashed with Elon Musk on X, telling the billionaire to “go to hell” after Musk branded him an “international criminal.” Love him or hate him, Malema keeps South Africa talking.
His Tembisa move fits his pattern of spotlighting the poor. Central News noted on 02 March that he’s often visited struggling communities, from crisis zones to schools. With over 2.5 million kids in poverty nationwide (per a January 2025 Department of Social Development report), his focus on child welfare hits a nerve.
Voices from Tembisa: Gratitude and Hope
The welfare society’s staff didn’t hold back their thanks. A senior social worker, who grew up there herself, got emotional in the transcript: “I’m happy to see the president… We are so grateful that we’ve got the Economic Freedom Fighters who are here to support the vision of this organization.” Quoting Matthew 25:35—“I was hungry you gave me food”—she said the R200,000 would stretch far, boosting their skills programmes and daily care.
Another speaker, a musician and businesswoman, praised Malema’s inspiration: “Let’s look at the kids and be an inspiration to them… I will personally be visiting here on my own capacity to come and enjoy with the kids.” Her promise—and Malema’s donation—sparked cheers and a sense that this wasn’t just a one-day boost, but a step toward lasting change.
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