Malema opens up about trauma of growing up with his epileptic mother

EFF leader Julius Malema has opened up about the difficulties of growing up with his mother, Flora Mahlodi Malema, who suffered from severe epilepsy. Speaking in a recent episode of the Motherhood Network podcast, the 45-year-old Seshego-born leader reflected on his childhood and family background.

He revealed that he was one of three children born to his mother, two girls and a boy.

Later, when he was just one or two years old, his younger sister was born, but she died shortly thereafter.

He discussed his early life, including being raised in a four-room house by his grandmother while caring for his mother, Flora Mahlodi Malema, who suffered from epilepsy.

His story highlights the challenges he faced growing up as one of three children in a household without his father.

Malema was one of three children born to his mother and was raised by his grandmother in a four-room house. He began his political journey at age nine and later led the ANC Youth League at age 28.

Born in Seshego, Malema assumed caregiving responsibilities for his mother as his grandmother aged, a period marked by his mother’s battle with epilepsy.