EFF leader Julius Malema became a trending topic on X on Monday, 30 September, after a social media user expressed concerns about his health, suggesting that the firebrand politician might not be well and should take better care of himself. Malema was in Limpopo attending to a branch peoples assembly in Seshego along other with branch members and later at the University of Limpopo when this incident took place.
Earlier on Friday, Malema had been celebrating African academic excellence at the University of Limpopo’s Graduation Ceremony, where he posed with Poto Kamogelo, the newly elected president of the Students Representative Council (SRC), deployed by the EFF Student Command (EFFSC). Although the event was meant to focus on academic achievements, it soon took an unexpected turn as users on social media shifted their attention toward Malema’s physical appearance.
EFF Leader posing with supporters of the EFF prior to launching the branch.
One social media user, @SiphoKolanisi1, shared a photo of Malema and remarked, “Malema must take a break from politics and look after his health.” This comment quickly gained traction, with some individuals echoing similar sentiments about Malema’s appearance, while others criticized the remark as unnecessary.
In response, Malema fired back, writing, “Wa ny**a shem, health meant fat to you,” which translates to, “You are sh**t***. Health means fat to you.” The exchange sparked further debate online, with opinions split between concern for his well-being and criticism of the user’s comment.
According to a report by The Citizen in previously, EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi revealed that Malema had been on a diet, cutting sugar from his meals and following a healthier lifestyle, which included exercise. Despite his efforts to prioritize his health, many South Africans took to social media to express their preference for the heavier version of Malema.
One user, @JuveZA85, commented, “He’s lost a lot of weight recently, and not in a good way,” fueling the ongoing discussion about his appearance.
Public figures like Malema often face heightened scrutiny, but it’s important to note that his presence at the University of Limpopo ceremony was primarily about recognizing student achievements. The focus on his appearance overshadowed this celebration, revealing the complexity of public perception and the varying ways individuals react to the evolving images of those in the public eye.