Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
15 September 2025 | 11:21 CAT

📸 “Malema, Money, Power and Patronage” exposes the hidden financial web of Julius Malema – politics, contracts, and cash all laid bare. How deep does the influence run?

A new book set to hit shelves, Malema, Money, Power and Patronage, is reigniting questions around the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his financial dealings. Co-authored by journalists Micah Reddy and Pauli Van Wyk, the publication delves into years of investigations linking Malema to corruption scandals, including the infamous VBS Mutual Bank collapse.

Speaking on the motivation behind the book, Van Wyk explained: “Over time, we realised that each of us held different pieces of the puzzle and that there’s a bigger story to tell here. In the first instance, it’s a story about Malema and his money, and the fact that he uses his power to gain more money. That is a massive problem for democracy and for honest politicians.”

The book outlines allegations of Malema leveraging political power for personal gain, pointing to tenders in Limpopo, mining disputes, and municipal contracts. According to Van Wyk, while Malema publicly champions the poor, his decisions often benefit his own pocket or that of his benefactors. “He claims to be pro-poor. He claims to fight for people who didn’t have a chance in apartheid. But it’s not true,” Van Wyk told Radio Islam International.

One of the book’s most striking revelations concerns evidence allegedly in the possession of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Van Wyk noted: “They had at least two witnesses who described cash being boxed up for Malema’s bodyguards, payments of his Eskom bills, his car maintenance, and upgrades to his homes. He was a kept politician at the time. If the NPA really wants, there’s enough evidence to take him to court.”

Yet despite these claims, Malema has evaded conviction. The authors argue that the lack of political will within the NPA and Parliament has allowed him to continue unchecked.

The book also situates Malema’s story within the broader culture of money in politics, suggesting that entrepreneurs and politicians have normalised kickbacks and corruption as part of doing business in South Africa.

While the EFF has recently experienced internal fractures and declining electoral support, the authors caution against underestimating Malema. “He is perhaps the most talented politician that we have in South Africa. Every time things go wrong, he pulls himself up by his bootstraps. To write him off now would be a mistake,” Van Wyk remarked.

The release of Malema, Money, Power and Patronage is expected to stir renewed debate over the accountability of South Africa’s political elite.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Pauli Van Wyk.