Ratanang Malema (full name: Mushavi Ratanang Malema) is the eldest son of Julius Malema, the founder and leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. Born in October 2006, he is currently around 19 years old (as of 2026) and has begun to step into the public eye through political engagement and family milestones.
Biography Profile
- Full Name: Mushavi Ratanang Malema
- Place of Birth: South Africa
- Date of Birth: 14 October 2006
- Occupation: DJ
- Known for: Son of Julius Malema
- Parents: Julius Malema & Maropeng Ramohale
- Siblings: Munzhedzi & Kopano
- Nationality: South African
Early Life and Family
Ratanang was born to Julius Malema and his former partner, Maropeng Ramohale (also referred to as Maropeng Ramohlale). His mother has largely kept a low public profile. Julius Malema has publicly spoken about his commitment to fatherhood, including setting up the Ratanang Family Trust (named after his son) early in his political career.
He has two younger half-brothers, Munzhedzi and Kopano, from Julius Malema’s marriage to his current wife, Mantwa Matlala. Ratanang shares a close bond with his father, who has often described him as well-behaved, respectful, and a source of motivation during challenging times. On Ratanang’s 18th birthday in October 2024 (or around that period), Julius Malema posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, noting that he had fulfilled a promise to watch over his son until he could stand on his own.
Ratanang has interests in DJing, a passion he reportedly shares with his father.
Education
Ratanang attended the prestigious private Catholic boys’ school, St David’s Marist Inanda in Johannesburg. The school is known for its high academic standards. In the 2024 matric (National Senior Certificate) exams, he achieved a bachelor’s degree pass with strong results, which his father celebrated publicly as a proud moment (“Congratulations my boy, Tshipi ya Bokgalaka!”). The school recorded a 100% pass rate that year, with nearly all pupils qualifying for university entry.
Public Appearances and Political Involvement
Although still young, Ratanang has made occasional public appearances linked to the EFF. In 2023, he was noted for his DJ skills during EFF-related events. More recently (around 2025–2026), he has spoken at EFF rallies and voter registration drives, urging young South Africans to register, vote, and get involved in politics. He has encouraged support for EFF policies such as free education, land expropriation without compensation, and broader economic freedom, telling youth not to “stand on the sidelines.”
His father has highlighted Ratanang’s involvement to counter perceptions of privilege, noting that his children also participate in grassroots campaigning. Ratanang introduced himself at one event as coming from Ward 13 in Seshego (linking to his family’s roots in Limpopo). He has also been seen leading school activities, such as singing with fellow students.
Personal Notes
Julius Malema has described Ratanang as disciplined and has shared moments like driving him to his matric dance. While growing up in the spotlight due to his father’s high-profile and often controversial political career, Ratanang appears to maintain a relatively grounded profile focused on education and emerging civic engagement.
Information about Ratanang remains limited compared to his father, as he is still a young adult building his own path. He is primarily known through family milestones and selective public appearances rather than as an independent public figure.
Note: Details are based on publicly reported information from news outlets and Julius Malema’s social media. As a private individual (despite his father’s fame), much of his personal life is kept out of the spotlight.
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