Luxury vs. Leadership: Julius Malema’s R28K Designer Shoes Spark Outrage
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy, this time over his choice of designer shoes.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Recently, Malema attended the Durban July event, donning a pair of formal shoes reportedly worth a staggering R28,111.15. This sparked a heated debate on X (formerly Twitter), with many users questioning the apparent contradiction between Malema’s lavish lifestyle and the EFF’s political rhetoric of fighting for the poor and promoting economic equality.
A social media user, @Constitution_94, brought the issue to light, arguing that it is hypocritical for Malema to urge his EFF members not to flaunt their wealth in the face of impoverished South Africans, yet he indulges in such extravagant spending.
JULIUS MALEMA
Nov 2023. July 2024
Comrades, Shoes =
Do not display R28 111
opulence in the
face of poverty.Be humble pic.twitter.com/bs1F9D1pkA
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) July 7, 2024
Also read: EFF Leader Julius Malema Saves Rapper Shebeshxt with Urgent Medical Aid
Julius Malema’s R28K Designer Shoes Spark Outrage
The debate that ensued highlighted the contrasting perspectives on Malema’s actions. Some of his supporters argued that as a prominent political figure, Malema has the right to enjoy the finer things in life. However, a section of South Africans maintained that his choice of expensive footwear undermines the EFF’s stance on economic justice and wealth redistribution. Here are some of the comments:
@alan_sithole:
My brother maybe you didn`t understand the message or you don`t understand the recent circulation pictures. Man was dressed for an occasion, his speech said don`t brag, more especially in the face of the poor. I would like to believe he has been consistent in his life.
@kwaito_za:
You guys forget married men doesn’t buy these clothes themselves, its the wives. If the wife buy you a 28K shoe you have no choice but to wear it. Ask Mufasa @casspernyovest. You were your wifes choice papa!!!
@Patricia_Bantom:
Why Julius Malema wearing red overall to parliament knowing very well he don’t represent them? He is making a mockery of the poor.
@SelloSamuel14:
Fashion is what will keep Malema from becoming the president of South Africa. Argue it however you like but it is a FACT. 🤞🏽🤞🏽
@Huma_Ofentse:
We can agree that there’s nothing wrong with wearing a shoe worth 28k but the irony is clearly in what he says in the video😂it’s difficult to defend the CIC here. It’s a “do as I say not as I do” type situation. But we know he’s always had a taste fitted finer things in life