Time is Money: Julius Malema Rocks R2 Million Watch, Raises Eyebrows and Blood Pressure at Durban July
EFF leader Julius Malema caused a stir on social media after he was spotted wearing a R2 million watch at the Durban July horse racing event on Saturday.
Malema and his wife Mantwa Matlala were among the guests at the Opulent Experience Marquee, where they mingled with celebrities and businesspeople.
Julius Malema’s R2 Million Watch At Durban July
In the picture, Mantwa wore an off-shoulder white gown embellished with pearls and beads while Malema rocked a sleek black tuxedo. Mantwa styled her hair in a chic updo and wore bold red lipstick.
But while many admired their stylish outfits, some eagle-eyed observers noticed that Malema was sporting a designer watch that reportedly costs more than his annual salary as a member of parliament.
The watch is believed to be worth around R2 million.
“Chowing Struggle Money”
This sparked outrage among critics who accused Malema of being a hypocrite and living a lavish lifestyle funded by stolen money from various sources.
One Twitter user, @goolammv, wrote:
“Julius Malema’s yearly salary is about R1.3 million. Malema was at the Durban July wearing a watch worth about R2 million. After looking at Malema’s parliament declaration, one can easily come to the conclusion that Malema is living a life funded by stolen money from VBS, Jhb Metro, and cigarette smuggling mafias.”
The user also pointed out that Malema and his supporters had previously attacked ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for wearing an expensive watch, calling him a puppet of Rupert and the West.
“When it was alleged that Fikile Mbalula was wearing an expensive watch, The EFF mob was jumping over each other to attack Mbalula. Calling him a puppet of Rupert and the West. Today when it’s Malema, they have a completely different take. BLOODY HYPOCRITES,” the user added.
Other Twitter users echoed these sentiments and questioned Malema’s credibility as a leader of a party that claims to fight for the poor and the oppressed.
Mthabine:
“R2m timepiece for an economy fighter! This is such a joke! And bo @twieterazzi will come here and defend this, saying it’s out of his monthly salary! Julius is the same as bo Mdu Manana and Gigaba!”
Nhlanhla:
“He will be your president one day. Let that sink in.”
Prof Moya:
“Mr Malema promised to build a school in 5 years which is due next year. Is the foundation done, at least? These are the updates we expect from our 10 yr anniversary. We need to gain the confidence of voters. We are already seeing Cope & Agang signs in Limpopo and KZN with low votes.”
Malema has not responded to these allegations or commented on his watch. His wife Mantwa, however, seemed unfazed by the controversy and posted a picture of herself and her husband on Instagram with the caption: “From time to time.”