Born into the Pedi tribe on 3 March 1981, Malema was raised by a single mother, who worked as a domestic worker in Seshego township, Limpopo. At the age of nine he joined the Masupatsela (”Trailblazers”) pioneer movement of the African National Congress. According to Malema, the movements main task was to remove National Party posters placed outside police stations. He was reportedly receiving military training by the age of 14, at which age he joined the ANC Youth League; according to Malema, he was receiving training in the handling of firearms by age 13.

Education
His school career was dismal, failing two years of high school as well as several subjects in his final secondary school examination. This unbelievable performance still attracts media attention. Although there are varying reports, it would appear his highest mark was a “C” for second language English and his lowest marks were published as an “H” (sub 33%) in maths and a “G” (sub 40%) in woodwork, all in the standard grade. The ANCYL dismissed the published marks as “fake”, but declined to confirm what his “real” marks might have been. The South African Department of Education later confirmed the legitimacy of the much publicized results.

In defence he claims to have won R1000 in a high school debating competition. He eventually finished high school at age 21.

Ironically, at a rally in Feb 2009, he said young people must admire educated people, not criminals.

Come back soon to read this amazing story of the President in waiting ...