Malema Calls Himself South Africa’s Poorest Politician Amid Luxury Backlash

In a May 22, 2026 interview, EFF leader Julius Malema repeated his claim of being the ‘poorest politician,’ urging skeptics to check property records themselves. Critics quickly highlighted photos of his Gucci outfits, expensive watch, luxury shoes, Limpopo farm, and high-end convoys, dubbing him a ‘Gucci crook’ and referencing past scandals like VBS bank allegations he denies. Supporters note his assets may be in trusts or party names, with no recent deeds linking him directly to homes or vehicles, as he frames scrutiny as attacks from opponents.