Durban — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has received criticism after revealing he wore an alleged R28 000 shoe to the glamorous Durban July event this past weekend.
Malema attended the event with his wife, Mantoa, and the two made sure to dress for the occasion.
The Durban July is considered Africa’s richest horseracing event and Malema stepped out in a sleek black tuxedo, while his wife looked elegant in a silver evening gown.
When Malema shared the pictures on his X account, people immediately took to the comments section to talk about one thing – Malema’s shoes.
Malema sported a pair of Christian Louboutin Corteo on Spikes dress shoes which feature spiked heels and the signature red lining and soles. According to the official website, the shoes retail for a whopping R28 00 ($1 545).
Playing with other kids.❤️🕺🏾💃🏿 pic.twitter.com/lCc2qPnDcK
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) July 6, 2024
TimesLIVE reported that Malema has been unapologetic about his fashion choices in the past, and has said no one can tell him what or what not to wear.
He has sported luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci before. However, he has also previously indicated that EFF members should not display opulence, especially in poverty-stricken areas.
“Do not display opulence. Do not show off as a fighter that loves his community. Some of you here, Facebook revolutionaries, I still want someone to educate me on why do you take food pictures and put them on Facebook as a ground force, as a coordinator, convener, chairperson, secretary coming from a poverty-stricken community,” the report quoted him saying.
People were hasty to get to the comments section and voice their opinions on Malema’s fashion choice. Some called him a hypocrite as he flaunted his luxury while claiming to be an advocate for the poor, while others said he was within his right to dress up to match the occasion of the Durban July.
How can you represent the poor when your suit is worth more than a household’s entire income? In parliament, you wear overalls and boots because you claim to identify with the poor but in real life, you live in opulence and you dress like a superstar, are the overalls just a show…
— Ziyanda ®️ (@iamzizir) July 6, 2024
Just because Julius Malema can buy expensive things does not mean his efforts to fix the problems of poverty and unfairness are not valid. In fact, his ability to live a certain way while supporting the poor could show how dedicated and committed he is to his cause.
— Unathi Plaatjie 💎 (@unathi_plaatjie) July 7, 2024
Enjoying the spoils of looting spree,
in his R28 000 shoes ? @EFFSouthAfrica will no doubt protect their leader’s spending habits,
he like all other politicians didn’t get into politics to be poor.— Blanko (@my1centsworth) July 8, 2024
So South Africans expected @Julius_S_Malema to wear Mr Price shoes in Durban July. The very same South Africans would be making a mockery of him if he was wearing cheap shoes 👞 #Durbanjuly2024 #Durbanjuly2024 pic.twitter.com/P6dgHDUHDn
— Lunga (@LLunga18) July 7, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@Julius_S_Malema
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
