Fire Starter: South Africa’s Julius Malema Speaks for the People

While fighting the cause, Malema makes headlines.

Julius Malema: Firestarter - Already known for being South Africa’s most outspoken activist, Julius Malema took his profile up a notch recently after he quickly aligned himself with the country’s disgruntled mine workers, stoking dissent and calling for a complete strike. As Malema’s influence reaches previously unknown heights, BET.com takes a look at some of the firebrand leader’s most recent exploits.  —Naeesa Aziz  (Photo: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
ANC Roots - Malema formerly served as leader of the African National Congress Youth League, but he was ousted from the party for “bringing the party into disrepute and sowing division.” These accusations stemmed from his involvement in supporting the overthrow of the current government of neighboring Botswana and his public criticism of current South African president and ANC leader Jacob Zuma. (Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko)
High Alert - On Sept. 12, the South African military was put on high alert for the first time since 1994 ahead of a speech scheduled to be delivered by Julius Malema to a group of disgruntled soldiers in Johannesburg. The soldiers were all suspended from duty over demand for higher wages.  (Photo: AP Photo/Denis Farrell)Julius Malema Banned From Speaking to Miners - South African police blocked Julius Malema from addressing a crowd of nearly 3,000 striking mine workers at a stadium near the Marikana mine in South Africa. Wednesday it was announced striking platinum miners had accepted a new agreement and planned to return to work Thursday.  (Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko)

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Julius Malema: Firestarter - Already known for being South Africa’s most outspoken activist, Julius Malema took his profile up a notch recently after he quickly aligned himself with the country’s disgruntled mine workers, stoking dissent and calling for a complete strike. As Malema’s influence reaches previously unknown heights, BET.com takes a look at some of the firebrand leader’s most recent exploits.  —Naeesa Aziz  (Photo: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

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