Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), couldn’t contain his pride as he took to Instagram to congratulate his eldest son, Mushavi Ratanang Malema, on achieving a bachelor’s pass in his matric exams.
Ratanang, who shares his father’s passion for DJing, excelled in his matric year and received a bachelor’s degree pass. Malema shared a photo of his son on his Instagram Stories, expressing his joy and excitement for the celebrations that were to follow.
The 18-year-old Ratanang attended St David’s Marist Inanda, a prestigious private Catholic boys’ school in Johannesburg. The school boasted a 100% matric pass rate, with 99% of the students achieving a bachelor’s degree pass. Malema invested approximately R170,000 in his son’s education for the year, highlighting his commitment to providing his children with the best opportunities.
Malema has been vocal about his decision to send his children to private schools, citing concerns about the quality of education in public institutions. He believes that public representatives should lead by example and utilize public facilities to drive improvements in the education and healthcare sectors.
Ratanang is Malema’s firstborn son from his previous relationship with Maropeng Ramohlale. He also has two younger sons, Munzhedzi and Kopano, with his wife Mantwa Matlala. Malema considers Ratanang his inspiration and motivator, crediting him with giving him the strength to persevere through challenging times.
In the broader context of matric results, the Class of 2024 achieved a record pass rate, with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) reporting a 98.47% success rate. Public schools also saw a significant improvement in their pass rate, reaching 87.3%, the highest since the country’s transition to democracy.
As parents across the country celebrate their children’s academic achievements, Malema joins them in recognizing the hard work and dedication that students have put into their matric year. The success of Ratanang and his peers is a testament to their commitment to excellence and serves as inspiration for future generations.
