JULIUS MALEMA WEARS JEWISH PRAYER SHAWL AND KIPPAH AT HIS GRANDFATHER’S FUNERAL, SPARKING WIDESPREAD CURIOSITY ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S HERITAGE. (PHOTO).

  JULIUS MALEMA WEARS JEWISH PRAYER SHAWL AND KIPPAH AT HIS GRANDFATHER’S FUNERAL, SPARKING WIDESPREAD CURIOSITY ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S HERITAGE 

EFF leader Julius Malema drew attention during the funeral service of his grandfather, Papa Ishe Rufus Popies Malema, in Botlokwa, Limpopo, after wearing a kippah (Jewish skullcap) and a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl).

The attire prompted widespread discussion on social media, with many South Africans asking why the EFF leader wore traditional Jewish religious garments despite his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government.

The garments are traditionally worn by Jewish men during prayers, memorial services and other religious ceremonies. Their appearance at the funeral has reignited interest in the history of the Lemba people, an ethnic group found mainly in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Many members of the Lemba maintain an oral tradition that their ancestors came from the Middle East centuries ago before settling in southern Africa. Over the years, some genetic studies have found evidence of Middle Eastern ancestry among parts of the Lemba population, particularly in certain paternal lineages. However, historians and researchers continue to debate aspects of the community’s origins, and not all people of Lemba heritage practise Judaism.

There is no official confirmation from Julius Malema explaining why he chose to wear the kippah and tallit during the funeral or whether it reflects his personal religious beliefs or family traditions.

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