Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has delivered a scathing response to South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, telling him to “go to hell” after Musk called for international sanctions against him.
Musk’s remarks came after he retweeted an old clip of Malema making controversial comments about “cutting the throat of whiteness.” The Tesla and SpaceX CEO went on to demand that Malema be declared an international criminal.
In response, Malema dismissed Musk’s comments as misguided, labeling him a “spoiled brat” and a direct beneficiary of apartheid-era privileges. “I know black people look the same to you, typical racist. Look closer, and you will realize those are two different people,” Malema tweeted. He added that he would not stop advocating for black equality, even if it meant being labeled a criminal.
Musk’s attack on Malema comes amid growing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Act, a land reform law that allows the government to seize land without compensation under certain conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump escalated the situation further by announcing the withdrawal of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa and offering priority refugee status to white Afrikaners.
The EFF has condemned what it describes as Washington’s “aggression” toward Pretoria, accusing the U.S. of punishing South Africa for its support of Palestine in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel.
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EFF Declares Musk an ‘Enemy of South Africa’
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo dismissed Musk’s comments as part of a broader attempt by the U.S. to control South Africa’s political and economic direction.
“As part of the general hysteria that has overtaken governance in the USA, Musk has assumed the role of a global billionaire maniac, whose grotesque wealth has made him believe he is a supreme ruler of not just the Oval Office, but of all nations,” Thambo stated.
The EFF made it clear that it would oppose any attempts by Musk’s businesses, including Starlink, to operate in South Africa without complying with local laws requiring at least 30% local ownership.
“Musk’s interference in South Africa’s domestic affairs is unacceptable, and he must be seen as an imperialist attempting to undermine our sovereignty. The EFF declares Elon Musk an enemy of South Africa,” Thambo added, urging other nations—including Russia, China, and India—to reject Musk’s business interests.
Afriforum Declines Trump’s Refugee Offer
As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, Afrikaner rights group AfriForum has distanced itself from Trump’s offer to grant white South Africans priority refugee status in the U.S. The group announced over the weekend that it would not be accepting the proposal, though it did not elaborate on its reasons.
With Musk and Trump doubling down on their stance against South Africa’s policies, and the EFF refusing to back down, relations between Pretoria and Washington appear to be on a downward spiral.
