In an unexpected political intervention, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called for immediate sanctions against South African politician Julius Malema, labeling him an “international criminal” over remarks made by the firebrand leader seven years ago. Musk’s tweet on Sunday has ignited a global debate, especially amidst a delicate diplomatic standoff between South Africa and the United States.
The call for sanctions follows Malema’s 2018 speech where, addressing a crowd at Johannesburg’s Standard Bank Arena, he declared his party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), would target white South African leaders based on their race. During this campaign speech, Malema outlined the EFF’s decision to remove Nelson Mandela Bay’s then-mayor, Athol Trollip, simply because he was white. Malema explained the choice with an ominous statement: “When you want to hit them hard – go after a white man.”
The politician, famous for his radical stances, continued to elaborate: “We are cutting the throat of whiteness. Trollip will not be a mayor after the 6th of April, if they give us that date.” His words were part of the EFF’s electoral strategy, targeting white leadership figures within South Africa’s opposition political parties. Malema, known for his unapologetic and often controversial rhetoric, further clarified that while Trollip was their first target, the EFF would eventually challenge other white mayors, including Herman Mashaba and Solly Msimanga.
Fast forward to February 2025, and Elon Musk, known for his outspoken views and polarizing presence on social media, has resurfaced Malema’s controversial speech, condemning it in the harshest terms. In his tweet, Musk wrote, “Immediate sanctions for Malema and declaration of him as an international criminal!”
Musk’s call to action aligns with his increasing role in U.S. politics, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration. After being appointed to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in late 2024, Musk has become a central figure in pushing the Trump administration’s political agenda, which has recently focused on reining in foreign governments that it deems problematic.
The tensions between Musk and Malema have been simmering for some time. In 2023, Musk took to social media to criticize Malema’s notorious “Kill the Boer” chant, accusing the EFF leader of inciting violence against white farmers. Musk’s condemnation did not go unnoticed in South Africa, where Malema’s supporters have often viewed the businessman’s statements as an attempt to undermine the country’s political independence.
Malema, however, has not been intimidated. He responded to Musk’s latest remarks with defiance, reiterating his commitment to fighting for Black South Africans’ rights, even at the cost of international backlash. “Musk’s attack is a distraction, aimed at preserving the privileges of the powerful,” Malema declared. “We will not back down in the face of such imperialistic interventions.”
The backdrop to Musk’s inflammatory tweet is a larger geopolitical context, particularly the strained relations between the United States and South Africa. In early February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that froze U.S. financial aid to South Africa, accusing the government of promoting discriminatory practices and exacerbating tensions with foreign nationals, particularly in the context of the controversial land expropriation bill.
This bill, signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, allows for land to be seized without compensation, and has been a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over race relations and economic inequality in the country. Critics argue that the law disproportionately targets white landowners, while proponents see it as a necessary move to rectify the historical injustices of apartheid-era land dispossession.
Musk’s tweet came after Trump’s earlier threats to cut all future financial aid to South Africa, which were widely shared on the former president’s Truth Social account. Trump’s administration views the bill as part of a broader pattern of land grabs and anti-foreign sentiment emerging from South Africa, and has declared the country a “problematic partner.”
In an official response, President Ramaphosa downplayed the significance of Trump’s actions, asserting that South Africa receives no significant financial aid from the United States other than funds allocated through the PEPFAR program, which supports HIV/AIDS relief efforts.
For Musk, this political intervention appears to be a continuation of his battle against what he perceives as unjust policies in Africa and beyond. In 2023, he made headlines for his vocal opposition to the South African government’s land expropriation measures, accusing the country of pursuing policies that discriminate against white landowners. This controversy led to the cancellation of his plans to launch Starlink, his satellite internet service, in the country due to disagreements over licensing and regulatory issues.
Despite the backlash, Musk remains steadfast in his criticisms, particularly of Malema’s incendiary rhetoric. “This is a man who openly advocates for racial violence,” Musk tweeted, referring to Malema’s “whiteness” remarks. “Such statements are not just political—they are a direct incitement to hate and violence.”
In the midst of these escalating tensions, the global community is left to grapple with the consequences of this exchange. While some international observers back Musk’s call for sanctions, arguing that Malema’s statements represent a dangerous and divisive ideology, others view it as an overstep by a foreign businessman with little understanding of South Africa’s complex political landscape.
What is clear, however, is that this ongoing battle between Musk and Malema is about more than just political differences—it is a clash of ideologies with far-reaching implications. For South Africa, it is a test of its sovereignty in the face of external pressure, while for Musk, it is an opportunity to flex his influence on the global stage.
The world watches as these two titans of industry and politics continue to clash. As the debate intensifies, the question remains: will South Africa bow to international pressure, or will Malema’s radical voice continue to challenge the status quo?
This unfolding drama highlights the growing intersection of politics, race, and global diplomacy in the 21st century. The outcome of this confrontation could reshape the future of South African politics and redefine the role of international figures in local governance.
