South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have launched a scathing rebuttal after billionaire Elon Musk called for their leader, Julius Malema, to be declared an “international criminal” over a controversial 2018 speech. The exchange has sparked a tense war of words, with the EFF accusing Musk of overstepping his bounds as a billionaire with an imperialist agenda, while vowing to resist any attempts to manipulate South Africa’s sovereignty.
The drama unfolded on Sunday when Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to Twitter to voice his disapproval of Malema’s past remarks, which targeted white political figures in South Africa. The incident traces back to a 2018 rally where Malema, speaking before a crowd in Johannesburg, declared that his party, the EFF, would push for the removal of Nelson Mandela Bay’s mayor, Athol Trollip, simply because of his race. Malema’s words were part of the EFF’s broader campaign to challenge South Africa’s racial and economic inequalities.
In a tweet that quickly gained traction, Musk called for sanctions against Malema, stating, “Immediate sanctions for Malema and declaration of him as an international criminal!” The comment drew the ire of the EFF, which denounced Musk’s interference as a clear attempt to impose Western influence on South Africa’s internal affairs.
“The EFF is not fazed by the declaration made by Elon Musk, who has assumed the role of a global billionaire maniac, trying to use his immense wealth to control governments for his personal interests,” the party said in a statement. They went on to describe Musk’s actions as a part of a broader agenda by Western powers to target figures who oppose imperialism, particularly in Africa.
The EFF’s fiery response continued: “Musk’s wealth has overwhelmed him, and he thinks of himself as a ruler not only of the United States but of all nations. His meddling in our domestic politics is an offense we do not take lightly.”
Malema has long been a polarizing figure in South Africa, known for his radical calls for land expropriation without compensation and his staunch opposition to Western imperialist forces. His leadership of the EFF, a political party advocating for socialist policies and African economic liberation, has earned him both ardent supporters and vehement critics. Musk’s comments come at a time when Malema and the EFF are gaining momentum as powerful voices in South Africa’s political landscape, challenging both the establishment and the status quo.
EFF leaders were quick to label Musk an “enemy of South Africa,” accusing him of attempting to weaken the country’s political autonomy by using his influence in the U.S. government. The party pointed out Musk’s close ties to President Donald Trump, noting that he had been appointed to head the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) during Trump’s presidency.
The EFF’s statement also issued a bold threat to Musk’s operations in South Africa, including his Starlink satellite service. The party has vowed that Starlink will not operate in the country unless it complies with local regulations requiring 30% local ownership. In what appeared to be a direct challenge to Musk’s empire, the EFF added that the billionaire’s businesses should be rejected by other global powers such as Russia, China, and India.
“Malema’s battle for the land and African economic independence will not be undermined by billionaire moguls who use their fortunes to manipulate governments and rewrite narratives to suit their interests,” the EFF statement emphasized. “We will not be cowed into submission. We stand firm in confronting imperialism, wherever it arises.”
The controversy has sparked debate in both South Africa and internationally, with some siding with Musk, arguing that Malema’s rhetoric has at times veered into dangerous territory. Critics point to Malema’s remarks about “cutting the throat of whiteness” as evidence of incitement to racial violence. Supporters, however, argue that his comments were taken out of context and misinterpreted, especially in light of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and economic equity in South Africa.
In response, the EFF has called on progressive nations around the world to stand with them in rejecting Musk’s influence, calling on countries that value their sovereignty to oppose Musk’s global ventures. “We declare Musk an enemy of South Africa and a threat to the independence of all nations,” the statement read. “Any nation that values its freedom and dignity must oppose his efforts to impose his capitalist agenda on the rest of the world.”
The conflict has also ignited wider discussions about the influence of powerful multinational corporations and the growing role of wealthy individuals like Musk in shaping global politics. Critics argue that Musk’s actions represent a broader trend of tech oligarchs attempting to interfere in political matters, particularly in developing countries where they seek to expand their market influence.
While tensions continue to rise, the EFF remains steadfast in its opposition to Musk’s influence and imperialist policies, vowing to continue pushing for South Africa’s sovereignty and the advancement of African liberation. The party has promised to take action, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Musk’s enterprises comply with South African laws and regulations.
This clash between the EFF and Elon Musk highlights a broader global struggle between political and economic ideologies, with South Africa positioned at the intersection of this battle. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to see how both sides navigate this high-stakes confrontation and what impact it may have on South Africa’s international relations.
The EFF’s bold declaration to Musk: “Go to hell” has certainly set the tone for what promises to be an escalating war of words and political posturing. With tensions high and the stakes even higher, the coming months will reveal whether the EFF’s commitment to African liberation can withstand the pressure from powerful global forces like Elon Musk.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), founded in 2013, is a South African left-wing political party led by Julius Malema, known for its radical positions on land reform, economic justice, and anti-imperialism. The party has consistently pushed for the redistribution of land from white South Africans to the country’s Black majority, a policy that has drawn both support and criticism. The party’s platform is rooted in Marxism-Leninism and Pan-Africanism, with an emphasis on economic emancipation for African people.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and other high-profile companies, has become one of the world’s most influential figures in both technology and politics. His outspoken views on various issues have often attracted controversy, and his involvement in U.S. politics, particularly during Trump’s presidency, has made him a polarizing figure on the global stage.
