Julius Malema and Elon Musk clash on X, escalating tensions between South Africa and the US over political and racial issues.

A bitter spat between Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and billionaire Elon Musk has escalated on X, sparking further political tensions between South Africa and the United States.

The latest confrontation began when Musk called for Malema to be declared an international criminal, following the re-emergence of controversial past statements from the EFF leader.

Malema, not one to back down, fired back with fierce words, branding Musk an enemy of South Africa.

Musk’s criticism was triggered by his retweet of old footage in which Malema, then a leader of the ANC Youth League, made inflammatory remarks about “cutting the throat of whiteness,” a phrase that many have interpreted as a threat of violence against white South Africans.

In a post on X, Musk called for immediate sanctions against Malema, suggesting the EFF leader should be tried as an international criminal.

He stated that such a stance was needed to send a strong message against any form of racial violence or extremism.

Malema’s response was swift and pointed. In a tweet, he told Musk to “go to hell,” dismissing the Tesla CEO’s call for sanctions and labeling him a typical “spoiled brat” who benefited from the legacy of apartheid.

Malema went on to accuse Musk of being a racist, claiming that Musk couldn’t tell the difference between black people and was blinded by his own privilege.

He expressed no concern over the sanctions Musk called for, proudly declaring that his fight for racial equality would continue unabated. “If that makes me an international criminal, I am proud to be one,” Malema asserted.

This fiery exchange between Malema and Musk is just the latest chapter in an increasingly tense relationship between South Africa and the US, especially since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law.

The act allows for the expropriation of land without compensation, a controversial move that has drawn the ire of many in the Western world, including Musk and former President Donald Trump.

In fact, Trump has become more vocal in his criticism of South Africa in recent weeks. On Friday, Trump announced that his administration would cease funding USAID’s HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa.

Additionally, he declared that white Afrikaners would be prioritized in the US refugee program, further heightening tensions between the two countries.

Many believe that the Trump administration’s actions are a direct response to South Africa’s strong support for Palestine and the country’s recent move to bring Israel to the International Court of Justice.

The EFF, however, has made it clear that they are undeterred by these external pressures. Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo issued a statement dismissing Musk’s comments as part of a broader wave of “hysteria” coming from the US.

He characterized Musk as a global billionaire “maniac,” whose vast wealth had led him to assume the role of a self-appointed ruler of nations.

Thambo suggested that Musk’s interference in South African affairs was emblematic of imperialism, attempting to undermine the country’s political sovereignty and economic independence.

The EFF remains resolute in its commitment to the principle of land expropriation and has called on the South African government to strengthen ties with BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—amid growing antagonism from the US.

In a further challenge to Musk’s influence in South Africa, the EFF has made it clear that it will not allow his satellite internet service, Starlink, to operate in the country unless it adheres to local laws requiring 30% local ownership.

This marks a firm stance against what the party views as Musk’s meddling in South African governance.

The EFF sees Musk’s actions as part of a broader imperialist agenda to manipulate global politics in favor of his business interests.

Malema and the EFF have taken a strong position against what they perceive as the weaponization of politics by billionaires like Musk, accusing him of using his influence in the US to push his economic ambitions at the expense of national sovereignty.

They have gone as far as declaring Musk an “enemy of South Africa,” condemning his actions as an attempt to sever the nation’s ties with its global allies and undermine its autonomy.

The EFF insists that it will not back down from its principles and will continue to confront imperialism wherever it emerges.

In a related development, South African civil rights group Afriforum announced over the weekend that it would not be accepting Trump’s offer of refuge for white South Africans seeking to flee the country.

Afriforum has expressed its dissatisfaction with the current impasse between the South African government and the US, particularly regarding the Expropriation Act and other domestic policies such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.

They have requested a meeting with President Ramaphosa to discuss ways to resolve the growing tension.

With political divisions deepening, South Africa finds itself at the center of a geopolitical struggle, caught between the pressures of foreign powers and its domestic drive for land reform and equality.

The Malema-Musk clash, emblematic of the larger ideological battle unfolding on the world stage, has only intensified the stakes, with both sides digging in their heels for what promises to be a prolonged and bitter standoff.

As tensions continue to rise, South Africa’s leadership will face mounting pressure to navigate the complexities of both international diplomacy and domestic reform.