EFF Leader Julius Malema
By Thabo Mosia
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has hit back at Elon Musk and Donald Trump, declaring himself a “proud international criminal” in response to their recent criticisms. Addressing a congregation at St. Paul’s Apostolic African Church in Soweto on Sunday, 16 February 2025, Malema remained firm in his stance on land reform, economic freedom, and South Africa’s sovereignty.
His speech came after Musk, the South African-born billionaire and CEO of Tesla, labelled Malema an “international criminal” over his stance on land expropriation. Trump also took action against South Africa, cutting key U.S. funding over alleged discrimination against white farmers, claiming they were being unfairly targeted by land expropriation policies.
Malema made it clear that he would not be bullied by Musk or Trump, standing firm in his political convictions.
Malema’s Response: Defiant and Unapologetic
Addressing the congregation at the church’s thanksgiving feast, Malema did not hold back on his response to Musk and Trump.
“I am so happy to be an international criminal because Nelson Mandela was an international criminal. That’s what they declared him for fighting for the freedom of our people. If it means I am joining the ranks of Mandela, so be it. I am a proud international criminal.”
Malema’s reference to Mandela’s past classification as a “terrorist” by Western governments highlighted his view that leaders fighting for economic justice are often unfairly vilified.
Elon Musk vs. Julius Malema: The Social Media War
Elon Musk’s criticism of Malema stemmed from his 2018 social media statement, where the EFF leader declared, “We will cut the throat of whiteness”, while calling for the removal of Athol Trollip, then mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Musk recently reignited this controversy on his platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing Malema of inciting racial division and violating human rights. The billionaire called for international sanctions against Malema and the EFF.
Malema, however, remained unshaken, stating:
“You can be guaranteed, South Africans, I will not be bullied by Elon Musk and Donald Trump because I have never done any crime against anyone.”
Trump’s Executive Order Against South Africa
The tension between South Africa and the United States escalated after Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting key funding to the country. Trump justified the move by claiming that South Africa’s land expropriation laws discriminate against white farmers, particularly Afrikaners.
Trump wrote on his social media platform:
“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. The United States won’t stand for it. I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
Malema dismissed Trump’s claims, insisting that land reform is essential to correcting historical injustices.
EFF’s Position on Land Expropriation
The Expropriation Act of 2024 allows for land to be expropriated without compensation under certain conditions, particularly if it is abandoned or unproductive.
Malema reiterated the EFF’s stance on land reform, stating:
“We want the land, and next time they ask me what I want to do with the land, I will say I want to do what my pastor has done with the land.”
The EFF has long advocated for state-led redistribution of land, arguing that private ownership remains disproportionately in the hands of the white minority due to apartheid-era policies.
Malema Calls on the Church to Join the Fight Against Social Ills
Beyond international politics, Malema used his platform at St. Paul’s Apostolic African Church to call on religious leaders to take an active role in addressing social issues such as:
• Landlessness
• Crime and violence
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
• Substance abuse
He urged the church to support the EFF’s call to ban alcohol advertising, stating:
“This advertisement of alcohol makes it look cool when, in fact, it is the devil in our country.”
Malema reminded the congregation of the church’s historical role in the fight against apartheid, saying:
“The church was a source of strength for our mothers and fathers who were stripped of their dignity by the cruel regime. It will be unfair for me to come on this platform and speak as if only politics can resolve the moral and ethical challenges facing this society.”
Musk, Malema, and the Role of Big Business in Politics
Musk’s attack on Malema is not the first time the billionaire has commented on South African politics.
• In 2023, Musk clashed with the South African government over Starlink’s non-compliance with BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) laws.
• He has also previously voiced support for white Afrikaners, criticising South Africa’s economic policies.
However, Malema questioned Musk’s moral authority, pointing to Tesla’s labour controversies and Musk’s business dealings with authoritarian regimes.
EFF’s Official Response to Musk and Trump
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo released a statement dismissing Musk’s criticisms, stating:
“We will not be intimidated by Elon Musk’s reckless and baseless remarks. Our commitment to the struggle for economic emancipation and land reform in South Africa remains unwavering.”
What Does Trump’s Funding Cut Mean for South Africa?
The U.S. provides funding to South Africa in several key areas, including:
• HIV/AIDS treatment through PEPFAR
• Trade agreements under AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
• Educational and economic aid
If Trump follows through on cutting funding, this could impact thousands of South Africans reliant on U.S. aid.
However, the South African government has stated that it will not be pressured into reversing land reform policies.
Ramaphosa’s Response to U.S. Sanctions
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed Trump’s decision to cut funding, stating:
“South Africa will not be bullied. The Expropriation Act is part of our commitment to addressing historical injustices, and we will continue to implement it within the framework of the Constitution.”
The ANC has also warned that South Africa could retaliate by limiting U.S. access to strategic minerals such as platinum, gold, and lithium.
South Africa’s Political Future: What’s Next?
As Malema prepares for the 2025 elections, the EFF is set to launch “The Year of the Picket Lines”, a movement aimed at mobilising grassroots activism.
Malema reaffirmed his commitment to land reform, declaring that 2025 will be a year of political activism and radical economic transformation.
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