EFF Leader Julius Malema and President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of betraying South Africa by meeting controversial billionaire Elon Musk outside official diplomatic channels. In a fiery exchange in Parliament on 11 March 2025, Malema slammed Ramaphosa, saying, “Ramaphosa is helping the racist thugs like Elon Musk to undermine South Africa, together with the rest of the imperialists.” The clash has sparked a heated debate about South Africa’s foreign relations and Ramaphosa’s leadership style, with the EFF claiming he’s sidelining the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Malema’s Attack: A Breach of Diplomatic Norms
During a session for oral replies, Malema grilled Ramaphosa over his engagements with Musk, the South African-born CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Malema zeroed in on two meetings: one on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2024 and a follow-up phone call. He argued that Ramaphosa bypassed DIRCO, undermining South Africa’s diplomatic framework. “President, I don’t know wittingly or unwittingly when you were answering the question about our relationship with the USA, not once have you mentioned DIRCO or Minister of International Relations,” Malema said.
Malema didn’t hold back, accusing Ramaphosa of emboldening racists. “You met Elon Musk during the UN General Assembly and, knowing very well the views of Elon Musk about South Africa—racist white supremacy views about South Africa—you thought you were going to clarify those issues. An unrepentant racist became emboldened and then made more bad remarks about South Africa even after meeting you physically,” he charged. He questioned why Ramaphosa went “outside the diplomatic channels” to contact Musk, calling it a personal move that “single-handedly destroyed the diplomatic relations of South Africa with other countries.”
The EFF leader also took a swipe at Musk’s character, labelling him “a man who has engaged in business in South Africa through illegal means” and asking why Ramaphosa would associate with such a figure. “Imagine, Mr President, had they said Donald Trump called the Guptas during that time, what were you going to say?” Malema added, drawing a parallel to past controversies.
Ramaphosa’s Defence: “Yes, I Spoke to Musk”
Ramaphosa didn’t dodge the question. “A very simple and straightforward answer to that: YES, I have spoken to Mr Elon Musk,” he admitted. He confirmed meeting Musk in his hotel room during the UN General Assembly in 2024, alongside the Minister of Trade and Industry and the International Relations Minister. “The discussion revolved around his would-be investments,” Ramaphosa explained, adding that a recent phone call also took place. He framed these talks as part of efforts to promote South Africa globally.
The President pushed back against Malema’s accusations, insisting there was “nothing sinister” about engaging non-state actors like Musk. “We will continue to engage with people both inside and outside of South Africa to promote our country and to promote the interests of our country,” he said. Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa’s foreign policy remained intact and that he worked closely with his ministers—despite Malema’s claims.
In a lighter moment, Ramaphosa switched to Sepedi to rebuke Malema’s attempt to drive a wedge between him and DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor. “Honourable Malema, I am asking for one thing from you, don’t cause a conflict between the president and his minister. The issue of how I work with my minister does not involve you. Move aside because when we are at our cabinet meetings, you are not there,” he said, drawing chuckles from some MPs.
EFF’s Take: Ramaphosa Dodged the Real Issue
The EFF wasn’t satisfied with Ramaphosa’s response. Party insiders told News24 on 11 March 2025 that Ramaphosa “failed to answer the question asked about his meeting with Musk” and instead confirmed even more contact—revealing the hotel room meeting unprompted. “He unwittingly confirmed meeting Elon Musk not only at the UN General Assembly sidelines, but in his hotel room in the USA,” an EFF source said, calling it proof of Ramaphosa’s “reckless” approach to diplomacy.
Posts on X reflected similar sentiment. One user, @newslivesa, noted Malema’s question about Musk’s “racist white supremacist” views, while @KayaNews quoted him asking, “Don’t you think you have individually emboldened white people to undermine us?” The EFF argues this shows Ramaphosa prioritising personal ties over national dignity.
The Musk Connection: Why It Matters
Musk, born in Pretoria, has a complicated relationship with South Africa. Recent news highlights his growing influence in US politics as an advisor to President Donald Trump, per a RT.com report on 11 March 2025. His outspoken views—like calling Senator Mark Kelly a “traitor” over Ukraine support, as trending on X—have fuelled Malema’s “racist thug” label. A SABC News piece from September 2024 noted Ramaphosa describing their UN meeting as “positive,” focused on potential investments, but Musk’s later comments on South Africa’s policies stirred controversy.
Malema’s critique ties into broader EFF concerns about imperialism. “Ramaphosa is helping Elon Musk and imperialists undermine South Africa,” he said, suggesting the President’s actions boost foreign figures who disrespect the country’s sovereignty. This aligns with a Central News ZA report from 11 March 2025, quoting Malema accusing Ramaphosa of “emboldening racists.”
What’s at Stake for South Africa?
The spat has reignited debates about how South Africa engages the world. Ramaphosa touted the US as a “strategic and historic partner,” citing Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s work in Washington and ministerial visits post the 2024 Government of National Unity formation. Yet, Malema’s charge that he’s “juniorised” DIRCO raises questions about accountability. “Do you have full confidence in the Minister of DIRCO and the department itself?” Malema pressed, pointing to inconsistencies in how Ramaphosa references ambassadors versus ministers.
For ordinary South Africans, this is more than political theatre—it’s about trust. If Ramaphosa’s chats with Musk bring jobs, as he hinted, it could benefit a struggling economy. But if Malema’s right, and it’s a sell-out to “imperialists,” it risks South Africa’s global standing. For now, the EFF’s fiery leader has put Ramaphosa on the spot, and the nation’s watching.
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