JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have fired back at billionaire Elon Musk following his call to have party leader Julius Malema declared an international criminal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party dismissed Musk’s remarks as part of a broader imperialist agenda and accused him of meddling in South Africa’s political affairs.
Musk, who owns X, SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla, reportedly suggested that Malema be classified as an international criminal, a move the EFF claims is rooted in an attempt to discredit their leader and the party’s political stance.
The party described Musk as a “global billionaire maniac” who has been emboldened by his wealth to believe he can dictate international governance.
According to the EFF, Malema has long been a champion of African economic freedom and a vocal critic of Western imperialism.
The party argues that Musk’s comments reflect a wider effort to silence voices that challenge global capitalist interests.
“The EFF will not be cowed into submission, retreat, nor capitulation from its principled and unwavering commitment to confront imperialism and its surrogates like Elon Musk anywhere and everywhere it raises its ugly head,” the statement read.
EFF Statement On Elon Musk’s Call For CIC, Julius Malema To Be Declared An International Criminal. The EFF will not be cowed into submission, retreat nor capitulation from its principled and unwavering commitment to confront imperialism and its surrogates like Elon Musk anywhere…
The party also reaffirmed its position on local economic policies, insisting that companies such as Musk’s Starlink would not be allowed to operate in South Africa without adhering to strict local ownership regulations.
In its concluding remarks, the EFF called on progressive nations, including Russia, China, and India, to reject Musk’s influence and resist what it described as corporate attempts to manipulate African governance.
