The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa for what it calls a “reckless” violation of diplomatic protocols by reaching out to billionaire Elon Musk to explain South Africa’s new Expropriation Act.
In a scathing statement, the EFF accused Ramaphosa of undermining the country’s sovereignty and embarrassing South Africa on the world stage.
The party said the move signals a dangerous dependency on U.S. interests and foreign aid.
ELON MUSK’S RECENT CRITICISM
“This breaking of diplomatic protocol should never be taken lightly by the citizens, as it is a clear indication of how the sovereignty of our country is compromised at the behest of pandering for U.S. foreign aid,” the party stated.
The controversy stems from Musk’s recent criticism of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which allows the government to seize land without compensation under certain conditions. The EFF believes Musk’s opposition to the law is not only self-serving but also rooted in “racist and white supremacist attitudes.”
EFF ACCUSES MUSK OF BUSINESS INTERESTS OVER POLICY CONCERNS
According to the EFF, Musk’s interference in South African affairs is driven by his desire to bring Starlink, his satellite internet company, into the country. However, current South African laws require foreign-owned satellite companies to have at least 30% black ownership under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy.
The party argues that Musk is using his ties to US President Donald Trump to push his agenda. Thye say this is why he is painting South Africa’s transformation policies as “racist”. He wants to gain access to the local market.
“For Musk to use his proximity to US President Donald Trump to characterise the laws of South Africa which seek to correct historical injustices as ‘racist’ is nothing but a misuse of his relationship with Trump in order to facilitate a business transaction,” the statement read.
STATE CAPTURE FEARS RESURFACE
The EFF has also warned that Ramaphosa’s call to Musk could set a dangerous precedent, comparing it to the state capture scandal under former President Jacob Zuma. This saw the Gupta family exert massive influence over government decisions.
“This unprecedented conduct by a sitting president to break the diplomatic protocols by telephonically lobbying an unelected billionaire who is hellbent on influencing the policies of our government has the potential to open the door for state capture,” the party said.
The EFF pointed out the irony of the Presidency’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya recently reprimanding Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe. Mantashe threatened to cut mineral supplies to the U.S. if they withdrew aid to South Africa. The party questioned why Ramaphosa himself was not held to the same standard for his direct interaction with Musk.
EFF CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO RESPECT SOVEREIGNTY
The EFF has called on Ramaphosa to refrain from relying on Western businesses and wealthy individuals to shape South Africa’s policy direction. They argue that his actions undermine diplomatic norms and compromise the country’s independence.
“Ramaphosa should have known that such calls to private individuals would undermine diplomatic protocols and the sovereignty of our country,” the party said.
THE PRESIDENCY EXPLAINS WHY IT CALLED MUSK
Magwenya explained why Ramaphosa spoke to Musk about South Africa’s land expropriation policy.
He said the president had contacted Musk because of his response to an SA statement following an announcement by Trump. He said that the presidency was concerned about inaccuracies in how South Africa was being portrayed, particularly regarding claims about racist ownership laws.
“Given Musk’s influence, especially within Trump’s circles, the president saw it as important to engage with him directly to clarify the country’s legal and constitutional framework,” Magwenya said.
Additionally, the Presidency highlighted that Ramaphosa had already engaged with Musk in the past regarding potential investments in South Africa, particularly related to Starlink and regulatory matters.
He confirmed that the latest engagement was aimed at reinforcing Musk’s understanding of the country’s legal framework and countering any misinformation.
DO YOU THINK RAMAHOSA WAS RIGHT TO CALL ELON MUSK?
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