EFF calls Ramaphosa’s planned visit to Donald Trump 'submission'

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming visit to the United States describing it as “a submission” to a hostile foreign agenda.

In a statement released on Thursday, the EFF called the purpose and timing of the visit, “an attempt by Donald Trump to undermine South Africa and dictate the form and pace of our transformation initiatives.”

The EFF condemned Trump’s remarks from 12 May 2025, where he reportedly sought to discuss the alleged genocide of Afrikaners.

EFF SLAMS RAMAPHOSA’S US VISIT AS SUBMISSION TO TRUMP

The party stated that the visit would only “embarrass and shame” Ramaphosa, likening the expected treatment to that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was similarly humiliated.

“Ramaphosa would leave on the week South Africans receive the National Budget, shows a misalignment of priorities and confirms a perception that he has been summoned,” the party said.

TRUMP’S GENOCIDE CLAIMS DENOUNCED AS DISINFORMATION

The EFF emphasised that South Africa “does not owe Donald Trump or the US government an explanation for our legislative agenda,” referencing key laws such as the Expropriation Bill, the BELA Act, and the NHI Act.

“We remind President Ramaphosa that he has no mandate to renegotiate these laws with foreign powers, and he has no mandate to make assurances that these pieces of legislation will be reconsidered, as such powers lie in the hands of the Parliament of South Africa.”

“These laws were not drafted for approval in Washington, but they are expressions of the democratic will of our people. Furthermore, we urge Ramaphosa to reaffirm that South Africa’s position on Israel’s genocide against the people of Palestine is morally just, legally sound, and consistent.”

TRUMP’S GENOCIDE CLAIMS DENOUNCED AS DISINFORMATION

The statement rejected US claims about white persecution in South Africa as “a useful tool in the hands of a short-sighted white supremacist.” It denounced Trump’s policy of favouring “racists who are fleeing democracy and constitutional rule by Africans” while blocking genuine refugees from Sudan, the DRC, and Palestine.

The EFF stated that for Ramaphosa to demonstrate true strength and independence, he should follow the example set by China in outmaneuvering Trump during his tariff war.

“South Africa is not for sale, and our policies are not up for negotiation. And our commitment to justice, for our people and the people of Palestine, will not be silenced.”