EFF Condemns Elon Musk as Enemy of South Africa, Amid Interference Claims
posted 12th February 2025
EFF Condemns Elon Musk as Enemy of South Africa, Amid Interference Claims
10 February 2025
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s radical left-wing political party, has launched a scathing attack on billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, labelling him an “enemy of South Africa” and accusing him of meddling in the nation’s sovereignty. The declaration, issued on 9 February 2025, follows Musk’s alleged call for EFF leader Julius Malema to be designated an “international criminal”—a claim the party attributes to Musk’s “malicious influence” over Western governments.
In a fiery statement, the EFF condemned Musk—referred to erroneously as “Eliza Musk” in the document—as a “global billionaire missile” whose wealth and business interests have “captured” the United States government. The party further accused him of weaponising his corporate power to undermine South Africa’s economic policies, particularly its land reform agenda and legislation requiring 50% local ownership of foreign enterprises.
“Elon Musk has assumed the role of a supreme ruler, not only of Cyberspace but of all nations,” the EFF asserted, linking Musk to right-wing groups in South Africa, Israel, and the US. The statement demands that nations including Russia, China, India, and African states “isolate and reject” Musk’s ventures, citing his alleged efforts to destabilise South Africa’s political independence.
Central to the EFF’s grievances is Musk’s purported opposition to its flagship policy: the expropriation of land without compensation for redistribution to Black South Africans. The party reiterated that “equality in South Africa is rooted in the return of the land,” vowing that Musk’s companies, such as SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), would not operate domestically without adhering to local ownership laws.
The EFF also accused Musk of leveraging his influence to impose sanctions on South Africa and manipulate diplomatic relations with the US. “His malicious influence must be resisted by all nations valuing sovereignty,” the statement read, urging global solidarity against “capitalist billionaires who capture states.”
Notably, the EFF’s claims included factual inaccuracies, such as alleging Musk had “captured the Presidency of the USA”—a role he has never held. The party did not provide evidence for its assertions regarding Musk’s involvement in sanctions or criminal designations against Malema.
Political analysts suggest the rhetoric aligns with the EFF’s longstanding anti-Western stance and its focus on economic decolonisation. Julius Malema, the firebrand EFF leader, has frequently clashed with multinational corporations over resource nationalism and land reform.
Musk has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. However, the escalation highlights growing tensions between global tech magnates and governments advocating stricter regulatory sovereignty.
The EFF concluded its statement with a defiant message: “We will not be bowed into submission. Musk and his allies can collectively go to hell.”
