The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have fiercely criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for what they describe as a “reckless violation” of diplomatic protocols by reaching out to billionaire Elon Musk to clarify South Africa’s new Expropriation Act.
In a blistering statement, the EFF accused Ramaphosa of compromising South Africa’s sovereignty and exposing the nation to international ridicule.
“The breaking of diplomatic protocol is a serious matter,” said the EFF, warning that Ramaphosa’s actions reflect an unhealthy dependency on U.S. interests and foreign approval.
ELON MUSK’S CRITICISM OF THE EXPROPRIATION ACT
The controversy began after Musk publicly criticized South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which allows the state to seize land without compensation under specific conditions. The EFF argues that Musk’s opposition to the law is rooted in “racist and white supremacist attitudes,” dismissing it as an attempt to protect personal business interests rather than genuine policy concerns.
EFF: MUSK SEEKS BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
The EFF claims that Musk’s interference in South African affairs is linked to his desire to expand Starlink, his satellite internet company, into the country. South African regulations require foreign-owned satellite companies to meet Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) criteria by having at least 30% black ownership.
The party further accused Musk of using his ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump to push his agenda and misrepresent South African transformation policies as “racist” in an effort to bypass local laws and secure business opportunities.
“For Musk to exploit his proximity to Donald Trump and frame our laws as ‘racist’ is nothing more than an underhanded attempt to facilitate a business transaction,” the EFF stated.
STATE CAPTURE PARALLELS
The EFF drew parallels between Ramaphosa’s call to Musk and the state capture scandal during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure, where the Gupta family held undue influence over government decisions.
“This conduct sets a dangerous precedent. For a sitting president to bypass diplomatic norms and lobby an unelected billionaire risks opening the floodgates to state capture,” the party warned.
DOUBLE STANDARDS IN THE PRESIDENCY?
The EFF also highlighted the inconsistency in how Ramaphosa was treated compared to Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe. Recently, the Presidency reprimanded Mantashe for suggesting cutting off mineral exports to the U.S. in response to possible aid cuts. The EFF questioned why Ramaphosa was not subjected to similar scrutiny for his direct engagement with Musk.
EFF DEMANDS RESPECT FOR SOVEREIGNTY
The EFF called on Ramaphosa to respect South Africa’s sovereignty and stop relying on Western billionaires and foreign businesses to shape domestic policy. They believe his actions undermine diplomatic norms and compromise the nation’s independence.
“Such calls to private individuals weaken our country’s diplomatic standing and sovereignty,” the party said.
PRESIDENCY DEFENDS RAMAPHOSA’S CALL
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that Ramaphosa reached out to Musk to correct misconceptions about South Africa’s land expropriation policy.
According to Magwenya, the president was concerned about the inaccurate portrayal of South African laws, particularly following comments from Trump’s circles.
“Given Musk’s influence, especially within Trump’s network, it was crucial for the president to engage him directly and clarify South Africa’s legal and constitutional framework,” Magwenya said.
