Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has publicly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the United States, calling it a “waste of time.”
According to Malema, the president’s trip is not only poorly timed but also poses a direct threat to South Africa’s independence, as it appears to cater to Western interests over African priorities.
Ramaphosa’s US Trip: A Diplomatic Balancing Act?
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s four-day trip to the United States is reportedly aimed at mending strained diplomatic ties, particularly following past controversies involving U.S. leadership. The visit includes engagements with political leaders and business figures such as Elon Musk, a move Malema argues bypasses formal diplomatic protocols and exposes South Africa to external influence.
The backdrop to this trip includes historical friction, including accusations from former U.S. President Donald Trump about land expropriation in South Africa, claims Ramaphosa has repeatedly denied. The land reform policy, which allows the government to take land without compensation to redress historical injustices, has long been a sore point in international relations, especially with the West.
Malema Warns of Neocolonial Influence
Malema’s critique is rooted in his long-standing opposition to Western imperialism and neocolonial interference in African affairs. The EFF leader expressed concern that Ramaphosa’s actions could compromise the country’s core principles in favor of Western approval.
This visit is not about economic development; it’s about pleasing imperialist forces who continue to see Africa as a pawn in their global game, said Malema.
The EFF’s stance aligns with its Pan-African vision, a belief that African countries must collaborate internally and resist foreign influence that undermines self-determination.
White South African Exodus: Fact or Fiction?
Another layer to the debate involves claims that white South Africans are fleeing to the U.S. due to rising violence, a narrative amplified by some Western media outlets. Malema has dismissed such reports as “fiction” and “drama,” asserting that they are part of a broader strategy to paint South Africa as unstable and justify foreign interference.
“There is no white genocide in South Africa,” Malema has previously stated, rejecting the sensationalism that often surrounds crime statistics in the country.
What Does This Mean for South Africa?
Malema’s criticism has sparked broader discussions across media and civil society about South Africa’s role on the global stage, its relationships with the Global North, and the direction of its foreign policy under Ramaphosa. As South Africa continues to assert its leadership in African and BRICS diplomacy, the question remains: at what cost?
