Elon Musk Calls for sanctions against Julius Malema

Elon Musk has called for immediate sanctions against Julius Malema, after he made comments that Musk interpreted as inciting violence against white people.

Musk made a post on his app X asking why the president of South Africa would allow such a thing. “This is a major political party in the South African parliament and their leader is calling for genocide of white people”. He also demanded that Malema be declared an international criminal. But what were the comments that drove Elon Musk to make such a move on Julius Malema?

Well, Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on February 3, 2025 during a press briefing in Johannesburg made a comment, “cutting the throat of whiteness.” His remarks were part of a broader statement about targeting the Democratic Alliance (DA) and its perceived support for white leaders. The comments led Elon Musk to call for the sanctions against Malema.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) responded to Elon Musk’s comments by labeling him an “enemy of Africa” and a “racist”. The EFF also threatened to block Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in South Africa unless it meets local ownership requirements.

In a statement, the EFF said that Musk’s comments were “a declaration of war” against the people of South Africa and the continent as a whole. The party also accused Musk of being a “foreign agent” who is trying to undermine the sovereignty of South Africa.

Part of the statement read, “The EFF takes this opportunity to tell Elon Musk and all of his allies, in the USA, in Israel and the right-wing groups in South Africa which have mobilized Musk, to collectively go to hell.”

Malema himself responded to Musk’s comments by saying that he was not intimidated by the billionaire’s threats and that the EFF would continue to fight for the rights of black people in South Africa. In his own words, “I really think you have entirely lost your left brain: a typical spoiled brat and direct beneficiary of Apartheid whiteness. I don’t care about your sanctions; I will never stop fighting for black people to be equal to white people, and if that makes me an international criminal, I am proud to be one.”

The latest developments have reignited debates over racial equality, land reform, and political accountability in South Africa.