By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The diplomatic rift between the United States and South Africa is threatening to go out of hand as the exchange of words, threats and counter threats between political actors in Pretoria and Washington have escalated.
The tiff which began soon after President Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill, followed by threats by Donald Trump and the subsequent Executive Order stopping aide to South Africa has been escalated by Julius Malema and Trump’s Department of Governmental Efficiency head, Elon Musk.
During a rally, Malema made remarks considered by critics to incite racial violence in response to what he viewed as racist laden connotations by Trump backed by Musk to offer ‘refuge’ status to white South Africans being ‘persecuted’ in South Africa.
“These people, when you want to hit them hard, go after a white man. They feel terrible pain because you have touched a white man. We’re cutting the throat of whiteness. We will kill white women, children, and their pets,” he stated.
His speech prompted a wave of condemnation, including a strong response from Musk, who urged for action against Malema.
“Immediate sanctions for Malema and declaration of him as an international criminal,” Musk declared.
He also criticized South Africa’s land expropriation policies, asserting they threaten economic stability and could fuel racial tension.
“Malema’s rhetoric and the government’s support for racially motivated land seizures are a danger to South Africa’s future. If this continues, the country will face economic collapse,” Musk warned.
In light of recent complaints regarding land expropriation without compensation, President Trump issued an executive order suspending non-essential U.S. aid to South Africa.
This policy prioritizes the resettlement of white South Africans facing what the U.S. government characterizes as government-backed land seizures and racial violence.
“Persecuted South African farmers and other innocent victims being targeted solely based on their race who choose to resettle in America will be welcome,”
a State Department spokeswoman affirmed,
However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected the assertions that his government is seizing land or oppressing white farmers.
He emphasized that the Expropriation Act is a legal measure for equitable land redistribution, similar to policies in many other countries.
Ramaphosa dismisses the impact of Trump’s aid suspension.
“With the exception of PEPFAR aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States,”he stated.
The EFF has reacted defiantly to global condemnation, particularly targeting Musk.
“Elon Musk is a coward and an enemy of South Africa. We will not be dictated to by billionaires who have no stake in our struggle,” the party stated,
The party further threatened to block Musk’s Starlink operations unless he adheres to a 30% local ownership mandate.
The escalating situation poses potential long-term implications for U.S.-South Africa relations and the South African economy.
Washington’s aid suspension could signal the beginning of broader sanctions against South Africa, while the shift in U.S. refugee policy may intensify racial tensions both domestically and internationally.