South African political figure Julius Malema has responded fiercely to tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently called for him to face sanctions and be declared an international criminal. The escalating feud between the two has drawn significant global attention, with Malema accusing Musk of racism and defending his ongoing fight for racial equality.
The dispute began when a resurfaced video of Malema made rounds on social media, sparking widespread controversy. In the clip, Malema was heard making remarks that many interpreted as inflammatory and directed against South Africa’s white population.
In the video, Malema stated:
“So these people, when you want to hit them hard, go for a white man. They feel a terrible pain because you have touched a white man. Not because Mashaba and Solly will not be touched. They will be touched, don’t worry. But we are starting with this whiteness. We are cutting the throat of whiteness.”
Elon Musk Reacts: Calls for Sanctions and International Criminal Status
After the video gained traction, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to social media platform X to voice his strong disapproval. He accused Malema of promoting violence and called for immediate international action against him.
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“Immediate sanctions for Malema and declaration of him as an international criminal!”
In another post, Musk directly addressed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, questioning why Malema’s rhetoric was tolerated at such a high political level.
“Why do you allow this, @CyrilRamaphosa? This is a major political party in the South African parliament, and their leader is calling for genocide of white people”
Julius Malema Fires Back: “I Don’t Care About Your Sanctions”
Julius Malema wasted no time responding to Musk’s remarks. In a bold and defiant statement, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader dismissed Musk’s accusations, accusing him of being a privileged beneficiary of South Africa’s apartheid system. He labeled Musk a “typical racist” incapable of distinguishing between individual black people.
Malema further mocked Musk, suggesting that his criticism reflected ignorance and an inability to grasp the complexities of South African politics.
“I really think you have entirely lost your left brain: a typical spoiled brat and direct beneficiary of Apartheid whiteness. I know black people look the same to you, typical racist. Look closer, and you will realize those are two different people,” Malema said.
Defending His Activism and Rejecting the “International Criminal” Label
Despite the growing controversy, Malema stood firm in his beliefs. He made it clear that he has no intention of backing down from his fight for racial equality, even if it means being labelled an international criminal.
“America is exposing us to its stupidity. I don’t care about your sanctions; I will never stop fighting for black people to be equal to white people. If that makes me an international criminal, I am proud to be one.”
