Malema criticises timing of Ramaphosa’s US visit, questions national priorities
Malema slams Ramaphosa’s US trip during SA’s budget crunch, calling it poorly timed and cautioning against risking national policy interests.
EFF leader Julius Malema has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa for planning a visit to the United States, calling it ill-timed and irresponsible as South Africa grapples with a budget crisis.
Ramaphosa will travel to the US from Monday to Thursday to meet President Donald Trump and discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The government aims to revitalise the strategic partnership between South Africa and the United States through the visit.
Ramaphosa heads to US despite local crisis
Malema questioned the wisdom of leaving the country at a time when Parliament is struggling with its third attempt to finalise the national budget.
Malema told journalists at the Nkululekweni Royal Residence on Sunday, 18 May, following a meeting with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. “Once the budget comes for the third time, it means it’s a crisis,” TimeLive reported.
The EFF leader said Ramaphosa’s decision to proceed with the trip shows a disregard for the country’s urgent economic priorities.
“You cannot leave your country in a crisis and go to America where you’ll be ill-treated,” he said.
He warned that international approval or economic support might force the president to make policy concessions, especially if he visits to gain favour with global powers.
“It’s a waste of time,” Malema said. “If he wants them to start treating him differently and is going to beg them to attend the G20. He is going to have to compromise some of the fundamental policies of this country, which we are not prepared to accept.”
Afrikaner emigration to US questioned
Malema also weighed in on reports that 49 Afrikaners recently left South Africa for the United States, citing persecution.
“We are not killing white people, we are demanding our land,” Malema said. “We are having a robust debate on land in SA, and that must never be used to silence us by America.”
He doubted the legitimacy of the group’s claims. He also suggested that they may have staged their departure for political reasons or media attention rather than genuine threats.
“If the people are farmers, it means there are farms available. Why are we not expropriating them because they’ve abandoned them?” he asked.