posted 21st May 2025
Julius Malema Responds to White House Talks as Ramaphosa Meets Trump
In a fiery reaction to the recent meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has dismissed the discussions as mere "gossip" about him and his party’s policies. The outspoken politician took to X to express his disdain, accusing world leaders of focusing on unfounded claims while ignoring the EFF’s core principles.
Malema’s statement, posted on 21 May 2025, came hours after reports surfaced of Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, where discussions allegedly touched on South Africa’s land reform policies and claims of "white genocide" raised by some US commentators. Malema wrote, “A group of older men meet in Washington to gossip about me. No significant amount of intelligence evidence has been produced about white genocide. We will not agree to compromise our political principles on land expropriation without compensation for political expediency.”
The EFF leader’s comments reflect his unwavering stance on land expropriation without compensation, a cornerstone of his party’s platform aimed at addressing historical inequalities in land ownership. Malema has long maintained that such reforms are non-negotiable, and his latest remarks suggest he views the White House meeting as an attempt to pressure South Africa into softening its position.
The meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump has drawn attention amid heightened international scrutiny of South Africa’s land reform debate. While the South African government has sought to balance economic stability with demands for redress, the EFF’s radical approach has polarised opinions both domestically and abroad. Malema’s reference to “white genocide” appears to address claims, often amplified by right-wing groups in the US, that white farmers face systematic violence—a narrative South African authorities have repeatedly challenged for lacking evidence.
Political analysts suggest Malema’s response is strategic, reinforcing his image as a defiant leader unswayed by global powers. Dr. Sipho Maseko, a political commentator, noted, “Malema thrives on positioning himself as the voice of the disenfranchised, standing firm against what he portrays as imperialist interference. This is classic EFF rhetoric, doubling down on their base’s priorities.”
The South African presidency has yet to comment on the specifics of Ramaphosa’s discussions with Trump, but a statement confirmed the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing mutual economic interests. Neither side has publicly acknowledged Malema or the EFF as a focal point of the meeting.
As South Africa navigates its complex socio-economic challenges, Malema’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between radical reform agendas and diplomatic efforts to maintain international confidence. The EFF leader’s refusal to compromise on land expropriation signals that domestic debates will remain heated, regardless of what transpires in Washington.
