Tesla CEO and U.S. government official Elon Musk has called for immediate sanctions against South African politician Julius Malema over a speech targeting white people.
In the viral clip, Malema said, “We are cutting the throat of whiteness,” justifying his party’s move to oust Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip solely because he was white.
Reacting on Sunday, Musk tweeted: “Immediate sanctions for Malema and declaration of him as an international criminal!”
Responding to a post by commentator Vincent James, Musk also tweeted: “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.”
Musk’s remarks come amid diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the U.S. President Donald Trump recently froze aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation policies.
Ramaphosa dismissed the claims, stating the country receives no U.S. funding except for HIV/AIDS aid under PEPFAR.
Musk, officially serving in Trump’s administration under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been vocal about South Africa’s policies, further fueling the debate.
