EFF leader Julius Malema slams President Cyril Ramaphosa for allegedly damaging South Africa’s global image during White House visit with US officials.
In a fiery address to EFF supporters in the Free State, Julius Malema lashed out at President Cyril Ramaphosa for portraying South Africa as a crime hub during his recent diplomatic engagement in the United States. The remarks, made ahead of Wednesday’s crucial by-elections in Kwakwatsi, were aimed at defending the country’s international image and reigniting confidence among local voters.
EFF Leader Responds to Ramaphosa’s US Statements
Malema’s criticism stemmed from statements allegedly made by Ramaphosa while engaging with US leaders during a visit to the White House in Washington, D.C. According to the Red Berets’ commander-in-chief, Ramaphosa’s public acknowledgement of South Africa’s high crime rate on a global platform may have detrimental effects on both tourism and foreign investment.
“The whole president said, in America, there is a crime in South Africa. Yes, we know that — but why do you say it in America?” Malema told the crowd. “Because if you say it in America, they will no longer come to South Africa as tourists.”
Malema emphasised that while crime is indeed a domestic concern, broadcasting such issues on foreign soil — particularly at the White House — amounts to undermining South Africa’s appeal to international investors and tourists alike.
“Ramaphosa Has Killed Tourism” – Malema
The EFF leader did not hold back, further accusing Ramaphosa of “killing” South Africa’s tourism sector by amplifying the country’s criminal challenges during a time when economic recovery relies heavily on attracting visitors and investors from abroad.
“Ramaphosa has killed the tourism of South Africa when he declared crime at the White House,” said Malema.
This critique ties into the broader narrative that the ANC government is failing to represent the country positively on the world stage, especially when given rare and prestigious diplomatic opportunities.
Context: White House Engagement and By-Elections
While full transcripts of Ramaphosa’s comments in the United States have yet to be made publicly available, Malema’s response suggests growing tension over how the nation is portrayed in international diplomacy. The timing of Malema’s remarks, just days before the by-elections in Kwakwatsi, also reflects the EFF’s intensified push to secure ground in the Free State.
The Free State visit is part of a broader by-election campaign effort by the EFF, where Malema is energising grassroots supporters in hopes of capturing new municipal wards and solidifying the party’s influence beyond its traditional strongholds.
EFF’s Strategy and Political Messaging
Malema’s attack on Ramaphosa also reaffirms the EFF’s positioning as a pro-nationalist, pan-African movement determined to resist what it sees as neoliberal betrayals by the current ANC leadership. His messaging clearly aims to paint the EFF as the only party committed to defending South Africa’s dignity, sovereignty, and global reputation.
In past speeches, Malema has also referred to international engagements as opportunities to strengthen South Africa’s stature rather than expose its weaknesses — a belief that underpins his latest criticism of Ramaphosa.
A Battle for South Africa’s Global Image
As South Africa grapples with internal crime and economic challenges, the debate over how to communicate these issues to the world is intensifying. Malema’s latest comments reflect a growing concern among opposition voices that South Africa’s narrative on the international stage is being mishandled — potentially at great cost.
With tourism and foreign investment already strained, how government leaders choose to speak about the country abroad is more than just diplomatic decorum — it’s a matter of economic survival.
Also read: Malema Slams Ramaphosa-Trump Meeting, Calls Leaders ‘Gossiping Older Men’
