Malema's EFF slams Johann Rupert's state capture project

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has come out strongly against the inclusion of billionaire businessman Johann Rupert in a South African delegation set to meet former United States President Donald Trump, labelling the move as a "spit in the face of democracy" and a dangerous entrenchment of corporate influence in diplomatic affairs.

In a fiery statement released Tuesday, the EFF condemned what it described as "the capture and undue influence of big business" in shaping the diplomatic, trade, and economic relations between South Africa and the United States. The meeting, intended to mend ties between the two nations, is reportedly being facilitated with the participation of both Rupert and US tech mogul Elon Musk.

"The inclusion of Johann Rupert in a diplomatic delegation is a spit in the face of our democracy," the party said. "Trump and Ramaphosa have allowed their benefactors and funders to influence and control the relations between South Africa and the United States, undermining the people of both nations."

The EFF drew a direct comparison between Rupert and Musk, describing both men as "egoistical businessmen" who exert undue control over the political leadership of their respective countries. The party accused both men of being fundamentally opposed to transformation and equity, citing their alleged resistance to initiatives aimed at redress and economic inclusion.

"Elon Musk and Johann Rupert are two sides of the same coin," the EFF declared. "They are both racist to the core and are opposed to transformation and equity because it threatens their ill-gotten wealth and control over the political fortunes of the United States and South Africa."

Central to the EFF's concerns is Rupert's reported opposition to land reform policies, particularly the Expropriation Act, and broader legislative reforms such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. The party warned that Rupert's role in the delegation is to undermine these hard-fought reforms by assuring Trump that land redistribution without compensation will not happen.

"Rupert is leading this charge as a major beneficiary of unequal land and economic relations in South Africa," the party stated. "He has in the past even threatened to disinvest in our country and collapse our economy if his ill-gotten wealth is threatened through constitutional mechanisms."

The EFF further criticized any potential moves to weaken South Africa's regulatory framework to accommodate Elon Musk's satellite internet project, Starlink. The party emphasized that neither President Cyril Ramaphosa nor Rupert has the legal authority to override legislation passed by Parliament, including ownership and licensing requirements that govern foreign businesses operating in South Africa.

"Any such assurances will be meaningless," the statement continued. "The EFF reserves all of its rights to challenge back-room dealings which undermine the will of the people and the Parliament of South Africa, in our courts of law."

The meeting between the South African delegation and Donald Trump has not yet been officially confirmed by the Presidency. However, speculation around Rupert's participation has already sparked a wave of criticism from political quarters and civil society organisations concerned about the growing role of business elites in shaping public policy.

The EFF concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic institutions and the sovereignty of the South African people, warning against elite pacting that disregards public interest and legislative authority.