Leon Schreiber and Julius Malema Clash
The South African political landscape has been shaken by a heated exchange between Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. The dispute erupted after Malema, through EFF MP Thapelo Mogale, questioned the citizenship status of tech billionaire Elon Musk and several other high-profile figures.
Schreiber, who is himself rumored to be a foreign national, responded strongly, accusing Malema of using the issue as a political distraction while avoiding accountability for his own controversial rhetoric.
EFF Demands Clarity on Elon Musk’s South African Citizenship
In a parliamentary inquiry, the EFF sought clarification on whether Musk, Deon Barnard, Peter Andreas Thiel, and David Oliver Sacks hold South African citizenship. The party also questioned whether Schreiber would consider revoking their citizenship.
This line of questioning is believed to stem from these individuals’ alleged political ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump and their potential influence on South Africa’s diplomatic relations with the United States. The inquiry has intensified the already growing tensions surrounding Musk’s involvement in South African affairs.
Schreiber Defends Legal Protocols, Rejects Political Influence
Responding to the inquiry, Schreiber emphasized that South African law prevents the disclosure of citizenship details without the necessary personal information, such as identity numbers or dates of birth. He cited the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) as legal safeguards that prohibit him from acting on political motivations rather than legal principles.
Schreiber’s response dismissed the idea of making citizenship decisions based on political influence, stating that the Department of Home Affairs would not be pressured by external political agendas.
Schreiber Accuses Malema of Evading Responsibility
In a sharp rebuttal, Schreiber accused Malema of hiding behind the Home Affairs Ministry to avoid facing consequences for his own controversial remarks.
“Instead of seeking to cower behind the Minister of Home Affairs in an ill-fated attempt to escape from the possible consequences of his actions,” Schreiber stated, “Malema should apologize for his inflammatory and divisive rhetoric and commit to a programme of restitution and nation-building.”
Schreiber’s remarks alluded to Malema’s history of making bold, racially charged statements, often criticized for inciting division within South African society.
Musk and Malema’s Feud Continues to Escalate
This latest clash comes amid a long-standing feud between Elon Musk and Julius Malema. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has frequently criticized Malema, even suggesting that he be labeled an international criminal. Musk has accused the EFF leader of promoting violence against white South Africans, particularly referencing the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant.
Musk previously stated that Malema was “calling for the genocide of the four million whites living in South Africa” and warned that the EFF leader could one day rise to power in the country.
The tensions between the two figures intensified in 2023 when Malema led the controversial chant at the EFF’s 10th-anniversary rally. Musk openly condemned the act, sparking a heated exchange that continues to shape political discourse in South Africa.
Malema Responds: ‘I Will Never Stop Fighting’
Unfazed by Musk’s criticisms, Malema has remained defiant. In a previous response, he dismissed any threats of sanctions, stating, “I don’t care about your sanctions; I will never stop fighting for black people to be equal to white people.”
Malema has continued to position himself as a revolutionary leader, often embracing controversy as a tool to push his political agenda. He has made it clear that he is willing to face any international consequences for his stance on racial and economic justice.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The ongoing feud between Malema and Musk has broader implications for South Africa’s political and diplomatic relations. The debate over Musk’s citizenship status has sparked discussions about South Africa’s ties with the United States, particularly concerning Trump-era political affiliations.
Schreiber’s position as Home Affairs Minister places him at the center of these tensions. His firm stance against revealing citizenship information without due process suggests that the South African government is unwilling to let political considerations dictate legal procedures.
What This Means for South Africa’s Political Future
As political battles intensify, the dispute between Schreiber, Malema, and Musk highlights the deep-rooted issues of race, power, and influence in South Africa. The controversy also raises questions about the role of international figures in South Africa’s political affairs and how these relationships shape national policies.
With Schreiber standing firm on legal principles and Malema continuing to challenge racial inequalities through his political activism, South Africa’s political landscape is set for more turbulence in the coming months.
Conclusion: A Prolonged and Contentious Battle
The Schreiber-Malema-Musk saga is far from over. As both sides remain steadfast in their positions, South Africa finds itself at the intersection of legal, political, and racial debates. Whether this clash will lead to meaningful discourse or further division remains to be seen. One thing is certain—this political storm will continue to make headlines, influencing the country’s future trajectory.
