As South Africa grapples with a national budget crisis, EFF leader Julius Malema isn’t holding back his criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to jet off to the United States.

While government officials frame the visit as a strategic diplomatic mission, Malema sees it as poorly timed and deeply out of touch with the country’s economic reality.

Ramaphosa Heads to Washington Amid Economic Uncertainty

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit the United States from Monday to Thursday for high-level talks with US President Donald Trump.

According to officials, the purpose of the trip is to discuss bilateral cooperation and broader regional and global matters.

The goal? To strengthen the partnership between South Africa and the US.

But back home, Parliament is struggling to push through the national budget—now on its third attempt.

And Malema thinks leaving the country during this tense moment is not just bad timing—it’s irresponsible.

“You Don’t Leave a Country in Crisis,” Says Malema

Speaking from the Nkululekweni Royal Residence on Sunday, May 18, after meeting with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Malema questioned Ramaphosa’s priorities.

“If the budget has come up three times and still can’t pass, we are officially in a crisis,” he told reporters, as reported by TimesLive.

To Malema, the trip signals a lack of urgency from the president.

“You can’t just walk away from a domestic crisis to go to America, where you’ll likely be mistreated anyway,” he said, implying that the US may not welcome Ramaphosa as warmly as expected.

Fears Over Policy Concessions to Please Global Powers

Malema also raised concerns that Ramaphosa’s visit could lead to policy compromises under pressure from global influencers.

He warned that the need to gain favor with international players like the G20 could result in trade-offs that don’t align with South Africa’s national interests.

“If he wants them to take him seriously and is going there to beg for inclusion in the G20, he’ll end up having to give up key policies.

We’re not going to accept that,” Malema declared.

Malema Reacts to Afrikaner Exodus Claims

Shifting focus, Malema also addressed recent reports about 49 Afrikaners allegedly leaving South Africa for the United States, claiming persecution.

He was quick to challenge that narrative.

“No one is killing white people here,” Malema said firmly. “We’re simply demanding land back.

It’s a passionate debate, but not a violent one, and certainly not something the US should use to silence us.”

Questioning the Motives Behind the Move

Malema expressed skepticism over the motives behind the Afrikaners’ departure.

He suggested the move might be more about political drama or attracting attention than genuine fear.

“If these people are farmers leaving their land behind, then we should be talking about expropriating those now-abandoned farms,” he added.