While trade tensions continue to rise globally, South Africa just found itself in the middle of a fresh international fallout — and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are not holding back.
This time, their fury is aimed squarely at former U.S. President Donald Trump over newly imposed tariffs that could hurt South Africa’s economy.
Tariffs Spark Outrage from the EFF
The EFF slammed Trump in a no-holds-barred statement, describing him as an “unstable and illiterate imperialist.”
The party believes that the 30% tariffs the U.S. slapped on South African exports are not just aggressive, but also part of a calculated strategy to dominate and weaken smaller economies.
According to the Red Berets, these tariffs aren’t about protecting American industry — they’re a reckless power move, and South Africa is just collateral damage in the process.
Trump Called a Threat to the World
Going even further, the EFF accused Trump of endangering global stability, calling his approach to international trade both “reckless and irrational.”
The party didn’t hold back — labeling Trump as a threat to humanity itself and urging all progressive movements around the world to join hands and support his removal from power.
The EFF went so far as to call Trump a dictator, insisting that the world has “suffered under his rule for too long.”
EFF Throws Shade at ANC’s Diplomatic Approach
The party didn’t just direct its fire toward the U.S. It also took a swipe at the South African government, accusing it of adopting a weak and submissive approach to international diplomacy.
According to the EFF, now is not the time for what they call “sheepish diplomacy.”
They believe South Africa needs to stand up for itself on the global stage, especially when foreign powers make decisions that directly threaten the country’s economic interests.
Malema’s Past Resurfaces in the Statement
Interestingly, the EFF’s statement also reminded people of Julius Malema’s history with calling out authority.
Back in 2012, Malema was expelled from the ANC for branding then-president Jacob Zuma a dictator.
Before that, he had already been suspended for pushing for regime change in Botswana — a move that the ANC found damaging to its image.
Now, with the same kind of fire, Malema’s party is taking on Trump and defending South Africa’s economic sovereignty.
ANC Blamed for a Weak Economy
The EFF also turned inward, blaming the ANC-led government for failing to strengthen the South African economy since apartheid ended.
The party argued that because of unresolved internal problems — including structural economic issues — the country remains vulnerable to the whims of major world powers.
In their words, South Africa is like “a leaf in a storm,” constantly at the mercy of global players because of its own lack of economic backbone.
Minister Calls for Unity, EFF Fires Back
The EFF’s fiery statement came shortly after South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, expressed frustration with the opposition.
Lamola criticised parties like the EFF for not uniting in response to the U.S. tariffs.
But instead of backing down, the EFF doubled down — saying it won’t stay silent when economic injustice is staring South Africans in the face.
Tariffs to Kick In on 8 August
The controversial U.S. tariffs are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 am on Friday, 8 August, leaving little time for diplomatic or economic pushback.
As the deadline looms, pressure is mounting on South Africa’s leadership to respond with more than just polite statements.
