“FIKILE MBALULA GIVES A STRONG WARNING TO ELON MUSK — CALLS HIM ‘DERANGED’ AND DECLARES ‘SOUTH AFRICA WILL NOT BE BULLIED OR SANCTIONED BY BILLIONAIRES!’ ”
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has fired back with a powerful and uncompromising response to tech billionaire Elon Musk after his remarks suggesting South Africa could face sanctions.
In a strongly worded statement, Mbalula criticized the idea of sanctioning a democratic country, questioning how such pressure could be justified simply because of disagreements over national policies.
He warned Musk directly that South Africa is a sovereign nation and cannot be dictated to or bullied by powerful individuals or external forces.
The exchange comes after Musk’s comments sparked widespread reactions, with some supporting his stance while others view it as interference in South Africa’s internal affairs.
Mbalula’s response has now escalated the situation, turning it into a heated global debate about sovereignty, influence, and whether wealthy global figures should have a say in how independent nations govern themselves.