Julius Malema | Economic Freedom Fighters Call for South Africa to Resist US Imperialism

By Julius Malema 

The recent decision by the United States to cut foreign aid to South Africa is not an isolated act of policy adjustment but a calculated move rooted in a long history of imperialist aggression. This decision, which includes the termination of PEPFAR funding critical to our HIV/AIDS response, is a blatant attempt to meddle in our domestic affairs and punish South Africa for its principled stance on global issues, particularly our support for Palestine and the Economic Freedom Fighters rejects this notion.

The United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, has once again demonstrated its willingness to use economic coercion as a tool to advance its imperialist agenda. South Africa must resist this interference, strengthen its alliances with nations that respect our sovereignty, and reject the false narratives propagated by the US to justify its actions.

The historical context of US foreign policy reveals a consistent pattern of interventionism disguised as benevolence. In 2001, former President George W. Bush declared the so-called War on Terror, which led to the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan under the false pretext of locating Weapons of Mass Destruction. Decades later, no such weapons were found, and the true motives behind these invasions which were control over oil reserves and mineral resources became clear. The devastation brought upon Iraq and Afghanistan serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of US intervention. Similarly, nations like Cuba, Libya, Venezuela, and Chile have suffered immensely due to US interference, often justified by fabricated intelligence and driven by a desire to suppress socialist policies and maintain imperial dominance.

Cuba, for instance, has endured decades of crippling sanctions for nationalising its economy and supporting African liberation movements. Libya was destroyed because Muammar Gaddafi dared to reject US dominance and pursue an independent path. These examples are not mere historical footnotes but rather cautionary tales that must guide our response to the current US aggression towards South Africa. When Donald Trump claims that “bad things are happening in South Africa” without providing evidence, we must not assume ignorance on the part of the US. Instead, we must recognise this as a deliberate strategy to undermine our sovereignty and justify economic and potential military intervention.

The termination of PEPFAR funding is a clear indication of the US’s punitive approach. This decision, which directly impacts our ability to combat HIV/AIDS, is not based on any genuine concern for human rights or good governance. Rather, it is a retaliatory measure for South Africa’s moral stance in support of Palestine. The US, in its unwavering support for Israel, cannot tolerate any nation that dares to challenge its ally’s apartheid policies. By cutting aid, the US aims to weaken our moral authority and isolate us on the global stage. This is not just an attack on South Africa; it is an attack on the principles of justice and equality that we stand for.

The US has a long history of fabricating human rights violations to justify its interventions. Today, the same tactics are being used against South Africa. Right-wing groups, emboldened by US support, are calling for foreign funding to establish independent states and even arming themselves with the backing of foreign interests. These actions must be recognised as part of a broader plan to destabilise our nation and pave the way for economic isolation and, ultimately, military intervention. The termination of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) benefits, which is likely to follow, will further escalate tensions and harm our economy.

Our government must not fall into the trap of engaging with the US as if it were a victim of misinformation. The US, with its sophisticated intelligence agencies and control over global platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Amazon, Facebook, and Google, cannot claim to be misinformed. These platforms, which dominate the global flow of information, are tools of disinformation used to manipulate public opinion and justify imperialist actions. The US knows exactly what it is doing and why it is doing it. Its hostility towards South Africa is not driven by concerns over land reform or so-called “white genocide,” but by our refusal to bow to its demands and our support for Palestine.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attempt to explain our land policies to the US is misguided. The US does not care about the nuances of our domestic policies; it cares only about maintaining its dominance and punishing those who defy its agenda. The notion that Trump “got the wrong end of the stick” on land reform is a dangerous underestimation of the US’s intentions. The US is not interested in dialogue or understanding; it is interested in submission.

South Africa must take a firm stand against this imperialist aggression. We must expand our trade relationships with nations like China, India, Russia, Brazil, and Singapore, while strengthening African unity through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The US’s attempts to extort the world into submission will only lead to its increasing isolation. Our sovereignty, security, and economic prosperity depend on our ability to reject the US’s imperialist agenda and chart an independent path.

Foreign aid has always been a tool of Western imperialism, used to control and manipulate nations into compliance. The termination of US aid to South Africa is an opportunity for us to break free from this dependency and assert our independence. We must not allow the US to dictate our policies or undermine our moral authority. The world is changing, and the US’s Golden Age of Imperialism is coming to an end. South Africa, along with other nations that value justice and equality, must lead the way in building a new world order free from the shackles of imperialism.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) knows that  the US’s decision to cut foreign aid to South Africa is not an act of benevolence withdrawn but a calculated move to punish us for our principled stance on global issues. We must resist this interference, reject the false narratives propagated by the US, and strengthen our alliances with nations that respect our sovereignty. The future of South Africa, and indeed the world, depends on our ability to stand firm against imperialist aggression and build a more just and equitable global order.

* This is an extract of Julius  Malema’s speech in parliament on the occasion of a debate he initiated on the  USA termination of heart funding.

* Julius Malema is the CIC and President of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.