EFF Slams US for Naming Party in Human Rights Report, Divides SA by Accusing Country of Hypocrisy

• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hit back at the United States of America's State Department over its recent report
• The State Department released its report on Human Rights Practices in numerous countries across the world
• South Africans shared their thoughts on the report and the EFF's reaction to the claims contained in the report

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken issue with being personally named in a report by the State Department of the United States (US) of America.

The US State Department released its report on Human Rights Practices in countries across the world.

In the report on South Africa, the department noted the issue of farm attacks in the country. Describing the EFF as an extremist political party, the report stated that it encouraged attacks on Afrikaner farmers through its use of the ‘Kill the Boer’ song.

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How did the EFF respond?

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the party hit back at the US, taking exception to being singled out in the report. The party slammed the US, saying it has no moral standing to lecture any other nation on human rights.

“This is a country that cages migrant children in detention centres; that has rolled back reproductive rights and stripped millions of women of the freedom to control their own bodies; that was founded on the genocide and land theft of Native Americans.

"Whose communities remain trapped in poverty without basic services; that wages war on Black people daily through police brutality, mass incarceration, and economic exclusion; and that sponsors and funds Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people, arming an apartheid state to bomb hospitals, schools, and homes in Gaza,” the EFF said.

The party also claimed that the report was crafted to target South Africa over its policies, which the US and Donald Trump have taken issue with, saying that Washington’s attempts to delegitimise the South African government should not be tolerated.

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What you need to know about the USA and EFF

• The EFF labelled Trump a KKK leader after the US expelled South Africa's ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
• The EFF called out Trump for his tweet about genocide and land confiscation in South Africa.
• Julius Malema responded to Trump’s calls for his arrest during a meeting at the White House.
• The EFF labelled Trump as a liar following his meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House.
• Malema claimed that Trump was scared of him because he sang the Kill the Boer song.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users weighed in on the EFF’s statement, sharing mixed reactions. Some made fun of the party and Malema, while others expressed frustration that the US was meddling in South Africa again.

Tumelo Rasomane said:

“The report was written by AfriForum.”

Rudy Quanson stated:

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“Malema, President Trump is coming for you.”

Thibos claimed:

“Any stupid and delusional person will believe anything from the USA. Secondly, the USA must stop thinking that we still live in the sixties.”

Khomotso Mmoko agreed:

“The US can't hold a moral compass. Black genocide by police and random shootings in schools and malls is wild.”

Arno Crous said:

“Malema is a walking human rights disaster.”

George Mkhwanazi asked:

“Eish. Can EFF members tell Julius to shut up, please? He is making things worse for ordinary citizens, including many EFF members.”

EFF slams Trump’s travel ban

Briefly News reported that the EFF slammed Trump's latest travel ban against numerous countries.

The President of the USA implemented a travel ban and restrictions against 19 countries.

South Africans were divided by the party's comments, with some saying they were just trying to stay relevant.

Floyd Shivambu predicts MK party’s collapse, SA amused as he says it won’t exist in next 10 years

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Briefly News reported that Floyd Shivambu does not have high hopes for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party going forward. The former Secretary-General of the party explained the importance of starting his own movement. South Africans shared their thoughts on his statement, with some questioning why he criticised the party.

Source: Briefly News