Julius Malema says he will not be intimidated by Elon Musk

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has made it clear that he will not be intimidated by tech billionaire Elon Musk.  

The statement came after Musk labelled Malema an "international criminal" on social media.  

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Malema addressed the controversy during a speech at the St. Paul African Apostolic Church in Soweto on Sunday.  

Musk has called for sanctions against Malema after labelling him an international criminal.

Musk’s statement refers to a controversial 2018 social media post in which Malema declared, "We will cut the throat of whiteness”. 

In that post, Malema was advocating for the removal of Athol Trollip, who was the mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay at the time.  

Malema said such attacks will not deter him from his political work and commitment to his principles.  

“I am so happy to be an international criminal. You know why? Because Nelson Mandela was an international criminal - that’s what they declared him for fighting for the rights of our people. 

If it means I am joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela by being declared an international criminal for fighting for the right of my people, I'm a proud international criminal.”  

Malema said he will not be threatened by Musk's social media remarks.