Cyril's call to Musk explained

PRESIDENCY: FLAGS CONCERNS CONCERNING 'DISINFORMATION IN TRUMP'S ANNOUNCEMENT'

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

The Presidency defended the president's call with businessman Elon Musk amid criticism from the EFF. On Tuesday, the Presidency said Ramaphosa spoke to Musk about misinformation and distortions concerning South Africa. President Donald Trump has appointed Musk to head the White House department of government efficiency.

"The president reiterated South Africa's constitutionally embedded values of respect for the rule of law, justice, fairness and equality," said the Presidency on X. The call follows Trump's threat on Sunday to "cut off all funding" to SA for "confiscating" land and "treating certain classes of people very badly."

"It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn't want to so much as mention. A massive Human Rights violation, at a minimum, is happening for all to see," wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform.

"The United States won't stand for it. We will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed."

Ramaphosa responded to Trump by committing to "engage" with him, dismissing claims that SA had confiscated land.

"We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest.