PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has come under fire for allegedly breaking protocol by phoning US billionaire Elon Musk to discuss his “misinformed tweets” over the Expropriation Act.
The move has been criticised by opposition parties and analysts, who argue it undermines the country’s sovereignty and diplomatic protocols.
The EFF has been vocal in its criticism of Ramaphosa’s actions, accusing him of compromising the country’s sovereignty by engaging with a private individual who is not part of the SA government.
“The EFF is dismayed by the decision of President Cyril Ramaphosa to break diplomatic protocols by calling an unelected government official, Mr Elon Musk, to explain himself about the Expropriation Act that he recently signed into law.
“This breaking of diplomatic protocol should never be taken lightly by citizens, as it is a clear indication of how the sovereignty of our country is compromised at the behest of pandering for US foreign aid; and a reflection of how Ramaphosa is willing to embarrass the country to the world as a result of a dependency syndrome.
“The irony about this is that a few days ago, the government spokesperson Vincent Magwenya was scolding the Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe for failing to follow diplomatic protocols in addressing a similar issue when Mantashe threatened to cut the supply of minerals to the US, should they cut their aid to SA.
The EFF further called on Ramaphosa to refrain from relying on foreign businesses from the West and wealthy individuals in determining the policy direction of the country.
“Ramaphosa should have known that such calls to private individuals would undermine diplomatic protocols and the sovereignty of our country,” the party said in a statement.
Ramaphosas spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, defended the president’s actions, saying that the phone call was aimed at clearing up any “misinformation and misunderstanding” surrounding the Expropriation Act.
However, analysts have questioned the move, arguing it sets a bad precedent and undermines the country’s diplomatic protocols.
Political analyst Sandile Swana said Ramaphosa’s actions were a clear breach of protocol.
“There is a breach of protocol and a conflict of interest as well because Elon Musk is known to be eyeing the internet satellite services in SA to come and compete with some of the companies that are running that sort of service here in SA,” said Swana.
Swana also questioned why Ramaphosa felt the need to engage with Musk directly, rather than going through official channels.
“SA Trade and Industry has got its own minister who could have met all the business requirements of Mr Musk, assisted him on how to comply with BEE in SA… We also have Icasa and other institutions that deal with ICT that can assist Mr Musk without a single word from Ramaphosa,” added Swana.
The controversy has also raised questions about a possible rift between Ramaphosa and his long-time ally, Gwede Mantashe.
Mantashe recently made comments suggesting that South Africa should withhold minerals from the US in response to any aid cuts.
Magwenya subsequently reprimanded Mantashe, saying that his comments were not official government policy.
However, analysts have played down the idea of a rift between Ramaphosa and Mantashe. International relations analyst Dr Siphelele Duma said that while Mantashe may have broken protocol, it was unlikely to lead to a fallout between the two.
“I would not necessarily call a difference in opinions a fallout. There’s always a contest of ideas. Just this week, Mantashe was representing President Ramaphosa at the Mining Indaba and delivered a keynote on his behalf.”
Duma further said if what Mantashe said was not in an official government position, then he did break protocol because it was not his place to make “such sensitive” foreign policy statements if they are not official.