By Sitha Maliwa
In a recent interview on Hustlers Corner SA, a YouTube channel, Mandisa Mashego, former EFF Gauteng leader, MPL and outspoken civil society activist, made a shocking call to Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Afriforum for help in tackling the SA government’s proposed VAT increase. Her pleas to the US and white rightist groupings raised fierce political debate and intense criticism, particularly from left-wing groups and Pan-Africanists.
Mashego’s call for help is centred around the South African government’s decision to raise VAT by 0.5% to 15.5% this year and a further 0.5% to 16% in 2026 by the Ramaphosa government after it was raised by 1% from 14% to 15% in 2018 by the Zuma administration. The proposed VAT hike has been met with widespread dissatisfaction, especially in a country already facing high unemployment rates, rising inflation, and stagnant economic growth.
Mashego believes that this additional tax burden is causing unnecessary strain on ordinary South Africans, making it even harder for them to make ends meet. During the interview, an irate Mashego did not mince words. She argued that the South African government’s financial mismanagement is worsening the country’s economic crisis. “Our country has gone down the drain,” she stated, expressing frustration that even educated professionals, such as chartered accountants, are struggling to survive in the current climate.
Mashego specifically criticised the government for not holding politicians and officials accountable for rampant corruption and mismanagement, which she claims is exacerbating the nation’s economic struggles. Not mincing her words, she spoke about the failure of black people, saying that every city and town that is run by a black mayor is trash everywhere.
“You destroy, you plunder, you steal and you even romanticize the stealing. Go to America and go to every city and town that has a mayor who is black, and go and look at the condition of that city,” she said. She challenged people to look at the South African situation. “Look at Ithala Bank, look at VBS, look at the entire government, look at all municipalities, look at all provincial governments, you destroy, you plunder, you steal and even romanticise the stealing!” she said, stating that no one is going to intimidate her for speaking the truth.
Mashego went on to say that the VAT hike is unconstitutional and urged South Africans to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. “This is a constitutional matter, not a High Court matter,” she emphasised, calling for the reversal of the initial VAT increase from 14% to 15%, which was implemented during former President Jacob Zuma’s administration.
However, what has truly captured public attention is Mashego’s call for help from high-profile international figures and local organisations. In a move that surprised many, Mashego asked for support from U.S. billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, both of whom have often been associated with capitalist interests that run counter to the ideals of economic liberation. Trump is associated with right-wing groupings and individuals worldwide and he is their hero. Surprisingly, Mashego also called on Afriforum to join her legal battle against the VAT increase, a statement that caused all the anger against her.
“Even Trump and Musk, people who have resources and influence, can help us get this matter to the Constitutional Court,” Mashego said during the interview. “This is no longer just a national issue. We need support from those who have the means to make this happen.” She added that she supported Trump’s actions of stopping US aid to South Africa.
Mashego’s call for help has been met with vehement opposition, particularly from left-wing organizations and Pan-Africanists. For these critics, Mashego’s plea represents a betrayal of the Pan-African principles of economic independence and self-determination, ideals she espoused when she was an EFF member. By seeking help from Trump and Musk, who are seen as proponents of global capitalism, Mashego is accused of undermining the fight for economic sovereignty.
“Mandisa’s plea is a direct contradiction of what we, as African liberation movements, stand for,” said one prominent Pan-Africanist. “To turn to figures like Trump, whose policies have consistently harmed African nations, or Musk, whose wealth is built on global inequalities, is a betrayal of the economic liberation we are striving for.”
Additionally, Mashego’s appeal for Afriforum’s involvement has raised eyebrows. Afriforum, a rights organisation representing the Afrikaner minority and is often accused of defending the interests of minority white South Africans, particularly in issues such as land reform and racial equality. Critics argue that involving Afriforum could deepen racial divisions in a country still grappling with the legacy of apartheid.
Despite the backlash, Mashego’s supporters defend her call for help, arguing that the situation in South Africa is dire and that any assistance, locally or internationally, is needed to address the country’s economic crisis. “Mandisa is fighting for the survival of ordinary South Africans,” one supporter stated. “If that means asking for help from anyone who can assist, so be it. The need is too great to be picky about who helps.” – @NewsSA_Online