‘Openly racist’: Elon Musk ignites controversy with response to Ramaphosa
Pretoria-born Elon Musk has publicly criticised SA President Cyril Ramaphosa for promoting ‘openly racist’ legislature.
Elon Musk has fiercely criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following his response to US President Donald Trump’s remarks about the country.
The world’s richest man – who was born in Pretoria – criticised the SA administration for their “racist” legislature like land expropriation and Black Economic Empowerment [BEE]
This comes days after Elon’s internet satellite company, Starlink, was ordered to abide by ICASA’s 30% black investor regulations.
ELON MUSK PUBLICLY CRITICISES CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
On Sunday, 2 February, US President Donald Trump criticised South Africa for “confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.”
The controversial statesman was referring to Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Act, which permits the government to seize land without compensation.
Ramaphosa responded to Trump’s comments with a tweet that called for a discussion with the US administration over land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest.
Ramaphosa tweeted: “The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.
He added: “South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.”
Elon Musk – who heads up Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency – responded to Ramaphosa’s tweet. He tweeted on his X account: “Why do you have openly racist ownership laws?”
STARLINK VS ICASA
Last September, Elon Musk met with the SA president to talk about a potential investment, believed to be the former’s internet satellite, Starlink.
Elon tweeted at the time: “Great meeting with the President and his team”.
However, ICASA has since ruled that Elon Musk must abide by the country’s BEE legislature, that is a 30% shareholding by “historically disadvantaged” groups or black investors.
Elon’s space technology company SpaceX appealed to ICASA to rethink their stance. However, Communications and Digital Communications Committee Chairperson Khusela Diko shut down the suggestion.
Diko argued that the US had similar values. She claimed that this was evident with the temporary banning of TikTok in the country.
She said: “President [Donald] Trump then said TikTok can continue to operate in the US provided the company is 50% owned by a US citizen.”
SOUTH AFRICANS WEIGH IN
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s tweet criticising Cyril Ramaphosa and the government has received mixed reactions from South Africans.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded: “My brother, you would know that owing to a devastating legacy of centuries of oppressive and brutal colonialism and apartheid. Our constitution provides for redressing the ills of the past.
“You have his number, we started the dialogue, so let’s continue talking constructively.”
My brother, you would know that owing to a devastating legacy of centuries of oppressive and brutal colonialism and apartheid, our constitution provides for redressing the ills of the past. You have his number, we started the dialogue, so let’s continue talking constructively.— Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 (@SpokespersonRSA) February 3, 2025
Action SA leader Herman Mashaba questioned Elon by tweeting: “I still have to hear you say something about the atrocities of the racist and brutal country you were born in. Declared by the international community as a crime against humanity.
“It is unfortunate that you spew lies against our country, misinform President Trump about what is happening in South Africa. You should be using your position to build a better and equitable world. But you have chosen to do the opposite. The truth will always triumph”.
Outspoken muso The Kiffness tweeted: “It’s simple. Cyril & the ANC are anti-white. It does not matter if you obey the law, want to live in peace or pay your taxes. They hate you if you’re white”.
It’s simple. Cyril & the ANC are anti-white.
It does not matter if you obey the law, want to live in peace or pay your taxes. They hate you if you’re white.— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) February 3, 2025