Trump renews attack on SA, calling it a ‘dangerous mess’
“Former US President Donald Trump has once again slammed South Africa, calling it a ‘dangerous mess.’ Elon Musk echoed his concerns…”
Tensions between South Africa and the United States have flared up once again, with former US President Donald Trump launching yet another scathing attack on the country, calling it a “dangerous mess.”
His remarks, echoed by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, have reignited debates over crime, racial tensions, and governance in South Africa.
Trump doubles down on South Africa criticism
Trump, known for his outspoken and often controversial statements, recently took to his Truth Social platform to declare: “As I have long been saying, South Africa is a total – and very dangerous – mess.”
This is not the first time Trump has targeted South Africa. In recent weeks, he has accused the country of “racially discriminating” against white citizens, particularly Afrikaners. His administration has even gone as far as issuing an Executive Order allowing members of the minority group to apply for refugee status in the US.
Musk joins the fray, slams Malema and SA policies
Over the weekend, Trump found an unlikely ally in South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who openly criticized Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for singing the contentious struggle song, Kill The Boer.
Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Very few people know that there is a major political party in South Africa that is actively promoting white genocide… A whole arena chanting about killing white people.”
He also took aim at South Africa’s economic policies, calling out the Expropriation Bill and the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act, which he has previously slammed as “racist laws.”
Musk continued: “Where is the outrage? Why is there no coverage by the legacy media?”
Adding a personal grievance, Musk took issue with the South African government’s refusal to grant his satellite internet company, Starlink, a license to operate in the country. He claimed: “Starlink can’t get a license to operate in South Africa simply because I’m not black. How is that right?”
Elon Musk warns tourists: ‘Carry a gun’
Unlike Trump, who has never set foot in South Africa, Musk spent his early years in Pretoria. However, his recent comments suggest he no longer sees his homeland in a favorable light.
When asked for travel advice regarding a woman planning to visit South Africa, Musk painted a bleak picture.
“Cape Town is essentially a beautiful theme park and is generally kept safe for the tourists, so staying in the tourist areas is probably ok,” Musk tweeted.
However, he followed up with a grim warning: “Other parts of the country can be extremely dangerous for a woman travelling alone with no gun. If visiting a trusted friend, listen very carefully to the directions of that friend. Do not get lost or go exploring without an escort.”
A political firestorm
Trump and Musk’s remarks have ignited a heated response from South Africans across the political spectrum. Some have dismissed their comments as fearmongering, while others argue they reflect the reality of crime and governance challenges in the country.
With elections looming in both the US and South Africa, their words could have lasting political and social implications. But the question remains—how much of their criticism is based on fact, and how much is fueled by their own political and personal agendas?