The office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has advised Elon Musk to gain a better understanding of the country’s legal system following the billionaire entrepreneur’s controversial comments accusing a political leader of inciting violence against white citizens.
Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently sparked backlash when he called for Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), to be labeled an international criminal. The demand came after a resurfaced video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) allegedly showed Malema encouraging violence and murder against white South Africans.
In response, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, pushed back strongly against Musk’s accusations.
“Please pull yourself together! These are old videos—of course, you can verify them,” Magwenya said in a public statement. “No white people have been killed as a result of these statements. We have effective legal tools in place to combat incitement. It would be wise for you to familiarize yourself with our legal system.”
The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of racial and land issues in South Africa, a nation still grappling with the legacy of apartheid. Musk’s remarks followed his previous criticism of South Africa’s land ownership laws, which he described as discriminatory against white farmers.
Earlier this month, Ramaphosa reportedly engaged in a direct conversation with Musk to correct what the government sees as misinformation about the country’s policies. The South African president rejected claims of racial targeting and emphasized his administration’s legal mechanisms to address hate speech and incitement.
Musk’s accusations against Malema and the EFF have reignited debates about freedom of speech, accountability for political rhetoric, and the country’s ongoing challenges with racial tensions.
Malema, a polarizing figure known for his fiery rhetoric, has frequently faced criticism from conservative groups and opposition voices. However, his supporters argue that his calls for land redistribution are a necessary step toward addressing historical injustices in South Africa.
The situation unfolds as geopolitical tensions simmer over US financial aid to South Africa. On February 7, former US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to halt aid, citing concerns over the country’s land policy and South Africa’s stance in an ongoing genocide case involving Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Musk, a native of Pretoria, South Africa, continues to wield significant influence on global affairs through his social media platform and business ventures. However, his recent comments have drawn a sharp response from officials keen to defend South Africa’s reputation and governance framework.
It remains to be seen whether Musk will address Magwenya’s remarks or soften his stance on the contentious issue. The billionaire has yet to issue a follow-up statement in response to the government’s call for a more informed understanding of South Africa’s legal and social realities.
