South Africa’s president discusses US disinformation with Musk

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with Elon Musk on Tuesday, expressing concerns over “disinformation” following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump claimed the South African government was “confiscating land,” referencing a land expropriation act signed in January. Ramaphosa rejected the claim, stating that the act is a legal process ensuring equitable public access to land.

Musk, on social media, accused the South African government of enforcing “openly racist ownership laws.” Ramaphosa clarified that the Expropriation Act allows for property seizures in the public interest, but only after efforts to negotiate compensation.

Musk’s comments may stem from South Africa’s black empowerment policy, which requires companies to offer 30 percent equity to disadvantaged groups. This has reportedly delayed the approval of Musk’s Starlink service in the country.

Ramaphosa hopes to attract more investment from Musk, whom he met at the UN General Assembly in September.

Scroll to Top