Joseph Isangura
A fierce war of words erupted on social media between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and South African politician Julius Malema, with both figures exchanging sharp remarks over controversial statements linked to racial issues.
The dispute reignited on February 9, 2025, when a video clip of Malema from 2018 resurfaced on the platform X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), made a provocative statement about “cutting the throat of whiteness,” referring to efforts to remove Athol Trollip, a white mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay at the time.
Musk, the owner of X and an advisor on government efficiency in the U.S., condemned Malema’s remarks, calling him an “international criminal” and urging immediate sanctions against him. The clip was reshared by social media users, sparking widespread debate.
In response, Malema hit back, accusing Musk of hypocrisy and arguing that he would not be silenced in his fight for racial justice. He defended his political stance, saying his words were being misinterpreted and that Musk was only protecting his own interests.
This is not the first time the two have clashed. In August 2023, Musk criticized Malema for chanting “Kill the Boer” during an EFF rally, claiming that it incited violence against white farmers. Malema dismissed the criticism at the time, saying Musk had no understanding of South African history or the context of the chant.
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The ongoing friction between the two men highlights deeper racial and political tensions in South Africa. While Malema and his supporters argue for land redistribution and economic redress, critics, including Musk, have accused him of promoting division and hate speech.
The debate continues to divide opinions, with some calling for accountability over inflammatory language, while others argue that Malema’s remarks reflect long-standing grievances about racial inequality in South Africa.
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