Elon Musk captured global attention not only for his technological innovations, but also for his polarising public statements. One such statement, his amplification of the false narrative of “white genocide” in South Africa. Another was that the Expropriation of Land Act is unlawful, whilst omitting the context of apartheid’s legacy (Group Areas Act of 1950) and the impact it had on people of colour in South Africa. Musk repeatedly mentioned the “140 race laws” impacting the white population, an obvious lie. This has sparked outrage across South Africa and in the United States, and it has led many in South Africa to question whether the government should place its trust in Musk’s satellite internet project. Elon Musk echoed far-right claims that white South African farmers were being intentionally targeted and killed because they were white, a far-right conspiracy promoted by Afrikaaner lobby group, Afriforum. Afriforum leader Ernst Roets appeared on Fox News, and while he didn’t specifically use the words “White Genocide”, it was inferred. These claims have been widely debunked by crime data, human rights organisations, scholars, and journalists across South Africa.
By amplifying this myth, Musk not only spread misinformation, but also played into a dangerous narrative often used by white nationalist groups in the United States and Europe. For many South Africans, especially black, Indian, and Coloured South Africans who endured centuries of colonial and apartheid violence, this was not just a factual error, but an insult to the country’s complex reality. On the other hand, Starlink offers a compelling technological opportunity. With many rural areas in South Africa still lacking reliable internet, Starlink’s satellite-based system could provide high-speed connectivity where traditional infrastructure has failed. The service could boost education, healthcare, business, and communication in remote areas – key sectors for economic and social upliftment. South Africans have every right to be doubtful of his intentions. Spreading far-right conspiracies and populist rhetoric may have damaged relations, casting doubt on his character altogether. However, Starlink as a technology still holds significant potential to improve lives. The South African government should approach the issue of Starlink and Elon Musk with caution.