President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Chris Williams
President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in a direct conversation with Elon Musk to address misinformation about South Africa’s land reform policies. The discussion came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that South Africa was confiscating land and mistreating certain groups, a statement that has drawn criticism from the South African government and legal experts.
The presidency confirmed the conversation between Ramaphosa and Musk on Tuesday, 6 February 2025, following a series of social media posts by Musk and Trump that sparked international debate on South Africa’s land policies.
Background: Trump’s Claims and Musk’s Involvement
✔ On Sunday, Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would suspend aid to South Africa, alleging that the country was engaging in “land confiscations” and was mistreating white citizens.
✔ The claim was based on South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which allows land expropriation in the public interest to address historical land injustices.
✔ On Monday, Elon Musk joined the debate, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that South Africa’s land reform policies were openly racist and suggested that white people were being victimized.
✔ President Cyril Ramaphosa swiftly responded, denying Trump’s claims and clarifying that no land had been confiscated.
✔ The South African presidency stated that the Expropriation Act is in line with the Constitution and aims to ensure equitable public access to land.
Ramaphosa-Musk Call: Addressing Misinformation
✔ On Monday, Ramaphosa and Musk had a private conversation to discuss concerns over misinformation and the misrepresentation of South Africa’s policies.
✔ According to the South African presidency, the call was focused on correcting false narratives about the country’s land reforms.
✔ The presidency released an official statement, saying:
“President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mr. Elon Musk discussed issues of misinformation and distortions regarding South Africa. The President reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, justice, fairness, and equality.”
✔ The South African government has expressed concern that Musk’s statements have contributed to a misleading global narrative, further damaging investor confidence.
What is the Expropriation Act and Why Is It Controversial?
✔ The Expropriation Act of 2023 allows the South African government to expropriate land for public purposes, provided that it aligns with constitutional principles of fairness and compensation.
✔ The law is designed to address land ownership disparities created by colonialism and apartheid, ensuring that land is redistributed in a legally sound manner.
✔ Critics argue that the law could lead to land grabs and discourage investment, while supporters claim it is essential for rectifying historical injustices.
✔ Ramaphosa has reassured international investors that land reform will be conducted within the law and will not target any specific racial group.

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