Elon Musk has criticised South Africa’s policy framework, alleging that the country operates “extremely racist laws.”
Musk made the remark on Friday via the social media platform X, amid ongoing debate over South Africa’s employment and transformation policies.
“South Africa has extremely racist laws,” Musk wrote.
His comment comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, DEI, measures, particularly the Black Economic Empowerment, BEE, policy.
Ramaphosa had dismissed calls for the policy to be scrapped, insisting that affirmative action remains necessary to address historical inequalities.
Recent regulations under the Employment Equity Amendment Act outline workforce targets across multiple sectors between 2025 and 2030, requiring increased representation of designated groups, including Black people, women and persons with disabilities.
The policy has continued to generate mixed reactions, with supporters arguing it promotes inclusion, while critics, including Musk, contend that it enforces race-based hiring practices.
‘South Africa operates extremely racist laws’ – Elon Musk
