Late on Wednesday, Elon Musk reposted an error-filled post from an account called 'End Wokeness' and wrote on his social media platform They are calling for the genocide of white people.”
He said, “Julius Malema has repeatedly called for the genocide of the four million white people living in South Africa. Malema is very likely to be elected prime minister within months.”
This isn't the first time Musk has challenged Malema, and it probably won't be the last. However, his posts probably have little to do with his country of birth. No, this is about American politics, the country's deep cultural and political divisions, and the need to shore up the money-losing social network that Mr. Musk paid $44 billion for (and sees no return on investment for). .
Really, Elon? You are reposting such inflammatory posts at a time when South Africans go to vote in 2024 in what some are calling the most important election since the dawn of democracy.
Musk's latest post requires further questioning.
The latest Wits poll shows Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party will only attract one-fifth or one-sixth of the electorate, but will face-to-face in South Africa between October 23 and December 1, 2023. An Ipsos poll conducted at the ceremony found only 18.6% of eligible voters. Those who are registered will support Malema as the presidential candidate (note, not the Prime Minister as End Wakeness posted), but who cares about facts when there is mass agitation when all that needs to be done is Would you?).
Perhaps Musk was alluding to his previous interview with Imran Garda of the Turkish Radio and Television Broadcasting Corporation in 2018 (YouTube; South Africa's land crusade), Malema said he was not calling for the genocide of white people “at least for now”.
exaggeration
“I say to you that under my leadership we will not call for the genocide of white people. I do not know who will come after me. I do not speak for them, but they (White critics) are wary, crybaby and attention-seeking. No one is going to slaughter them,” Malema said.
In South Africa, we are used to Malema's bombastic, populist ways. That's not to defend this man. It would be disastrous for South Africa if he ever came close to high political office. But we also don't need a knight in shining armor tapping his iPhone from the United States to incite hostility, especially along the lines of racism.
Read: The heavy metal drummer who cost Elon Musk $56 billion
Musk clearly follows the same rules that govern mere mortals: responsibility for what you say and do, basic fact-checking, and ensuring that your obsessions do not harm others or the country as a whole. I don't think I'm bound by anything.
South Africa's likely future leader calls for genocide of the 4 million white people living there https://t.co/MNEzOUaN1L
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2024
In November, in a post about X, he wrote: “We will not allow agenda-driven activists or even our interests to interfere with our vision…Above all, including interests, X works to protect the people's right to free speech. However, Freedom of speech also requires the freedom to see and hear things that some people find objectionable. I believe that you have the right to decide for yourself, because that is the power of free speech.”
But there are concerns about the extent of economic and political influence that Musk has at his disposal. It is very worrying that he would try to interfere in the politics of a country he no longer belongs to.
But Musk's inflammatory posts probably have little to do with the country of his birth. Rather, it is more likely to be about dropping bombs on Mr. Musk's social networks in order to exploit the naivety of the American right, including the MAGA Brigade, to encourage engagement. After all, being emotional is good for business, but the consequences can be dire. – © 2024 News Central Media