Senegalese-American musician Akon recently suggested that Elon Musk—billionaire entrepreneur and head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency—is advocating for white South Africans because they now live in poorer conditions compared to their Black counterparts. He made the statement during an episode of the American podcast Bagfuel Brigade.
Musk, who was born and raised in South Africa, has publicly criticized the country’s land policies, calling its ownership laws “racist.” He has accused the government of failing to protect white farmers, even referring to the situation as a “genocide.” These claims surfaced after South Africa passed the Expropriation Act in January under President Cyril Ramaphosa. The law permits land expropriation—occasionally without compensation—in cases where land is idle or required for public interest.
Akon argued that South Africa is a unique case in Africa where the socio-economic tables have turned, asserting that white South Africans now reside in poorer areas while Black citizens enjoy improved living standards. He said, “In South Africa, white people don’t have it as good as they do in America. It’s one of the few places in Africa where white folks are living in the hood, and Black people are doing well. That’s why Elon Musk is fighting for them—he sees inequality and believes they’re being mistreated. Whites are pushing for equality because Blacks are the majority and united.”
However, Akon’s statements conflict with established data. According to 2022 World Bank statistics, the average income of white workers in South Africa is nearly three times that of Black workers. Additionally, despite the official end of apartheid three decades ago, white farmers still control approximately 75% of the country’s land, although they make up only 7% of the population.