Elon Musk’s South African citizenship status has become a topic of heated debate after Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber declined to disclose whether Musk and several other prominent businessmen remain South African citizens.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Thapelo Mogale, who questioned whether Musk, Reon Barnard, Peter Thiel, and David Sacks—all seen as allies of U.S. President Donald Trump—still hold South African citizenship and whether their status should be revoked.
Why Is Musk’s Citizenship Being Questioned?
Musk, who was born and raised in South Africa, has been critical of the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, which have blocked the launch of his Starlink satellite internet service in South Africa.
“Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not black,” Musk stated on X, sparking controversy.
The debate over his citizenship comes at a time of rising political tensions between South Africa and the United States, particularly over policies like the Expropriation Act and South Africa’s ties to countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
Mogale claimed that Musk, Barnard, Thiel, and Sacks were financially supporting Trump’s administration and influencing its stance toward South Africa.
Home Affairs Refuses to Reveal Citizenship Details
In response, Schreiber refused to provide any details about their citizenship, citing the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), which prohibits disclosing personal records.
“The Department of Home Affairs will not be weaponized for political purposes,” Schreiber said, accusing Mogale of using the question for political gain.
He added that citizenship decisions must be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, and just administrative action, rather than political motivations.
Schreiber also took aim at Mogale’s party leader, Julius Malema, stating that Malema should focus on addressing his own “inflammatory and divisive rhetoric” rather than targeting individuals linked to the U.S. government.
Musk Responds: “I Consider Myself Simply an American”
Musk has previously distanced himself from South African politics, stating that he considers himself “simply an American.”
However, he has remained vocal about issues in South Africa, recently commenting:
“What’s happening in South Africa is deeply wrong. Not what Mandela intended at all.”
A Growing Rift Between South Africa and the U.S.
Musk is not the only figure caught in the crossfire of worsening diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States.
- The U.S. has criticized South Africa’s economic policies and alignment with China and Russia.
- South Africa, in turn, has condemned Trump’s administration and taken a strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, siding with Hamas against Israel.
- Business leaders warn that uncertainty over citizenship and investment policies could further deter U.S. investors from South Africa.
With tensions rising, Musk’s citizenship debate may be just the beginning of a broader political and economic battle between the two nations.
Do you think Elon Musk’s South African citizenship should still be recognized?
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