Today, Explained: Elon's African Roots – Episode Summary

Released on February 13, 2025, by Vox’s daily news explainer podcast, "Today, Explained," hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King delve into the intricate and contentious relationship between former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the white Afrikaner community in South Africa. This episode unpacks the historical backdrop of apartheid, current land reform policies, and the socio-political dynamics influencing international relations.

1. The Current South African Crisis

The episode opens with Noel King highlighting the perilous situation in South Africa for many, particularly white South Africans known as Afrikaners. King states:

"The South African situation is very, very dangerous and very bad for a lot of people. There's tremendously bad things going on, including the confiscation of property and worse, much worse than that." [00:00]

King references former President Donald Trump's assertion that Afrikaners are now victims of discrimination due to new laws allowing land expropriation without compensation. Trump has extended an offer for white South Africans to resettle in the United States, a proposal that has seen limited acceptance.

2. Trump's Interest in South Africa and Afrikaners

Chris McGreal, a Guardian reporter, provides context on Trump's focus on South Africa, linking it to unelected Afrikaner Vice President Elon Musk. Stepping into the conversation, Johnny Steinberg explains the Afrikaners' stance:

"The argument is being made that Afrikaners... are now victims of the post-apartheid era... being victims of politically targeted violence." [02:37]

This perspective frames affirmative action and black empowerment policies in South Africa as discriminatory against the white minority, despite the enduring wealth among white South Africans post-apartheid.

3. Influence of Elon Musk and the "PayPal Mafia"

Elon Musk's roots as a white South African and his connections with influential figures like Peter Thiel and David Sachs (Trump's AI and crypto czar) are scrutinized. Steinberg posits:

"You'd have to assume [Musk's ideas have influenced Trump], because there's no real explanation otherwise as to why Trump is so engaged with this issue." [05:25]

The group's shared apartheid-era experiences and their subsequent success in the tech industry create a network that may drive their collective stance on South African policies.

4. Growing Up Under Apartheid: Elon Musk's Perspective

The episode delves into Musk's upbringing during apartheid, characterized by severe racial segregation and state oppression. Steinberg recounts:

"Musk was growing up at this time of incredible turmoil... children incarcerated in their thousands..." [07:13]

He describes the presence of neo-Nazi groups, the strict enforcement of racial laws, and the societal turmoil that likely shaped Musk's worldview.

5. Land Reform in South Africa: Historical Context and Current Policies

Chris McGreal outlines the historical context of land ownership in South Africa, starting with the 1913 law prohibiting black land ownership. Post-apartheid, a land reform policy was introduced in the mid-1990s to address centuries of dispossession by allowing land to be bought back at market prices, rather than forcibly confiscated.

King asks about the continuation of this process 30 years later:

"Is that process still underway?" [19:27]

McGreal confirms ongoing land reform but notes widespread dissatisfaction due to government inefficiency and corruption, affecting both black land claimants and white landholders.

6. Violence Against White Farmers vs. General Crime Statistics

The safety of white farmers is a focal point, with both McGreal and Steinberg discussing the high incidence of violent crimes in South Africa. Steinberg recounts personal accounts of attacks:

"In the last 10, 20 years... we can name 20, 30 attacks, murders on farmers." [21:27]

However, McGreal contextualizes these incidents within the broader framework of South Africa's high murder rate, primarily affecting unemployed young black men. He challenges the notion of an organized plot against white farmers, suggesting that while fear and vulnerability are legitimate, the depiction of a targeted genocide is unfounded.

7. Trump's Resettlement Offer and Afrikaner Response

Trump's proposal to resettle Afrikaners in the U.S. has been met with skepticism and dismissal among the community. McGreal observes:

"Nobody has taken them up on it... it was an object of fun." [23:55]

Even those who have actively lobbied Trump express bewilderment, with mainstream organizations and farmers choosing to remain, reflecting their resilience and successful agricultural operations.

8. Underlying Motives Behind Trump's Actions

The episode explores potential ulterior motives behind Trump's stance on South Africa. Steinberg suggests:

"It's easy for him, because there's no downside. He gets to perform a very powerful and entertaining anti DEI performance..." [24:31]

Moreover, leveraging international narratives to stoke division within South Africa benefits certain political factions seeking to contest government land reform and racial redress policies.

9. Conclusion: Amplifying Divisions and Policy Impact

The interaction between Trump, Musk, and the Afrikaner community has intensified existing tensions in South Africa. While Trump's actions may not correspond with on-the-ground realities, they provide ammunition for groups opposing transformative government policies. McGreal concludes:

"These matters have become more contentious, more volatile... they strengthen their hand." [25:54]

Notable Quotes:

• Noel King:

  "The South African situation is very, very dangerous and very bad for a lot of people." [00:00]

• Johnny Steinberg:

  "The argument is being made that Afrikaners... are now victims of the post-apartheid era." [02:37]

• Johnny Steinberg:

  "In the last 10, 20 years... we can name 20, 30 attacks, murders on farmers." [21:27]

• Johnny Steinberg:

  "It's easy for him, because there's no downside. He gets to perform a very powerful and entertaining anti DEI performance..." [24:31]

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Context: Understanding apartheid's legacy is crucial to comprehending current land reform policies and racial dynamics in South Africa.

• International Influence: The relationship between influential South African expatriates, like Elon Musk, and global leaders such as Donald Trump plays a significant role in shaping narratives around South African policies.

• Socio-Political Tensions: While violent crimes against white farmers are a real concern, framing them as part of an organized attempt to strip Afrikaners of land lacks evidence and oversimplifies broader societal issues.

• Policy Implementation: Land reform in South Africa remains contentious, marred by inefficiency and corruption, leading to frustration across racial lines.

This episode of "Today, Explained" offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between history, policy, and international politics affecting South Africa's present and future.