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| Elon Musk (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images |
Renowned South African activist, Mzilikazi wa Afrika, has passionately addressed entrepreneur Elon Musk, shedding light on the historical atrocities of apartheid after the latter's comments sparked controversy. In an open letter posted on social media, Wa Afrika demanded acknowledgment and understanding of South Africa's tumultuous past.
Wa Afrika, who shares a common birth during the apartheid era with Musk, expressed deep concern over what he termed as "insensitive, ill-advised, and regrettable" comments made by the billionaire. Drawing from his personal experiences, Wa Afrika described the struggles he and his fellow Black South Africans endured during apartheid, where they were denied the white privilege enjoyed by Musk and forced to study under trees with an inferior education taught in Afrikaans, the language of their oppressors.
Calling for historical awareness, Wa Afrika urged Musk to educate himself about the heinous atrocities of apartheid, specifically referring to the Sharpeville Massacre and Langa Massacre, which left innocent Black lives shattered by oppressive laws.
The activist highlighted the significance of the June 16, 1976 student uprising in Soweto, where Black South African youth courageously took to the streets, demanding a fair education system and rejecting the language of their oppressors. Despite facing armed opposition, these young protesters stood their ground, with some paying the ultimate price, highlighting the indifference faced by certain quarters towards the lives of Black children.
Dear @elonmusk
— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@IamMzilikazi) August 5, 2023
Having read about your most insensitive, ill advised and regrettable comments about South Africa, I felt compelled to respond and expose the bigotry that motivates your comments.
I am Black South Africa, who just like you, was born during apartheid and suffered…
Wa Afrika praised the brave white South Africans, like Helen Suzman and Ruth First, who spoke out against apartheid and supported the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. He also noted the role of white individuals who fought alongside Black compatriots in liberation movements, emphasizing that their goal was the liberation of South Africa, not terrorism.
Directly addressing Musk's credibility, Wa Afrika questioned his authority to lecture Black South Africans on their own history. He called for a sincere acknowledgment of apartheid's status as a crime against humanity and urged Musk to recognize the white privilege that shaped his upbringing.
In his letter, Wa Afrika emphasized that wealth does not equate to wisdom or intelligence, and genuine understanding arises from empathy and willingness to learn from others' experiences.
Wa Afrika closed his missive with a reminder that his advocacy is not aligned with any political party but stems from personal experience and a deep commitment to ensuring that South Africa's history is fully acknowledged and respected.
As of now, Elon Musk has not responded publicly to Mzilikazi wa Afrika's letter. However, the call for understanding and acknowledgment of South Africa's painful past has sparked debates and conversations, both within the nation and internationally.
