Elon Musk And South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa's Big Move

• President Cyril Ramaphosa is in active talks with Elon Musk to encourage investment in South Africa.
• The tech billionaire, born in Pretoria, is now the richest man on the planet, but his business hasn't fully tapped into his home country yet.
• South Africans have been urging Ramaphosa to reach out to Musk, particularly to bring Starlink's revolutionary internet service to the nation.

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent over a decade covering the South African political scene, criminal justice, and pressing social issues.

Listen up, folks. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is making a bold move to bring one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs back to his roots. He’s not just hoping for it—he’s actively working on it. Ramaphosa recently confirmed that he’s in discussions with Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire who now dominates the global tech scene, to encourage him to invest in the country where it all began for him.

The State President isn’t shy about his aspirations. In a recent media briefing, Ramaphosa revealed that he’s personally reaching out to Musk, urging him to bring his wealth of resources and innovation back to South Africa. This isn’t just about pride; it’s about potential. Musk, the genius behind SpaceX and Tesla, was born and raised in Pretoria before moving to the United States, where he became the richest man in the world. Yet, despite his massive global footprint, South Africa has remained somewhat untouched by his business ventures.

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Now, Musk may be a global icon, but his roots are firmly planted in South Africa. Despite being a resident of the United States for decades, his connection to the country is undeniable. Yet, South Africa hasn’t yet seen the full force of Musk’s business empire. While Musk’s ventures have expanded across continents, the South African market remains largely untapped—a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by citizens or the government.

During an engaging conversation with the press on August 13, 2024, President Ramaphosa opened up about his ongoing discussions with Musk. "Elon, you’ve become so successful and you are investing in a variety of countries. I want you to come home and invest here," Ramaphosa candidly expressed. He emphasized that these discussions are far from over, and further talks are expected to take place as they explore potential opportunities.

Why Tesla Hasn’t Made It to South Africa Yet

Here’s the thing: Musk’s absence from the South African market isn’t due to a lack of interest—it’s more about the logistical hurdles. Despite his immense success, Musk hasn’t deemed South Africa a viable market for Tesla, his groundbreaking electric vehicle company. Back in 2016, there was buzz about Tesla launching in South Africa, but eight years later, it’s still a distant dream.

In January 2024, Musk himself shed light on the issue, pointing out the challenge of South Africa’s high import duties. "Import duties are super high in South Africa to protect the domestic industry. It doesn’t make sense for Tesla, given that electric cars are not locally made," Musk explained. This revelation highlights the complexities of bringing global brands into a market with such stringent regulations.

But it’s not just about Tesla. South Africans have been clamoring for Musk to bring another one of his revolutionary projects to the table: Starlink. Starlink is Musk’s satellite-based internet service, designed to provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas. The public has been urging Ramaphosa to engage Musk on this front, hoping to bridge the digital divide in the country.

China and Beyond: Ramaphosa’s Broader Vision

Expanding Investment Opportunities

Elon Musk isn’t the only global powerhouse Ramaphosa has his eyes on. During a recent state visit to China, Ramaphosa made a strong pitch to Chinese businesses, inviting them to consider South Africa as a prime destination for investment. His message was clear: South Africa is open for business, especially in the realm of green energy.

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Ramaphosa’s focus is sharp and strategic. He’s particularly keen on attracting investments in South Africa’s burgeoning green energy sector. With the world shifting toward sustainable practices, Ramaphosa sees this as an opportunity for South Africa to position itself as a leader in renewable energy. His appeal to Musk and Chinese investors alike underscores his vision of transforming South Africa into a hub of innovation and sustainability.