The tweet by Gorklon Rust, also known as Elon Musk, brings to light a shocking revelation about the state of racism in South Africa. According to Rust, there are 140 laws in South Africa that are explicitly racist against anyone who is not black. This revelation is particularly disturbing given the country’s history of apartheid and the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who fought tirelessly against racial discrimination.

The fact that such laws still exist in South Africa is a terrible disgrace and a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all. It is a betrayal of Mandela’s vision of a non-racial society, where all people are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Rust’s call to end racism in South Africa is a powerful and urgent plea for change. It is a reminder that racism is not just a historical artifact, but a present-day reality that continues to harm and divide communities. It is a call to action for the government, civil society, and individuals to work together to dismantle these discriminatory laws and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In addition to the moral imperative of ending racism, there is also a strong economic argument for doing so. Racism and discrimination create barriers to education, employment, and economic opportunities, preventing individuals and communities from reaching their full potential. By eliminating racist laws and practices, South Africa can unlock the talents and contributions of all its citizens, leading to greater prosperity and well-being for everyone.

In conclusion, Gorklon Rust’s tweet shines a spotlight on the ongoing problem of racism in South Africa and the urgent need to address it. It is a call to action for all South Africans to come together and work towards a society where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Ending racism is not just a moral imperative, but also an economic opportunity to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for all. Let us heed Rust’s call and take meaningful steps towards a more just and equitable society in South Africa.

There are 140 laws on the books in South Africa that are explicitly racist against anyone who is not black.

This is a terrible disgrace to the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela.

End racism in South Africa now! https://t.co/qUJM9CXTqE

— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 16, 2025

There are 140 laws on the books in South Africa that are explicitly racist against anyone who is not black.

South Africa, a country with a complex history of racial segregation and discrimination, still grapples with the remnants of its apartheid past. Despite significant progress since the end of apartheid in 1994, there are still 140 laws on the books that explicitly discriminate against anyone who is not black. These laws perpetuate systemic racism and hinder the country’s efforts to achieve true equality and justice for all its citizens.

One such law is the Land Act of 1913, which prohibited black South Africans from owning land in “white areas.” This law effectively dispossessed black people of their ancestral lands and confined them to overcrowded and underdeveloped areas known as “Bantustans.” The Land Act of 1913 has had long-lasting consequences for black South Africans, contributing to widespread poverty and inequality.

Another example is the Population Registration Act of 1950, which classified South Africans into four racial groups: white, black, colored, and Indian. This law institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, denying non-black South Africans basic rights and privileges afforded to white citizens. The legacy of the Population Registration Act of 1950 can still be seen today in the disparities in access to education, healthcare, and employment.

This is a terrible disgrace to the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and a global icon of peace and reconciliation, dedicated his life to fighting against racism and injustice. Mandela’s vision of a united, non-racial South Africa inspired millions around the world and paved the way for the country’s transition to democracy. However, the existence of 140 racist laws in South Africa is a betrayal of Mandela’s legacy and a stain on the progress made since the end of apartheid.

Mandela famously said, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Mandela’s message of love, forgiveness, and unity resonates across generations and serves as a reminder of the power of reconciliation in overcoming deep-seated divisions.

The persistence of racist laws in South Africa undermines Mandela’s vision of a rainbow nation where all citizens are equal before the law. It is incumbent upon the government and civil society to dismantle these discriminatory laws and create a more just and inclusive society for future generations. As Mandela once said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”

End racism in South Africa now!

Ending racism in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of discrimination and inequality. It begins with repealing the 140 racist laws that perpetuate systemic racism and deny equal rights to all citizens. The government must also invest in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities to level the playing field and promote social cohesion.

Civil society has a crucial role to play in challenging racist attitudes and promoting dialogue and understanding across racial lines. Grassroots movements, advocacy organizations, and community leaders can mobilize support for anti-racism initiatives and hold the government accountable for upholding the principles of equality and justice.

As individuals, we can also contribute to ending racism by confronting our own biases, listening to the experiences of others, and standing up against discrimination in all its forms. By working together, we can honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and build a more inclusive and equitable South Africa for future generations.

In conclusion, the existence of 140 racist laws in South Africa is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all its citizens. It is time to end racism in South Africa now and create a society where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or background. Let us honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela by standing up against racism and working towards a brighter future for all South Africans.