• President Ramaphosa labels Afrikaners seeking refuge in the U.S. as "cowards."
• Over 8,000 South Africans have shown interest in U.S. refugee program for Afrikaners.
• Elon Musk criticizes Ramaphosa's comments, sparking diplomatic tensions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has controversially referred to a group of Afrikaners who recently resettled in the United States as "cowards," stating that they are abandoning their responsibilities to help transform South Africa. Ramaphosa expressed this sentiment after 59 Afrikaners arrived in the U.S. following refugee status granted by the Trump administration, asserting, "When you run away you are a coward" and emphasizing that true resilience involves facing challenges at home, according to BBC and NY Times.

The movement of these Afrikaners has sparked significant controversy, with Ramaphosa asserting that their departure reflects dissatisfaction with ongoing efforts to redress apartheid-era inequities. He stated that this was a "sad moment for them," and anticipated their return to South Africa, which he believes remains their true home. Ramaphosa also noted that he is set to discuss these issues with former President Trump soon, as tensions simmer over the refugee program, according to BBC and India Times.

This controversial stance drew a notable reaction from Elon Musk, a prominent South African-born entrepreneur, who criticized Ramaphosa's remarks. Musk suggested that Ramaphosa's comments revealed a troubling view among South African leadership regarding "racial justice," warning of the diplomatic fallout that could follow. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling it a "diplomatic earthquake." Musk has previously supported claims regarding the existence of violence against white farmers in South Africa, thus adding another layer of complexity to the dialogue surrounding this sensitive issue, according to India Times.