Tech billionaire Elon Musk has repeatedly posted about his frustration in trying to launch his satellite internet service, Starlink, in South Africa. A video shared online shows Musk purportedly snubbing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting. But the claim is false; the video, taken in 2025 at the Oval Office, was edited to remove the footage showing the pair shaking hands.
“Hey #Southafrica, Musk didn't have the decency to shake your president's hand. Musk helped get Malema sentenced. Don't believe for a second he won't target Ramaphosa,” reads the X post published on April 16, 2026.
Julius Malema is the party leader of South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). He featured in a controversial video screened at the White House last year and was recently sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air during a 2018 rally (archived here and here). He is appealing the sentence.
“Viral Video of Elon Musk Appearing To Snub A Handshake From South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa Has The Internet Talking,” reads additional text overlaid on the clip.
The 11-second clip shows Ramaphosa extending his hand towards Musk, who appears to laugh at him, arms crossed.
Similar claims have circulated on Facebook and Instagram since August 2025.
Musk, who was born in South Africa and left at the height of apartheid to avoid the unpopular military draft, has on several occasions criticised the South African government for...
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