President Trump's targeting of South Africa is clearly tied to his influential adviser Elon Musk and a coterie of wealthy U.S. oligarchs, "all of whom in some way or other grew up in South Africa as children." These men are known as the "PayPal Mafia" due to their involvement in the founding of the financial tech company PayPal, explains reporter Chris McGreal. McGreal, a former South Africa correspondent for _The Guardian_, outlines Musk's pro-apartheid and neo-Nazi family history, which appears to form the basis of his adherence to a right-wing ideology that believes white South Africans "are the victims of the end of apartheid" and at risk of a "white genocide."
South African Connections
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The "PayPal Mafia", including Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have deep roots in apartheid South Africa, where they spent their childhoods, shaping their worldviews and future business ventures.
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Elon Musk's family had significant wealth in South Africa, with his father's divorce settlement listing ownership of a jet, yacht, and several houses, highlighting the economic disparities during apartheid.
Political Influence
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The PayPal Mafia's influence on US politics is evident in their support for Trump's policies, including proposals to cut aid to South Africa and grant refugee status to white South African farmers.
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These influential figures have backed campaigns claiming "white genocide" in South Africa, led by organizations like AfriForum, which has gained traction in US political discourse since 2018.
Controversial Behavior
- Elon Musk's apparent Nazi-like salute at a Trump rally in 2020 was widely recognized as such, despite his attempts to provide alternative explanations, highlighting the controversial nature of his public action