South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly contacted Tesla CEO Elon Musk to intervene in a growing dispute involving former U.S. President Donald Trump over a land development project. The disagreement centers around land rights and usage, with Trump’s business interests in the region reportedly clashing with local regulations and environmental concerns.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the President called Musk to help mediate the issue, given Musk’s influential connections and business dealings in both the United States and South Africa. Ramaphosa, who has long sought to balance international business interests with local governance, is believed to have requested Musk’s assistance in smoothing over tensions and avoiding further escalation of the issue.
The land dispute arose after Trump’s company was accused of potentially violating zoning laws and engaging in environmentally harmful practices while attempting to develop land in the region. Critics have argued that the project could have serious ecological consequences, while Trump’s team maintains that all necessary permits were obtained and the project is in line with local regulations.
Musk, who has business interests in South Africa through his electric vehicle company and other ventures, has not publicly commented on the call or his involvement. However, his reputation as a global businessman with significant influence in both the tech and energy sectors has made him a key figure in such discussions. His potential involvement in resolving the dispute is seen as a step toward avoiding a diplomatic rift.
As the situation unfolds, both South African officials and representatives from Trump’s camp are expected to meet in the coming weeks to find a resolution. President Ramaphosa’s call to Musk signals the complex nature of balancing international investment with local concerns, as South Africa seeks to maintain both its environmental standards and its relationship with influential global business figures.
