A recent controversy erupted online after a prominent local figure in South Africa raised a sensitive issue, leading to a heated debate infused with racial undertones. The discussion centers around Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur and tech billionaire, particularly focusing on his latest creation, Optimus—an autonomous assistant and humanoid robot developed by Tesla.
The uproar began after Musk shared a brief video on X, which was later commented on by @Keanubtc, highlighting perceived racial implications that ignited immediate backlash.
The accompanying caption read: “Imagine having a housekeeper [who] doesn’t vote ANC, doesn’t have 55 uncle’s funerals to attend every year, won’t steal your food, and you only have to pay for it once? Sign me up.”
Imagine having a housekeeper that doesn't vote ANC, doesn't have 55 uncle's funerals to attend every year, won't steal your food, and you only have to pay for it once?
Sign me up pic.twitter.com/IW8XrREn5Q
— Keanu (@Keanubtc) October 11, 2024The bold and candid opinion sparked immediate division between the messenger and a contentious online community.
Before this division, netizens absorbed the scenes from the advertisement, showcasing the life-sized robot in various roles, such as retrieving a package and watering plants while a family enjoys time together.
During the unveiling at his Tesla factory, Musk claimed the invention could even babysit children. These robots, priced between $28,000 and $30,000 (approximately R490,000 to R530,000), are set to enter production next year, with wider availability expected by 2026.
As anticipation builds, attention has shifted to the racially charged post that garnered significant engagement, amassing 10 million views.
The post also received 3,300 reposts, 3,200 likes, and 2,600 replies, prompting a surge of heated discussions among netizens eager to engage in “debate-ville.”
Only in South Africa, our land, can such a small boy spit in the face of the very women who raised his entire family, scrubbed their filth, and kept their home together. Indeed, we have the best democracy in the world.
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 12, 2024For the people who are butt hurt about this post:
1. Housekeepers come in all skin colors, not just black people (Yes, this is a reality in SA even though some might not believe it)
2. Our housekeeper has been working for us for over 20 years now, I have never done a single…
— Keanu (@Keanubtc) October 13, 2024
