In a recent explosive interview on The Tucker Carlson Show, Dr. Ernst Roets, the former deputy chief executive of AfriForum, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy. The conversation has triggered intense debate across South Africa, with some applauding Roets’ bold claims, while others have furiously condemned him, accusing him of spreading misinformation.
The interview’s most contentious moment came when Roets discussed the legacy of South African anti-apartheid icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Carlson’s question regarding her role during Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment led Roets to accuse her of encouraging violent acts, notably the horrific “necklace murders.” This brutal form of execution, which involved placing a rubber tire filled with gasoline around a victim’s neck and setting it on fire, left hundreds dead during South Africa’s political violence in the 1980s.
Roets’ comments ignited a storm of responses on social media, with some users expressing support while others, particularly those loyal to Madikizela-Mandela’s legacy, launched scathing attacks. In a chilling post on social platform X, Roets revealed that some individuals have even threatened to murder him, linking the threats to his controversial statements.
He shared one post by a user, M Lephole, who ominously wrote, “@ErnstRoets must be given a beautiful necklace for saying Winnie was a terrorist.” The term “necklace” refers to the violent method mentioned earlier, underscoring the gravity of the threats Roets has received.
Aside from his remarks on Madikizela-Mandela, Roets also made sweeping claims about South African universities allegedly promoting “white genocide” and government efforts to seize land from its citizens. These claims further stoked the flames of division, sparking intense arguments between supporters of Roets and his critics.
The backlash has not been limited to South Africa. Billionaire Elon Musk, who has been critical of South Africa’s current political trajectory, weighed in, suggesting that the country has strayed from the vision of equality and peace set forth by Nelson Mandela. Musk’s statement, shared on X, added fuel to the ongoing debate about South Africa’s policies and the legacy of apartheid.
Roets, who resigned from his role at AfriForum to “pursue greater contributions outside the movement,” has found his comments thrust into the global spotlight. As tensions continue to rise, it’s clear that this interview has sparked one of the most divisive debates in South African politics today. Whether Roets’ claims are seen as brave or inflammatory, it is undeniable that they have stirred a much-needed conversation about South Africa’s past, present, and future.
