Elon Musk amplifies friend's message with false claims about South Africa on X, Grok AI debunks misinformation

Indian Express

18-05-2025

X owner Elon Musk is under fire after he shared a message from a friend that made shocking claims about South Africa. The claims in the message were swiftly debunked by South African residents and Grok, AI built into X.
On Friday, Musk shared a screenshot of a message – allegedly sent by an unnamed friend currently in South Africa – on X. The note said Johannesburg is in total disrepair, asserting 'not one' traffic light in the city is operational, and that a loaf of bread now costs R1000 (USD 50, approximately). It also alleged widespread corruption and cited violent crimes, particularly attributing it to Black South Africans, sparking widespread outrage.
Sharing the message, Musk wrote, 'Just received this from a friend visiting South Africa.'
See here:
Just received this from a friend visiting South Africa pic.twitter.com/5DteFPnRrZ
— Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) May 16, 2025
Users on X quickly fact-checked the claims. South Africans began posting real-time videos and photos showing functioning infrastructure in Johannesburg. One user, @TheTechBuddha, uploaded a video of a busy city intersection with clearly working traffic lights. Another user, @shudufhadzo.btc, also posted a video showing functioning lights, commenting, 'I'm actually volunteering to drive around Joburg on live stream so that you can rest with the lies.'
Traffic lights work everywhere in Joburg. Quite impressive. And bread is less than 1 US dollar. pic.twitter.com/b2PWBKysGE
— The Tech Buddha (@Paulkim_) May 17, 2025
Your friend is talking shit.
Our Joburg is fine.
Here are some videos with traffic lights since you care so much.
I'm actually volunteering to drive around Joburg on live stream so that you can rest with the lies. pic.twitter.com/8WYKP1AZ8m
— Shudufhadzo.btc (@ShudufhadzoRSA) May 16, 2025
Musk's own AI chatbot, Grok, was prompted to verify the claims. It responded, 'A standard loaf of bread in South Africa costs about R16 to R19 (USD 0.83 to USD 0.98).' The bot also noted that there are no credible reports supporting the claim that bread costs R1000 or that the alleged large-scale corruption at Baragwanath Hospital exists to the extent described.
'A standard loaf of bread in South Africa costs about R16 to R19 (USD 0.83 to USD 0.98), based on recent data. Prices vary by city and retailer, with some reports noting R13 to R18 for a 450g to 700g loaf. Economic factors like inflation and supply chain costs influence these figures, but they've stayed stable recently. Check local stores for exact prices, as variations exist,' Grok wrote.
Check here:
@elonmusk A standard loaf of bread in South Africa costs about R16 to R19 ($0.83 to $0.98 USD), based on recent data. Prices vary by city and retailer, with some reports noting R13 to R18 for a 450g to 700g loaf. Economic factors like inflation and supply chain costs influence…
— Grok (@grok) May 16, 2025
The original message shared by Musk included heavily racialised language and dire warnings about life in South Africa. Many users condemned Musk's decision to amplify it, accusing him of spreading harmful stereotypes and misinformation. 'Why don't you come visit yourself instead of bad-mouthing our beautiful country? I walk around Cape Town every night and have never had any issues. Stop spreading rumours and rather use your billions to help if you actually believe any of this!' a user wrote.