The Trump administration’s attacks on South Africa have been driven in part by President Trump’s opposition to affirmative action policies in the country.
Administration officials have said the policies, known as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, discriminate against white business owners and prevent American firms from investing in South Africa.
The measures are meant to address wealth disparities created by apartheid, when South Africa’s white minority excluded Black people from the economy.
Much of the criticism has been amplified by Elon Musk, the trillionaire South Africa native and Republican mega-donor who has refused to meet the affirmative action requirements needed to bring his satellite internet company Starlink into the country.
Mr. Musk has said that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment measures are racist. He has been particularly vocal about a rule that requires companies to have some Black ownership in order to get a telecommunications license. Starlink needs such a license to operate in South Africa.
The U.S. has vowed to continue punishing the country if it doesn’t change its affirmative action laws. That threat has ignited debate in South Africa, where many people, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, believe that Black empowerment policies need to be revised.
But opinions vary on how. As it is, the laws can be difficult to understand. Test how much you know about affirmative action in South Africa below.