https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250309/south-africa-rejects-elon-musks-claim-on-starlink-ban-1071008119.html
South Africa Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim on Starlink's Purported Ban Over His Race
South Africa Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim on Starlink's Purported Ban Over His Race
Sputnik Africa
Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt financial aid to South Africa, citing the country's land policy as racially biased against... 09.03.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-03-09T18:00+0100
2025-03-09T18:00+0100
2025-03-09T18:00+0100
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South Africa dismissed Elon Musk's claim that his Starlink satellite company could not function in the country due to his race, specifically because he is not black.Earlier this week, Musk, who was born in South Africa, stated on X that "Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I'm not black."Musk seemed to be criticizing local Black Economic Empowerment regulations, which require foreign telecommunications operators to sell 30% of their local subsidiary's equity to groups that have been historically marginalized. Starlink has reportedly urged regulators to reconsider this rule.The country’s telecom authority, ICASA, also weighed in, stating that Starlink has not applied for a license. According to TechCentral, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has requested that ICASA take "equity equivalents" such as skills development into account, enabling companies like SpaceX to function within the local area.Meanwhile, similar licensing challenges have prevented Starlink’s entry into other African nations, including Cameroon and Namibia.
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elon musk, south africa, starlink, southern africa, law, donald trump, united states (us)
South Africa Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim on Starlink's Purported Ban Over His Race
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt financial aid to South Africa, citing the country's land policy as racially biased against white residents.
South Africa dismissed Elon Musk's claim that his Starlink satellite company could not function in the country due to his race, specifically because he is not black.
Earlier this week, Musk, who was born in South Africa, stated on X that
"Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I'm not black."
"Sir, that's NOT true & you know it! It's got nothing to do with your skin color. Starlink is welcome to operate in [South Africa] provided there's compliance with local laws," Clayson Monyela, a senior foreign affairs official, wrote in response.
Musk seemed to be criticizing local Black Economic Empowerment regulations, which require foreign telecommunications operators to sell 30% of their local subsidiary's equity to groups that have been historically marginalized. Starlink has reportedly urged regulators to reconsider this rule.
The country’s telecom authority, ICASA, also weighed in, stating that Starlink has not applied for a license. According to TechCentral, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has requested that ICASA take "equity equivalents" such as skills development into account, enabling companies like SpaceX to function within the local area.
Meanwhile, similar licensing challenges have prevented Starlink’s entry into other African nations, including Cameroon and
Namibia.
