JOHANNESBURG, March 7 (Reuters) – South Africa on Friday rejected a claim by multibillionaire Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite company could not operate in the country because he is not Black, and its telecoms regulator said Starlink had not applied for a licence.
In his latest rebuke of the country where he was born and went to school, Musk wrote on X, which he also owns: “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black”.
Clayson Monyela, a senior official at the foreign affairs department, responded emphatically on the social media platform.
“Sir, that’s NOT true & you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin colour. Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided there’s compliance with local laws,” Monyela wrote. “This is a global international trade & investment principle.”
Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at local Black Economic Empowerment rules that foreign-owned telecommunications licensees sell 30% of the equity in their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups.
South Africa Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim That Starlink is Banned Due to His Race
Government Officials Dismiss Musk’s Statement as Inaccurate
South Africa has firmly rejected a claim made by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite company is not permitted to operate in the country because he is not Black. The country’s telecommunications regulator also clarified that Starlink has not applied for a license to operate.
Musk’s Controversial Statement
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk alleged that “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not Black.” His statement sparked immediate reactions from South African government officials, who dismissed the claim as misleading and inaccurate.
Clayson Monyela, a senior official at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, responded swiftly on social media, refuting Musk’s statement.
“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,” Monyela wrote. “This is a global international trade & investment principle.”
South Africa’s Regulatory Requirements
Musk’s statement appeared to be a criticism of South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which require foreign-owned telecommunications licensees to sell 30% of their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups. The regulation is part of a broader effort to redress economic inequalities resulting from South Africa’s apartheid history.
According to TechCentral, a South African technology news platform, Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, had previously written to the country’s telecoms regulator, ICASA, urging it to reconsider the 30% equity ownership requirement for foreign telecommunications operators.
Despite this, an ICASA spokesperson confirmed that Starlink has not formally submitted an application for an operating license.
“ICASA has not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX,” the spokesperson stated, without providing further details.
Possible Compromises and Government Response
The South African Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, has reportedly considered alternative measures, such as “equity equivalents” like skills development programs, to allow foreign companies like SpaceX to comply with local regulations without necessarily selling equity stakes. However, Malatsi has not made an official comment on the matter.
Starlink currently operates in several African countries but has faced similar regulatory challenges in Cameroon and Namibia, where licensing disputes have delayed or restricted its entry into the market.
Musk’s History with South Africa
Elon Musk was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, before emigrating to the United States, where he built his empire as the head of Tesla, SpaceX, and several other high-profile companies.
His recent remarks come at a time of growing political tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended American aid to South Africa, citing the country’s land reform policies and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump, is currently one of the most influential figures in U.S. politics and global technology. However, his recent claims regarding Starlink’s inability to operate in South Africa have been widely discredited by government officials.
What Comes Next for Starlink in South Africa?
Despite Musk’s claims, Starlink has not yet taken the necessary steps to apply for regulatory approval in South Africa. If SpaceX decides to move forward, the company may need to comply with local regulations or negotiate alternative conditions with the South African government.
As discussions over foreign investment policies and regulatory frameworks continue, it remains to be seen whether Starlink will formally enter the South African market or if it will remain locked out due to existing legal requirements.
For now, the South African government maintains that Starlink is welcome—as long as it follows the rules.
