South Africa on Friday rejected claims by billionaire Elon Musk that his satellite company, Starlink, was prevented from operating in the country because he is not Black. The country’s telecommunications regulator clarified that Starlink had not applied for a license to operate.
In a post on X, which Musk also owns, he accused South Africa of blocking Starlink, stating: “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.”
Clayson Monyela, a senior official at South Africa’s Department of Foreign Affairs, quickly responded on the platform, calling the claim false. “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 said. “This is a global international trade & investment principle.”
Musk’s remark appeared to target South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, which require foreign telecommunications companies to sell 30% of their local subsidiary equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
According to South African tech news site TechCentral, SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, has lobbied South Africa’s telecommunications regulator, ICASA, to reconsider the 30% equity rule for foreign licensees.
An ICASA spokesperson confirmed that the regulator had not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX for a license, without providing further details.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi declined to comment when contacted by phone.
TechCentral also reported that Malatsi had asked ICASA to explore alternatives, such as “equity equivalents” like skills development programs, to allow companies like SpaceX to operate in South Africa.
While Starlink is active in several African nations, including Cameroon and Namibia, it has faced challenges with licensing requirements in South Africa.
Musk, who was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, later moved to the United States. He is now the world’s richest person and an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
