SOUTH Africa has rejected a claim by billionaire Elon Musk that his Starlink satellite service is banned in the country due to his race. According to Reuters, the country’s telecoms regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), confirmed that Starlink has not applied for an operating licence.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, wrote on X: ‘Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not black.’ His remark appeared to reference the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations, which require foreign-owned telecom companies to sell 30 percent of their local equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
However, Clayson Monyela, a senior official in the foreign affairs department, strongly refuted Musk’s claim. Responding on X, he stated: ‘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.’
Regulatory requirements at the heart of the issue
ICASA confirmed that it had received no formal Starlink application but did not elaborate on the licensing process. According to TechCentral, Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, had written to ICASA urging it to reconsider the 30 percent equity requirement.
South Africa’s Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi, has reportedly asked ICASA to explore alternatives such as ‘equity equivalents,’ including skills development, to allow companies like SpaceX to enter the market.
Starlink faces licensing hurdles across Africa
While Starlink has launched in several African countries, licensing issues have also slowed its expansion in Cameroon and Namibia. South Africa remains a key market, but regulatory compliance remains a barrier.
Musk, who now resides in the United States, has been vocal about South African policies in recent months. His latest remarks follow a decision by US President Donald Trump to suspend US aid to South Africa over its land reform policies and its genocide case against Washington’s ally, Israel, at the International Court of Justice.
For now, Starlink’s future in South Africa remains uncertain, with its ability to operate hinging on regulatory negotiations.
