Elon Musk claims starlink not allowed in South Africa ‘because i’m not black’

Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently suggested that his satellite internet service, Starlink, has been unable to launch operations in South Africa due to the country's race-based laws. Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, but primarily based in the United States, made the claim following a podcast discussion with South African businessman Rob Hersov.

In an online post, Musk wrote, "Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black," referring to obstacles posed by South Africa’s laws.

Hersov, who has been outspoken about race-based policies in South Africa, claimed on the podcast that such laws disproportionately affect white people and contribute to what he described as an "evil woke mind virus" in the country. Musk's comments echoed these sentiments, drawing attention to what he sees as a challenge for foreign companies, including Starlink, in the South African market.

However, South African government spokesman Clayson Monyela swiftly rejected Musk's claims. "Sir, that’s NOT true and you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin color," Monyela responded via social media. He added that Starlink could operate in South Africa as long as the company complies with local regulations.

South Africa’s laws, require that foreign telecommunications companies be at least 30% owned by “historically disadvantaged groups,” primarily Black South Africans. Since Starlink is a private company and does not publicly trade shares, it has not been able to meet this requirement, limiting its ability to operate in the country.

Last year, SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, sent a letter to South Africa’s telecommunications regulatory authority, ICASA, expressing concern that the 30% shareholding mandate presented a “significant barrier” to their potential investment in the country.

Tensions between the United States and South Africa have also been rising recently, with former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing the South African government over its foreign policy and land reform practices. Trump has threatened to cut off aid to South Africa, accusing the country of aligning with Iran and advocating for policies he believes violate human rights. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his government’s actions, including its land reform policies, which seek to transfer 30% of farmland to Black farmers by 2030. Ramaphosa has stated that the country will not be “bullied” by external pressure.