Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Friday had scathing words for President Cyril Ramaphosa-led administration, accusing the South African government of deliberately withholding approval for Starlink’s operating licence because “I’m not Black.”
According to Musk, the only reason Starlink was denied a licence in South Africa was because of his race, in his most recent criticism of the African nation where he was born and attended elementary school.
The SpaceX and Tesla owner voiced his annoyance at the legal barriers that kept his satellite internet service, Starlink, from functioning in South Africa.
Musk criticised South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules in a post on Friday, saying, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not Black,” the tech mogul posted on X on Friday.
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To obtain an operating licence in South Africa, foreign telecommunications companies must give at least 30 percent of their stock to historically underrepresented groups, a rule Musk has long criticised to be a barrier to innovation. These regulations are intended to address historical injustices.
Despite being successfully implemented in nearby countries like Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, Starlink’s proposal has not yet been approved by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
As of March 7, 2025, Musk and local officials are still at odds over South Africa’s stringent regulations, with no end in sight.
Musk’s criticism of South Africa’s BEE law
Musk previously referred to the BEE regulations as “openly racist,” saying they discourage foreign investment and impede technological advancement. His most recent comments are in line with his former criticism of these regulations.
In South Africa, where underserved populations and rural areas lack access to dependable Internet, Starlink, which provides high-speed Internet via a network of low-orbit satellites, has the potential to completely transform connectivity.
Nonetheless, the government and regional telecom behemoths like Vodacom and MTN support the BEE regulations, claiming they are essential to resolving the economic divide brought about by apartheid.
South Africa denies Elon Musk’s allegation
South Africa’s telecoms authority refuted the racism accusations, stating that Starlink was welcome to the country provided the satellite company complies with the nation’s standing laws.
Senior foreign affairs department officer Clayson Monyela responded on X that 600 international companies, including Microsoft, were thriving in South Africa.
“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 on X. “This is a global international trade & investment principle.”
“There are over 600 USA companies investing & operating in South Africa…all complying & thriving! @Microsoft just announced additional investments yesterday,” he emphasised.
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Starlink encounters roadblocks in other African countries
Starlink is present in several African nations; however, because of license issues, it has encountered challenges in countries such as Namibia and Cameroon.
After attending school in the South African capital of Pretoria, Musk immigrated to the United States, where he thrived in business, becoming the richest person in the world and a top adviser to the U.S. President Donald Trump.
Shortly after taking office, Trump froze U.S. aid to South Africa due to its land reform programs and its World Court genocide case against Washington’s ally, Israel.