Elon Musk asserts that South Africa has prevented Starlink’s launch due to his race, stating he’s “not black”
The CEO of SpaceX asserts that racial ownership regulations are hindering internet access in his country of origin.
Elon Musk is openly sharing his views on the reasons behind Starlink’s unavailability in South Africa.
On Sunday, the founder of SpaceX criticized the government of his home country, claiming that racial ownership requirements are the sole barrier preventing his satellite internet service from obtaining an operating license.
The tension arises from South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policies. Telecommunications companies are mandated to ensure that a minimum of 30 percent of their ownership is held by groups that were historically disadvantaged during apartheid. Musk, on the other hand, perceives the implementation of these regulations as a personal affront.
“South Africa will not permit Starlink to be licensed, despite my birthplace there, solely due to my race!” Musk shared a post on X. He not only criticized the law but also asserted that individuals have recommended he seek a “workaround” to expedite the paperwork. “We were presented numerous times with the chance to secure a license through bribery by falsely claiming that a Black individual operates Starlink SA, but I have consistently declined to engage in such actions on principle,” he wrote.
Musk’s irritation was evident as he persisted with his social media commentary, branding the politicians involved as racists. “No form of racism should ever be rewarded, regardless of the race it targets.” “The racist politicians in South Africa should be ashamed,” he remarked. He continued by stating that these officials “deserve no respect whatsoever anywhere in the world and should be shunned for their blatant racism!”
Regulators from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) present an alternative perspective. They contend that Starlink has not submitted a comprehensive application that adheres to the regulations required of all other foreign investors. Starlink has made efforts to advocate for “Equity Equivalent” programs, proposing investments in local training or technology rather than relinquishing ownership, yet the government remains unyielding.
As the discussions progress, South Africans find themselves in anticipation of high-speed satellite internet, while Musk maintains his position.
