Elon Musk’s Claim About Starlink in South Africa Rejected by Officials

Elon Musk falsely claimed Starlink cannot operate in South Africa due to his race. South African officials refuted this, stating no application has been submitted by Starlink. The country enforces Black Economic Empowerment policies requiring foreign companies to allocate equity to historically disadvantaged groups. Discussions about compliance options are ongoing.

Elon Musk recently claimed that his satellite company, Starlink, is barred from operating in South Africa due to his racial identity. The South African telecommunications regulator contradicted Musk’s assertion, emphasizing that Starlink had not submitted any application for operational licensing. Clayson Monyela, a senior official, clarified on social media that Musk’s ethnicity had no bearing on the company’s ability to comply with local laws.

Musk’s comments appear to challenge South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, which necessitate that foreign telecommunications firms allocate a minimum of 30% equity to local historically disadvantaged groups. Reports indicate that SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, has communicated with the telecommunications regulator, ICASA, urging a review of this ownership criterion.

An ICASA representative confirmed that no application has been filed by Starlink or SpaceX to operate in South Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, whose involvement has not been publicly detailed, is reportedly exploring alternative compliance options, such as engagement in skills development.

Although Starlink has achieved operations in various African nations, it faces similar licensing complexities in South Africa, as well as in other countries like Cameroon and Namibia. Musk’s ties to South Africa stem from his educational background in Pretoria before moving to the United States, where he has since become an influential figure in both business and politics.

In summary, Elon Musk’s assertions regarding Starlink’s inability to operate in South Africa due to racial discrimination have been dismissed by local officials. The telecommunications regulator confirmed that the company has not applied for the necessary licenses. While South Africa has stringent ownership requirements aimed at promoting local equity participation, discussions are ongoing regarding potential pathways for compliance that may allow Starlink to engage in the South African market.

Original Source: www.staradvertiser.com