403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were
looking for doesn't exist.
Musk claims Starlink not permitted in S-Africa ‘because I’m not black’
(MENAFN) Tech mogul Elon Musk has alleged that his Starlink satellite internet service is barred from operating in South Africa because he is “not black.” However, South African officials have refuted this claim, insisting that the issue is purely regulatory and unrelated to Musk’s race.
The billionaire, who was born in Pretoria but primarily resides in the US, made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday in response to a podcast featuring South African businessman Rob Hersov. In the clip, Hersov claimed that “race-based laws in South Africa are all anti-white” and argued that the country is suffering from what he called an “evil woke mind virus.”
“Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not black,” Musk wrote on X.
South African government spokesperson Clayson Monyela dismissed Musk’s assertion, responding on X: “Sir, that’s NOT true and you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin color.” He clarified that Starlink is welcome to enter the market as long as it complies with local laws.
Under South African regulations aimed at addressing racial disparities from the Apartheid era, foreign telecommunications companies must be at least 30% owned by “historically disadvantaged groups” to operate in the country. Starlink, which is owned by Musk’s SpaceX, does not publicly trade its shares and has previously described this requirement as a “significant barrier” to investment in a letter to South Africa’s telecommunications regulator, ICASA.
The dispute over Starlink comes amid broader tensions between South Africa and the US. Last month, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid to South Africa, citing its close ties with Iran and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza. Trump also condemned the country’s land reform policies, claiming they violate human rights.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected such accusations, vowing that his country “will not be bullied.” His office confirmed that he recently met with Musk to discuss “misinformation and distortions about South Africa.”
The South African government maintains that its Expropriation Act is intended to address historic inequalities, as white farmers still own the majority of farmland despite making up only around 7% of the population. The government aims to redistribute 30% of farmland to black farmers by 2030.
The billionaire, who was born in Pretoria but primarily resides in the US, made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday in response to a podcast featuring South African businessman Rob Hersov. In the clip, Hersov claimed that “race-based laws in South Africa are all anti-white” and argued that the country is suffering from what he called an “evil woke mind virus.”
“Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not black,” Musk wrote on X.
South African government spokesperson Clayson Monyela dismissed Musk’s assertion, responding on X: “Sir, that’s NOT true and you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin color.” He clarified that Starlink is welcome to enter the market as long as it complies with local laws.
Under South African regulations aimed at addressing racial disparities from the Apartheid era, foreign telecommunications companies must be at least 30% owned by “historically disadvantaged groups” to operate in the country. Starlink, which is owned by Musk’s SpaceX, does not publicly trade its shares and has previously described this requirement as a “significant barrier” to investment in a letter to South Africa’s telecommunications regulator, ICASA.
The dispute over Starlink comes amid broader tensions between South Africa and the US. Last month, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid to South Africa, citing its close ties with Iran and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza. Trump also condemned the country’s land reform policies, claiming they violate human rights.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected such accusations, vowing that his country “will not be bullied.” His office confirmed that he recently met with Musk to discuss “misinformation and distortions about South Africa.”
The South African government maintains that its Expropriation Act is intended to address historic inequalities, as white farmers still own the majority of farmland despite making up only around 7% of the population. The government aims to redistribute 30% of farmland to black farmers by 2030.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Most popular stories
More Story
Comments
No comment