On April 16, Pakistan witnessed tensions arise between Elon Musk and South Africa over the operation of his satellite internet service, Starlink. According to Musk, the service cannot operate within the nation because of certain racial regulations connected with Black Economic Empowerment initiatives. These remarks have sparked worries concerning the diplomatic ties between the United States and South Africa.
A heated conflict has arisen between Elon Musk and South Africa over the operation of his satellite internet service, Starlink. According to Musk, Starlink’s operations are halted in the nation because of racial regulations associated with Black Economic Empowerment initiatives. These remarks have sparked worries concerning the diplomatic ties between the United States and South Africa.
Musk claimed on social media that Starlink “isn’t permitted to function in South Africa just because I’m not black.” Nonetheless, South African officials refute this assertion. According to Icasa—the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa—Starlink hasn’t submitted an application for licensing so far. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry suggested that adhering to national regulations would enable their operation.
In South Africa, legislation for Black Economic Empowerment mandates that international businesses must grant at least 30% equity to previously marginalized communities. The purpose of this policy is to address the financial imbalances left behind by apartheid. Despite viewing these regulations as obstacles, Elon Musk was informed by the Foreign Ministry that more than 600 American enterprises, such as Microsoft, manage to comply with these stipulations without issue.
The Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi, proposed seeking alternative solutions to bypass the ownership stipulation, which would facilitate Starlink’s entry into the market. Nonetheless, political resistance from the governing ANC party makes this endeavor challenging. Regardless of these obstacles in South Africa, Starlink has managed to launch operations in more than twenty African nations, thereby aiding in bridging the substantial digital divide across the continent.
