Elon Musk alleged that Starlink’s operations are banned in South Africa due to his race, citing the Black Economic Empowerment policy requiring local ownership. South African officials disputed this claim, emphasizing compliance with regulations instead. Former President Trump has criticized South Africa’s policies, pledging support for farmers facing issues in the country, thus intensifying scrutiny of the government’s racial laws.
Elon Musk claimed that Starlink is prohibited from operating in South Africa due to his race, stating on social media that his being white is the reason for the ban. This statement was made while he promoted a video featuring South African businessman Robert Hersov discussing the nation’s race-based policies.
The controversy stems from South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policy, which mandates that foreign telecommunications entities sell 30 percent of their equity to historically disadvantaged groups. In response to Musk, Clayson Monyela asserted that Starlink can operate in South Africa if it adheres to local regulations, indicating that Musk’s race is irrelevant to the compliance issue.
The Black Economic Empowerment policy, established in 2003, aims to rectify racial inequalities resulting from Apartheid, which officially ended in 1994. Starlink integrates services in several neighboring African countries, including Botswana and Zimbabwe, while expressing intentions to resume operations in Namibia by 2025 amid licensing challenges.
Former President Trump’s administration has criticized South Africa’s racial policies, with Trump announcing the cessation of federal funds to the country and promising expedited citizenship for South African farmers facing persecution. He described the current situation in South Africa as dire for farmers.
Various commentators have weighed in, emphasizing that the prohibition on Starlink is due to regulatory requirements rather than Musk’s skin color. Notably, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono clarified the 30% local ownership requirement, intended as a measure against historical racial injustices in South Africa.
Musk and Trump are expected to sustain their critiques of the South African government and its policies going forward.
The claim by Elon Musk that Starlink is barred from operating in South Africa due to his race has drawn significant attention. The underlying issue pertains to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment policy requiring foreign entities to engage with local stakeholders. Furthermore, reactions from officials emphasize that compliance with regulations, not race, remains the focal point in this debate. The deterioration of relations between the South African government and global figures like Musk and Trump highlights an ongoing discussion about race and economic policies post-Apartheid.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
