Elon Musk claimed his Starlink service is blocked in South Africa due to his race. South Africa’s telecoms regulator denied the claim, stating that compliance with local laws and not racial factors govern operations. SpaceX has not applied for a license, and the country faces challenges with foreign telecommunications firms due to regulatory requirements.
In recent developments, South Africa’s telecommunications regulator has dismissed claims made by billionaire Elon Musk regarding his Starlink satellite service being barred from operation in the country due to his race. Musk stated on the social media platform X that Starlink could not function in South Africa because he is not Black. However, Clayson Monyela, a senior official in the foreign affairs department, refuted this assertion, emphasizing that it is unrelated to Musk’s skin color and reiterating that compliance with local laws is necessary for operation.
Musk’s comments appeared directed at local Black Economic Empowerment regulations, which mandate that foreign-owned telecommunications firms must sell 30% of their local subsidiary equity to historically disadvantaged groups. Reports indicate that SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, has contacted the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), requesting a reconsideration of the equity ownership requirement.
An ICASA representative stated that no application for a license from Starlink or SpaceX has yet been received. Furthermore, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi reportedly has discussed with ICASA the possibility of allowing “equity equivalents” such as skills development to facilitate Starlink’s local operations. While Starlink functions in multiple African nations, it faces challenges due to licensing issues in South Africa, as well as in Cameroon and Namibia.
Elon Musk was educated in Pretoria, South Africa, before moving to the United States, where he has become a significant figure in technology and politics. His ties to former President Trump also complicate the narrative, especially following the suspension of U.S. aid to South Africa over contentious policies.
In summary, the South African telecommunications authority has firmly rejected Elon Musk’s claims that his Starlink service’s inability to operate relates to racial discrimination. Instead, local regulations regarding economic empowerment and compliance with laws govern the process. This incident underscores ongoing licensing challenges faced by foreign firms like SpaceX in South Africa’s complex regulatory environment.
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