Potential operation of Starlink in SA divides the nation

May 23, 2025 82

South Africans have expressed mixed reactions to the government’s latest gazette proposing changes to the

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)

licensing requirements.

If passed, this will pave the way for companies such as Starlink to operate in South Africa.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Solly Malatsi, published the draft policy which is open for public comment over the next 30 days.

[STATEMENT] POLICY DIRECTION ON EQUITY EQUIVALENT INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE ICT SECTOR pic.twitter.com/a38Pt2IAS5

— SollyMalatsi (@SollyMalatsi) May 23, 2025

Currently, Starlink is unable to launch in South Africa as it must have a local entity that is 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups.

A law that was introduced in 1994 when Apartheid came to an end, aimed at addressing the inequalities of the past law.

The very law that South African-born billionaire Elon Musk has suggested is racist, however, if it is amended, SpaceX’s satellite Internet service could see the day of light in the country.

Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black https://t.co/yOFafNValQ

— Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) March 7, 2025

The proposed legislation comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation icluding businessman Johann Rupert met with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington.

Following those talks, however, Ramaphosa said Starlink was not discussed with Trump.

Musk’s satellite internet service has been a hot topic in South Africa since last year.

In September he took to X saying he was awaiting regulatory approval.

Waiting for regulatory approval

— Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) September 8, 2024

Later that month met with the president during the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss it along with development in the country.

Last month the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Communications Committee, Khusela Diko, took to X warning Malatsi against transformation in the tech.

MEDIA STATEMENT 1/2

MINISTER MALATSI SET TO FALL FOUL OF THE LAW IN EFFORTS TO ERODE THE STATE AND APPEASE BUSINESS

Parliament, Monday, 7 April 2025 –The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, has expressed… pic.twitter.com/2HyNx2NWGS

— Khusela Diko🇿🇦 (@KhuselaS) April 7, 2025

Why do you have openly racist ownership laws? https://t.co/tHWVsmB04F

— Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) February 3, 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) which have been opposed to Starlink operating in South Africa have issued a scathing statement, saying, ‘Musk has arrogantly refused to comply with our sovereign laws, and the ANC-led government has chosen to kneel.’

The EFF’s Statement Rejecting Malatsi’s Anti-Transformation ICT Policy Direction and Capitulation to US Pressure

-This policy is tailor-made to allow Starlink access to operate in South Africa without meeting the mandatory 30% local ownership requirement as per the Electronic… pic.twitter.com/X7kqfHMlyZ

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2025

The main opposition party, uMkhonto weSizwe, has also expressed its frustration over the move.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: STATEMENT ON THE STARLINK SELL-OUT DEAL: A BETRAYAL DISGUISED AS REFORM. pic.twitter.com/VyZIOk1VPK

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) May 23, 2025

“Can of worms” has a negative connotation that implies creating a troublesome situation whilst this is an excellent development for the country.

— Brice (@rvcbrice) May 23, 2025