South African authorities have dismissed billionaire Elon Musk’s claim that his Starlink satellite service is barred from operating in the country because he is not Black. The nation’s telecom regulator stated that Starlink has not applied for a license.
Musk, who was born and raised in South Africa, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not Black.”
Clayson Monyela, a senior foreign affairs official, refuted the claim on social media, stating: “Sir, that’s NOT true & you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin colour. Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided there’s compliance with local laws.”
Musk’s remarks appear to be a criticism of South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, which requires foreign telecom operators to sell 30% of their local equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
According to South African technology news outlet TechCentral, Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, had urged the telecom regulator ICASA to reconsider the 30% ownership requirement. However, an ICASA spokesperson confirmed that “ICASA has not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX.”
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has reportedly asked ICASA to explore alternative measures, such as skills development programs, to allow companies like SpaceX to enter the market.
Starlink is already operational in several African countries but has encountered regulatory hurdles in nations like Cameroon and Namibia.
Musk, now a close adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump and the world’s richest person, left South Africa for the United States after attending school in Pretoria.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has recently suspended aid to South Africa over its land reform policies and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.