“Because I’m not Black”: Elon Musk Opens Up About Starlink Being Rejected in South Africa
Elon Musk has courted controversy after claiming that Starlink was rejected in South Africa because he’s not Black.
Taking to his X account on Friday, Elon Musk complained that his Starlink satellite internet service isn’t allowed in South Africa because of the colour of his skin. He said:
“Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.”
His comment was in response to a statement by South African businessman Rob Hersov, who had appeared on a podcast and warned that South Africa was heading toward a “socialist abyss.”
Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black https://t.co/yOFafNValQ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 7, 2025
SA Official Responds After Elon Musk Opens Up About Starlink Being Rejected
Clayson Monyela, a senior official from South Africa’s Department of Foreign Affairs, quickly rejected Musk’s claim. Monyela responded:
“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,” Monyela wrote. “This is a global international trade & investment principle.”
Musk’s post appeared to be a critique of South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies. These regulations require foreign companies in the telecommunications sector to sell 30% of their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups.
Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, withdrew from public hearings concerning South Africa’s proposed new satellite service regulations. The company had previously argued against the 30% BEE ownership requirement.
Also read: South Africa Rejects Starlink investment After Elon Musk’s controversial Statements
ICASA’s Response to Starlink’s Application
When asked about Starlink’s application, a spokesperson from South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) stated that no application had been received from Starlink or SpaceX. An ICASA spokesperson said without elaborating:
“ICASA has not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, told Bloomberg that the government had decided to indefinitely halt Starlink’s proposal, partly due to growing tensions between Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding South African policies.
X Users Respond to Elon Musk’s Claim
The public response to Musk’s claim was mixed. Some agreed with him, while others criticized him for spreading misinformation.
Here are a few reactions:
@IamEriOluwa:
Correction:
You have opted not to operate in South Africa because you are unwilling to comply with registration requirements mandating that 30% of the company be owned by Black South Africans. A beautiful and humane policy which aims to address historical disadvantages caused by the Apartheid system, which disproportionately benefited white South Africans.
@GodPenuel:
So I’m guessing all the American-owned businesses operating in South Africa are black-owned? We thought Twitter/X was going to be different from mainstream media in America. But it’s the same, if not worse. The lies you’re peddling are really heartbreaking for some of us.
@BeardedPriest1:
Microsoft invested R25.8 billion in South Africa, and Bill Gates is white.