Elon Musk’s Starlink service remains unavailable in South Africa due to local ownership laws.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) confirmed that Starlink has not applied for the necessary operating licences. South African regulations require telecommunications companies to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
Musk criticised these requirements, stating on X: “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because I’m not black.”
South African officials rejected Musk’s claim. Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy, responded: “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.”
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has proposed “equity equivalents”—such as skills development initiatives—as alternatives to direct ownership requirements. However, no policy changes have been implemented.
Despite operating in over 20 African countries, Starlink’s absence in South Africa persists. The ongoing dispute underscores the challenges foreign companies face when navigating South Africa’s empowerment laws.
