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Starlink's Potential Entry Into South Africa: What the New Policy Means
- On May 23, 2025, South Africa announced a new policy allowing satellite internet providers such as Starlink to operate in the country without needing to comply with the usual stringent black ownership requirements.
- This change followed stalled talks earlier in 2025 and criticism from Elon Musk and President Trump alleging racial discrimination in South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment laws.
- The new equity equivalent programme lets foreign telecoms meet transformation goals via local investments instead of the 30% black ownership, aiming to boost digital access and investor confidence.
- Starlink operates 4.6 million customers globally using low-Earth orbit satellites, offering broad coverage and potential to close connectivity gaps, especially in underserved rural areas where only 1.7% have internet.
- The policy aims to encourage international investment, enhance access to digital services, and help ease diplomatic strains with the United States following President Ramaphosa’s recent discussions with Trump.
16 Articles
16 Articles
SA government quick to change policy to pave the way for Elon Musk's Starlink
The South African government has officially announced a policy shift that will allow satellite internet operators like Elon Musk’s Starlink to enter the local market without meeting strict black ownership requirements, in a move aimed at boosting digital access and repairing strained relations with the United States. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi confirmed the adoption of an equity equivalent programme (EEP) thro…
Did Elon Musk Bully South Africa Into Making an Exception to Its Black Business Ownership Laws By Stirring Up Tensions with the ‘White Genocide’ Rumor?
Taking advantage of tensions he helped stoke between the presidents of South Africa and the U.S., Elon Musk was granted an exception to post-apartheid Black ownership laws in his native country that will allow him to operate his Starlink service. Bloomberg reports the workaround to what the world’s richest man claimed were “openly racist ownership laws” was given to Musk’s satellite-powered internet provider in hopes of appeasing President Trump…
Gazetted ICT policy changes spark debate
Gazetted ICT policy changes spark debate Vusi.Bafetane Fri, 05/23/2025 - 22:22 JOHANNESBURG - A draft policy direction gazetted by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has South Africans talking.The policy change could allow companies in the Information and Communications sector to operate without 30% black ownership.The department says the move has nothing to do with Elon Musk's Starlink.
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