Ramaphosa ‘rejects’ Elon Musk’s Starlink: South Africans react
Right or wrong move? President Cyril Ramaphosa has paused talks to bring Elon Musk’s Starlink to SA, based on his ‘racist views’.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has seemingly rejected Elon Musk’s bid to bring Starlink – his satellite internet services – to South Africa. And many citizens have had extreme reactions to it.
The president’s halt comes amid Elon’s questioning of “openly racist laws” in his home country. He is likely referring to the Expropriation Act as well as Black Economic Equity (BEE), which requires his company to have 30% black ownership.
RAMAPHOSA REJECTS STARLINK – HERE’S WHY
Speaking to Bloomberg, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Starlink’s proposal to SA – via their parent company SpaceX – was possibly off the table.
This amid tensions between Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump towards the SA government., particularly President Ramaphosa.
In recent weeks, Trump and the world’s richest man have questioned and criticised SA for “racial discrimination” against white South Africans.
Magwenya said: “If a leading business figure like Elon Musk harbours the kind of unprogressive, racist views that we’ve witnessed and the peddling of lies that we’ve been confronted with, then we’re not going to pursue having his investments.”
Last year, Elon met with President Ramaphosa to discuss establishing a license in his birth country for the operation of Starlink, the world’s first and largest satellite constellation. As a leading satellite internet provider, it offers high-speed internet.
However, Starlink withdrew its presentation during ICASA’s regulatory hearings for international satellite operators earlier this month.
This follows SpaceX’s written submission to the regulatory body to “rethink” its BEE legislature. The requirement states that the company to acquire a 30% local shareholding by “historically disadvantaged” groups. According to SpaceX, the requirement would drive away foreign investors, who have global policies that prevent local shareholding.
RIGHT OR WRONG MOVE – SOUTH AFRICANS RESPOND
On social media, SA’s move towards possibly halting Elon Musk’s plans for Starlink’s operation in the country was met with mixed reactions.
Some believed it was the wrong move.
They should separate the two issues. South Africa loses the most on Starlink.
— Tonderai Matty (@Tonderai_Matty) February 17, 2025
*Unprogressive" …lol… its the ANC speaking to one of the most brilliant industrialists of our times, for crying out loud
— Lemon-and-Spiders (@LemonAndBerrie) February 17, 2025
Cut off your nose to spite your face
— Theo Meintjes (@TheoMeintjes) February 17, 2025
Others praised President Ramaphosa for respecting SA’s rule of law.
If accepting Starlink means compromising our principles, then no. I don't want it
— The Land Is Tough🇿🇦 (@ZwelizlimaVivo) February 17, 2025
I like this version of Rama. When you are a leader, you must made decision good or bad. And stick it through! Well done Rama!
— MM1207 (@07_12_M) February 17, 2025
DO YOU THINK ELON MUSK’S STARLINK SHOULD OPERATE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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