South Africa’s leadership is once again making headlines for its controversial policies. Elon Musk has pointed out that his revolutionary Starlink service is barred from operating in South Africa due to the country’s racial quotas. Musk stated, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.”
Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk)
March 7, 2025
Currently, Starlink successfully operates in 17 African nations, including Namibia, Mozambique, and Botswana. Yet, South Africa, the continent’s economic powerhouse, remains absent from this list. Business Insider Africa reports that South Africa’s race-based policies, namely the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BB-BEE), demand that communication service providers have a minimum of 30% ownership by “historically disadvantaged groups” to secure an operating license.
“140 race-based laws in South Africa, all anti-white. There’s been endless laws, anti-white, boiling us like a frog in a bowl. And all I can say is thank you, America, and thank you, Donald Trump, for…”
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal)
March 7, 2025
These policies, intended to promote equality, have instead fostered greater disparity and corruption. ANC elites, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and former leader Jacob Zuma, have amassed wealth without substantial contribution beyond their political affiliations.
SOUTH AFRICA BANS STARLINK – BECAUSE ELON ISN’T BLACK
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal)
March 7, 2025
South African officials have labeled Musk’s views as “unprogressive,” a stance that further justifies barring his satellite internet service. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African Presidency, denounced Musk’s supposed “unprogressive” and “racist” beliefs, indicating that such views deter any consideration of his investments.
Less than 10% of South African households have internet access, with a stark contrast between urban (17%) and rural (1.7%) areas. AfriForum activist Ernst van Zyl notes that satellite technology like Starlink could bridge this gap, but current policies prioritize race over progress. This stands as a glaring example of the consequences of such policies.
SOUTH AFRICA BLOCKS STARLINK—POLITICS OVER PROGRESS
— Vicky Richter (@VickyRichterUSA)
March 7, 2025
Now, AfriForum has initiated a petition against this discriminatory ban on Starlink, urging individuals to reject the race-obsessed criteria of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The organization argues that Starlink’s reliable connectivity would enhance safety in rural regions where traditional cell service is lacking.
The campaign calls for an end to ICASA’s race-based restrictions, which deny many South Africans the life-saving potential of improved communications.
No satellite services for Starlink because they are “too white”?
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge)
March 7, 2025
