Elon Musk accuses South Africa of racism over Starlink licence denial

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and owner of X, has accused the South African government of blocking Starlink from obtaining an operating licence because he is not Black.

In a series of posts on X on Sunday, the South Africa-born billionaire claimed that the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment policies are preventing his satellite internet company from operating legally in the country.

Musk wrote, “South Africa won’t allow Starlink to be licensed, even though I was born there, simply because I am not black!”

He further alleged that he had been given multiple opportunities to bribe his way to a licence by pretending a Black person runs Starlink South Africa, but said he refused on principle.

“Racism should not be rewarded no matter to which race it is applied. Shame on the racist politicians in South Africa,” Musk added.

The dispute centres around licensing requirements enforced by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, which require telecom licensees to have at least 30 per cent ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, including Black South Africans, women, and people with disabilities.

Starlink has not formally received a licence and has argued that current regulations do not fully recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes, which allow companies to invest in skills development and infrastructure instead of direct ownership transfers.

South African officials have repeatedly denied claims of racism, pointing out that hundreds of foreign companies operate successfully in the country.

Responding to Musk on Sunday, South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, posted a comical video of a child watching ice cream enviously, with the caption: “@elonmusk watching the more than 600 USA companies investing more in South Africa, complying with South African laws and thriving. Zero drama!!”

Monyela had earlier stated in March 2025 that Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided it complies with local laws, adding that over 600 American companies, including Microsoft, are investing and thriving in the country.