Overview

• Elon Musk claimed on social media that Starlink is barred from operating in South Africa due to his race, referencing the country's Black Economic Empowerment policy.
• South African officials responded, stating that Starlink is welcome if it complies with local laws, including a requirement for 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
• The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) confirmed that Starlink has not applied for a telecommunications license in the country.
• The Black Economic Empowerment policy was implemented to address inequalities from the apartheid era, which ended in 1994.
• Starlink currently operates in several neighboring African countries, but licensing disputes have also arisen in regions like Namibia and Cameroon.