South Africa has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that his satellite company, Starlink, cannot operate in the country because of his race.
The accusation came from Musk via social media, where he stated, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not Black.”
In a swift response, South Africa’s Foreign Affairs official Clayson Monyela dismissed Musk’s comments.
“Sir, that’s NOT true & you know it! It’s got nothing to do with your skin colour,” Monyela wrote on Twitter.
“Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa provided there’s compliance with local laws.”
Musk’s statement appears to target South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, which require foreign telecom companies to sell a portion of their equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
Musk’s SpaceX, which owns Starlink, has reportedly written to the country’s telecom regulator, ICASA, urging a reconsideration of the 30% local ownership rule.
However, an ICASA spokesperson confirmed that the regulator had not received any application from Starlink or SpaceX.
The South African government has made efforts to accommodate foreign companies through proposals such as “equity equivalents” for skills development.
While Starlink operates across various African nations, it has encountered licensing challenges in South Africa, Cameroon, and Namibia.
Musk, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, is the world’s richest individual and a prominent figure in global tech and politics.
The exchange adds to Musk’s ongoing public clash with the country of his birth.