South Africa is considering offering Elon Musk’s Starlink a special workaround to BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) local laws, despite threats of legal action from the EFF. The offer reportedly came during a last-minute meeting between Musk or his representatives and a delegation of South African officials accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa. This move is aimed at addressing criticism from Musk and US President Donald Trump, who have made false claims about a genocide against white people in South Africa.
Discussions about launching Starlink in South Africa hit a roadblock earlier this year due to objections raised by Musk and Trump regarding BEE laws. These laws require foreign-owned telecoms companies to allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily Black South Africans. Musk had previously alleged that Starlink was prohibited from operating in South Africa because he is not black, a claim that South African officials have denied.
The EFF has strongly opposed the decision to offer Starlink a workaround, labeling it as unconstitutional and a threat to the country’s sovereignty. According to EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, this move raises concerns about compromising on national laws and regulations to appease foreign figures like Musk and Trump. Thambo emphasized that decisions regarding access to South Africa’s telecommunications sector should be made through proper legislative channels, not through unilateral actions by the President.
While the EFF supports technological advancements, Thambo stressed the importance of ensuring that Starlink complies with South Africa’s legal and democratic frameworks. The party is concerned about the potential implications of allowing a foreign-controlled infrastructure like Starlink to operate outside of established regulatory systems. Thambo also raised questions about Musk’s motives for wanting to establish operations in a country that he has accused of genocide, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in investment decisions.
The EFF has vowed to oppose the Starlink deal through parliamentary means, legal avenues, and public protests if necessary. The party is committed to upholding national laws and safeguarding the country’s interests in the face of foreign pressure. The debate over offering Starlink a workaround to BEE laws reflects broader tensions around technology, governance, and sovereignty in South Africa.
