SpaceX CEO and X boss Elon Musk on Sunday criticized the government of his birth country, claiming Starlink is being denied an operating license on the grounds that he is not black.
In a series of posts on his
He claimed that post-apartheid regulations required telecommunications licensees to have at least 30 percent ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans, women and people with disabilities.
He wrote, “South Africa will not allow Starlink to get a license, even though I was born there, just because I am not black!
“We were several times offered the opportunity to bribe ourselves to obtain the license by pretending that a black man runs Starlink SA, but I have refused to do so on principle.
“Racism should not be rewarded, no matter what race it applies to. Racist politicians in South Africa should be ashamed.”
“He should be shown no respect anywhere in the world and should be ostracized for being shamelessly racist!”
The controversy centers on licensing requirements enforced by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
Starlink is not formally licensed and has argued that existing telecom rules do not fully recognize equity equivalent investment programs, direct ownership transfer options that allow companies to invest in skills development, infrastructure or community projects.
South African officials have, over the years, repeatedly rejected claims of racism, citing other foreign investors operating in the country.
He argued that the company had not submitted a complete formal application in accordance with existing rules.
“Sir, that's not true and you know it! It has nothing to do with the color of your skin. Starlink is welcome to operate in South Africa, provided there is compliance with local laws.
“This is a global international trade and investment principle. There are over 600 USA companies investing and operating in #SouthAfrica… all complying and thriving! @Microsoft just announced additional investment yesterday,” South Africa's head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, said in March 2025, when Musk initially made the allegation.
Responding again via
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