Elon Musk said something wrong about South Africa on Friday. He claimed his Starlink satellite company could not work there because he lacked Black skin. South African officials quickly fired back at these statements. The country explained how race plays zero part in business permits.
Musk posted his complaint on X, the social media platform he runs. A top official from South Africa named Clayson Monyela answered directly. "Sir, that's NOT true," he wrote. Monyela explained companies must simply follow local rules, just like everywhere else around the world.
What really happens involves laws helping historically disadvantaged groups. Foreign telecom businesses must sell thirty percent of local operations to these groups. News reports say SpaceX asked regulators to change this requirement. The funny part? The South African telecom authority ICASA says Starlink never even applied for permission.
The communications minister, Solly Malatsi, missed phone calls asking about this situation. Reports suggest he asked regulators to think about different options. These might include skills training programs instead of selling company shares. Musk attended school in Pretoria before leaving for America years ago.
Starlink already works across many African nations today. The company faces challenges in places like Cameroon and Namibia because of permit disagreements. Musk currently advises President Donald Trump and holds the title of richest human alive. His relationship with South Africa seems troubled these days.
Trump recently cut financial help to South Africa. He dislikes their land reform plans and their court case against Israel. South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the World Court, making American leaders upset. The country stands by its policies despite pressure from wealthy outsiders.
Musk posted his complaint on X, the social media platform he runs. A top official from South Africa named Clayson Monyela answered directly. "Sir, that's NOT true," he wrote. Monyela explained companies must simply follow local rules, just like everywhere else around the world.
What really happens involves laws helping historically disadvantaged groups. Foreign telecom businesses must sell thirty percent of local operations to these groups. News reports say SpaceX asked regulators to change this requirement. The funny part? The South African telecom authority ICASA says Starlink never even applied for permission.
The communications minister, Solly Malatsi, missed phone calls asking about this situation. Reports suggest he asked regulators to think about different options. These might include skills training programs instead of selling company shares. Musk attended school in Pretoria before leaving for America years ago.
Starlink already works across many African nations today. The company faces challenges in places like Cameroon and Namibia because of permit disagreements. Musk currently advises President Donald Trump and holds the title of richest human alive. His relationship with South Africa seems troubled these days.
Trump recently cut financial help to South Africa. He dislikes their land reform plans and their court case against Israel. South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the World Court, making American leaders upset. The country stands by its policies despite pressure from wealthy outsiders.
