In brief
After a recent White House meeting, South Africa's government takes steps to potentially permit Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, highlighting an ongoing effort to improve US-South Africa relations.
The South African government is preparing to approve Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, moving one step closer to letting the company operate within its borders. Officials began a policy review process on Friday that could allow Starlink to enter the market without the obligation to sell shares to Black South Africans, a requirement under current law aimed at addressing the economic disparities from apartheid.The legislation mandates foreign companies to provide partial ownership to historically disadvantaged individuals, a move designed to promote fairness and equity in a society still grappling with the entrenched inequalities festering since the end of apartheid three decades ago. Musk, born in South Africa, has publicly criticized these laws, describing them as “racist.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter) back in March, he asserted, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.”This development comes shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting where President Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with unfounded accusations regarding violence against white farmers. According to White House officials, there is a push for American companies to receive exemptions from the ownership stipulation. The potential approval of Starlink is seen as a way for Ramaphosa to leverage business opportunities, aiding in discussions for a new trade deal and improving the currently strained relationship between South Africa and the United States.
