Did Elon Musk confirm Starlink WILL bypass BEE laws in SA?

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The world’s richest man – Pretoria-born billionaire Elon Musk – has neither confirmed nor denied claims that his internet satellite service Starlink may be permitted to operate in South Africa, despite its rejection of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation. According to reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to authorise Musk’s operating licence, bypassing a law that governs economic transformation and addresses historical racial inequalities.

This comes a day before he is set to meet US President Donald Trump in the White House in what is expected to be a dramatic showdown between the countries.

Like Musk, Trump has criticised SA for promoting “racist laws”, “white genocide” and “racial discrimination”.

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA GIVES STARLINK THE GREEN LIGHT?

On the eve of his visit to meet Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, 21 May, Bloomberg reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa was planning to offer Elon Musk’s Starlink an operating licence in SA.

The offer would “work around” the internet satellite company’s rejection of BEE, a telecommunications requirement that promotes a 30% local shareholding in foreign investment.

According to the publication, the last-minute negotiations were an attempt to ease diplomatic tensions between Musk and Trump.

Speaking to reporters, President Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa was a “sovereign country”. He added that he would “do what is best for South Africans”.

Ramaphosa also hoped that his US mission would improve trade relations, investment opportunities, and diplomatic relations between the countries.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Starlink licensing was on the agenda during talks in the US.

ELON MUSK HINTS DEAL IS ON THE TABLE?

Meanwhile, Elon Musk shied away from confirming the unlawful operation of Starlink in South Africa.

Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday, the billionaire addressed his bone of contention that his company – which falls under SpaceX – could not operate in South Africa.

He said via video appearance: “I’m in a sad situation where I was born in South Afric. But I can’t get a license to operate Starlink because I am not black. Does that seem right to you?”.

When host Joumanna Bercetche mentioned the Bloomberg reports and the possibility that the South African government would grant Starlink access despite the legislature, a tense stand-off ensued.

“I just asked you a question, please answer”, he asked the host. She bluntly responded: “Those rules [BEE] were designed to bring about economic equality in South Africa. And it looks like the government has found a way around those rules for you”.

Musk refused to answer the question, insisting that SA promoted “racist laws” and that the host “liked” them.