President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) reportedly tried to enlist Elon Musk’s support ahead of elections, including a request for a stake in Starlink.
This is according to Errol Musk, Elon Musk’s father, who said that his son refused the request.
“Before the election, Ramaphosa sent me a letter to send to Elon, asking him for support. And he had the idea that Elon would respond, but Elon didn’t. Before I sent the letter, Ramaphosa’s secretary contacted me and said, Don’t send the letter, we’ve changed, we think it’s not a good idea but I had already sent the letter,” He said on the Truth Report Podcast on YouTube.
The ANC’s support fell below 50% in last year’s national election, leading it to form a Government of National Unity that includes the DA.
Musk added that he had acted as an intermediary between the Presidency and his son on more than one occasion, including arranging a phone call between Ramaphosa and Elon Musk. However, he said he did not know the full details of their discussions.
Musk also claimed that the ANC later sought a share in Starlink, first 30%, then 39% before suggesting they would accept a $100 million donation instead.
IOL has reached out to the ANC for comment and will update the article once a response has been received.