South Africa rejects Starlink investment over Musk’s controversial views
South Africa has decided not to pursue Starlink’s satellite internet service due to concerns over Elon Musk’s views, which the Presidency has criticized as “unprogressive” and “racist.”
The decision follows a public exchange between Musk and President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the country’s land reform policies.
Musk had raised questions about South Africa’s Expropriation Act, accusing the government of having openly racist ownership laws.
His comments were met with a sharp response from South Africa, with Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stating that South Africa would not entertain investments from a business figure known for spreading “lies” and holding harmful views.
The ongoing tension has impacted negotiations to bring Starlink, a project of Musk’s SpaceX, to South Africa.
South African officials had been in discussions with Starlink to offer high-speed internet to underserved regions, but those talks have now stalled.
President Ramaphosa clarified that the Expropriation Act, which allows for land to be expropriated without compensation under certain conditions, is a legal process aimed at ensuring equitable access to land and addressing past injustices, not a mechanism for land confiscation.
Despite Musk’s remarks, South Africa remains committed to its land reform policies and is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the U.S. government over the matter.
We as South Africans reject that rubbish Starlink, whatever it is. Let him put it in Holland or else where far from us. We are a sovereign state and will not entertain any rubbish coming from anyone whatever his socio-economic status.
Musk wants play God because of his status as opposed to being a force of good.
Warren Buffet realises what it means to ve wealthy and like Gates have used their wealth to promote the lives of the under priviledged.
And Trump this past week had the priviledge of being insulted embarassed by Musk’s son. Clearly Trump is “a paid for person” with pride and therefore applaud the position South Africa has taken on the matter.
Be weary who pays for your campgain….and what they stand for
*No pride.
South Africa must resolutely proceed with the land reforms. There is no way less than 20% of the population can own 80% of the arable land. This grave disparity in land distribution must be addressed urgently.
I remember at the height of Apartheid, huge tracts of land occupied by black South Africans would unilaterally be declared “white areas” by the racist regime and overnight the shacks that constituted homes of the hapless black South Africans were razed to the ground and the occupants shipped off to arid tribal Bantustans which the regime had set up as self governing black areas.
There was absolutely no compensation for the displaced black population.