Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Elon Musk Claims Starlink Blocked in South Africa Due to Race
Elon Musk, the boss of Starlink, says his company can't provide internet in South Africa because he's not black.
He shared this in an interview and on his social media.
South Africa has laws that say companies need to have 30% ownership by black South Africans to operate.
Musk says this is unfair and that there are more laws against white people now than there were against black people during apartheid.
But the South African government says Starlink can operate if they follow the laws.
They also say Starlink never even applied for a license.
Elon Musk claims Starlink is blocked in South Africa because he is not black.
South African laws require 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged communities (black population) for companies to operate.
Musk says there are more anti-white laws now than there were anti-black laws under apartheid.
Icasa states Starlink did not submit a license application.
South Africa's foreign ministry says Starlink can operate if it complies with local laws.
- Who
- Elon Musk and Starlink
- What
- Claims of racial discrimination in preventing Starlink from operating in South Africa
- When
- April 2025 (BBC report), 2025 (Musk's claims)
- Where
- South Africa
- Why
- Musk claims it's due to his race; South African laws require 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged communities
- Company
- Starlink
- Country
- South Africa
- Claim
- Elon Musk claims Starlink is blocked due to his race
- Legal Requirement
- 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged communities (black population)
- Icasa Statement
- Starlink did not submit a license application
- Foreign Ministry Statement
- Starlink can operate if it complies with local laws
- Musk's Birthplace
- Pretoria, South Africa
- Musk's Stance
- Opposed to both anti-Black and anti-White laws