South Africa Opposes Starlink Market Entry Amid Equity Policy Debate

South Africa is currently debating a proposed draft policy that would allow alternatives to the existing 30% Black ownership requirement for foreign-owned communications companies, a regulation that has been a sticking point for Elon Musk's Starlink and other firms. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi emphasized that the policy is not a special dispensation for Starlink but aims to harmonize legislation and maintain the country’s commitment to transformation and empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly oppose Starlink's entry, citing concerns about national security, sovereignty, and job protection, while accusing Musk of leveraging disinformation and opposing local transformation efforts. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified that Starlink was not discussed during his recent White House meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting that South Africa is open to multiple companies from various countries entering the satellite internet sector, provided the regulatory environment is properly crafted. The policy has drawn criticism from opposition parties who fear it may overly accommodate foreign businesses at the expense of South African empowerment goals. Overall, the debate reflects tensions between attracting foreign investment and upholding South Africa’s socio-economic transformation mandates in the telecommunications sector.