President Cyril Ramaphosa Sparks Backlash Over Reported Starlink Deal With Elon Musk Ahead of Trump Meeting
South Africans have taken to social media to express outrage following reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to offer Elon Musk a deal that would allow his satellite internet company, Starlink, to operate in the country—by circumventing the country’s strict Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements.
According to a Bloomberg, Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration is preparing a special licensing offer that would allow Musk’s Starlink to bypass the standard 30% black ownership requirement for foreign telecommunications firms.
Also Read: Boost For Cyril Ramaphosa As Trump Dumps Elon Musk Ahead Of Crucial Talks With South Africa
High-Stakes Meeting Before Trump Talks
The reported deal is expected to be tabled during a last-minute meeting between Musk (or his representatives) and a South African delegation currently accompanying President Ramaphosa in the United States.
The meeting comes ahead of Ramaphosa’s scheduled talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, as part of efforts to mend fractured diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States.
Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, confirmed to Reuters that the issue of Starlink’s licensing would be addressed during the trip.
Elon Musk’s Criticism of BEE Requirements
Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, has previously claimed that Starlink was blocked from entering the South African market because he is not black—a statement that sparked debate.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) pushed back in March, stating that Starlink had never actually applied for a license.
Musk’s comments were widely seen as a criticism of South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policy, which mandates that 30% of ownership in foreign telecom ventures be held by historically disadvantaged groups.
Attempt to Ease Tensions with Musk and the US
The reported offer to accommodate Musk and his Starlink venture is being viewed by many as a strategic attempt by the South African government to smooth relations with both Musk and US leadership, particularly ahead of Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump.
Mzansi Erupts
However, the news has not gone down well with the South African public. Critics argue that bending the rules for Musk undermines the very essence of transformation policies aimed at redressing the economic imbalances of the past.
@ZizinjaAbelungu;
Cyril Ramaphosa is agreeing on his own, on Behalf of South Africans that Star Link owned by Elon Musk be pushed in South Africa. This is a Sell out move.
How do you want to do business in a Country that is Committing white genocide?
@Majoe_makwena78;
South Africans must put there foot down and say NO.
@gmalau32;
As South Africans we should unite and remove Ramaphosa from office for changing our laws for one MAN.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post South Africans Slam President Cyril Ramaphosa Over Reported Starlink Deal With Elon Musk appeared first on iHarare News.
