Cape Town – South Africa’s government is considering a workaround to its Black ownership laws to allow Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service to operate in the country, according to Bloomberg News.
A last-minute meeting between Musk (or his representatives) and South African officials was scheduled for Tuesday night, the report said.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, has previously suggested Starlink was blocked due to his race, referencing Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules that require 30% local Black ownership of telecoms licensees.
South African authorities denied this, saying Starlink has not even applied for a licence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and government officials arrived in Washington on Monday to mend strained relations with the US.
Ramaphosa is set to meet President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
His spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Starlink’s licensing issue will be part of the discussions, Reuters reported.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@TheKiffness
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
