Musk, however, did not be offended at South Africa? Starlink plans to invest $ 113 million in the Internet
2025-07-05 08:00
publication
2025-07-05 08:00
Billioner Elon Musk, Starlink dealing with satellite internet, despite the recent accusations that the authorities of South Africa have closed the market for racist reasons, is currently considering investing 2 billion rands in a South African country, i.e. $ 112.7 million in internet services.
Starlink currently provides the Internet to 17 African countries, including neighbors of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. However, it is absent in South Africa itself due to the Black Economic Empowerment (Bee) in this country, the law requiring the participation of black citizens in every company operating in its area. Musk refused to waive any shares in his company to adapt to the regulations regarding the strengthening of the position of black people. He considered this law to be “racist opening” and complained that his company had problems because he was not black.
According to the South African newspaper, Business Day, Musk would like to conclude a contract with the South African government before the G20 summit, which is to take place in Johannesburg in November.
In May, there were reports in the South African media that the government in Johannesburg is considering offering Musk to be offered a special exemption from applicable provisions regarding the joint ownership of black South Africa citizens to enable Starlink to be legal. The president of the country Cyril Ramaphos wanted to alleviate the tense relations with the United States at all costs, whose opinion about the African country was largely shaped by Musk, which was until recently a very close collaborator of President Donald Trump.
Both sides need each other, Musk, born in Pretoria, wants to develop their company in the largest African economy, and this economy needs cheap and fast internet. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by a state statistical company, SSA, only 1.7 percent. Rural households in South Africa have access to the Internet. (PAP)
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