Deputy Communications Minister Appeals to Elon Musk to Bring Starlink to SA, Social Media Weighs In
- Deputy Minister of Communications and Technology Mondli Gungubele publicly appealed to Elon Musk to bring Starlink to South Africa
- Starlink has not launched in South Africa, with Musk citing the country's 30% Black ownership requirement as his reason
- South Africans weighed in on Gungubele's appeal to Musk, sharing varied reactions on social media
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
WESTERN CAPE — South Africa's Deputy Minister of Communications and Technology, Mondli Gungubele, has made a direct public appeal to Elon Musk to bring his Starlink satellite internet service to the country.
Gungubele issued the call on Monday, 29 September 2026, at an event hosted by Bloomberg near Cape Town.
"Can you get along with us? Work with us in this journey of minimising inequality?" he said, before adding: "I hope Elon is listening."
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Gungubele challenges Musk's stance on ownership rules
Starlink has yet to launch in South Africa, with Musk repeatedly stating on X (formerly Twitter) that he is unable to operate there because he is not Black. He has characterised the country's economic empowerment legislation as racially discriminatory against white and foreign business owners.
South African telecommunications law, governed by the Electronic Communications Act and regulations set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), requires that companies holding an Individual Electronic Communications Network Service licence maintain at least 30% equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Groups, which include Black South Africans, women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Gungubele pushed back against Musk's framing of the requirement as a dealbreaker.
"What is a 30% share if you take into account the 70% value that you are going to make in terms of yields and profits? He could invest very significantly in the country of his birth," he said.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, previously proposed legislative amendments that, if approved, could allow Starlink to operate in South Africa.
South Africans divided on the appeal
The minister's appeal drew mixed responses on social media, with some agreeing with Musk over his stance and others criticising him.
Luke Hartog said:
"It's his system. If you want it, you must pay for it. Simple. It's how the world works."
Thometsana Khiba questioned the approach altogether, writing:
"That's laughable. Since when does South Africa do business by calling people via media?"
Liz Rudy noted the regional contrast:
"Why would Elon just hand over 30% of his company to someone who didn't earn it or pay for it? Meanwhile, Starlink is operating in other African countries. Then people wonder why our economy is tanked."
Thibos offered a firm counter:
"BEE is here to stay. Or he can take his business elsewhere."
Sinaye Eswatini claimed:
"China is developing something like Starlink, with fewer satellites in orbit. Don't worry, Elon will soon bend.
Musk claims he was asked to pay a bribe
Briefly News reported that Musk claimed that he was denied a licence for Starlink in South Africa due to his race.
The Tesla owner went one step further and alleged that he was offered a way to get a licence by paying a bribe.
South Africans took to social media to discuss Musk's latest claims, sharing mixed reactions to them.
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Source: Briefly News
