The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have vowed to take legal action against the South African government over reports that tech billionaire Elon Musk may be granted an exemption from local ownership laws to operate his satellite internet service, Starlink, in the country.
In a fiery interview on national television, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo accused the government of compromising national sovereignty and bending to foreign corporate interests. The controversy stems from allegations that South African officials are negotiating a special arrangement for Starlink, bypassing the requirement for 30% local ownership—a rule applied to other foreign telecom operators. In addition they don’t want Starlink to have a workaround the extreme and radical Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws.
“Hypocrisy of Imperialism”
Thambo lambasted Musk, pointing to the billionaire’s past claims of “white genocide” in South Africa—a widely debunked narrative that critics say has been used to undermine the country’s international standing.
“Elon Musk has been at the forefront of propagating the lie that there is a massacre and genocide of white people in South Africa,” Thambo said. “Now, he wants access to our market while spreading disinformation. If he truly believed there was a genocide, why is he so desperate to invest here?”
The EFF also raised concerns about national security, arguing that allowing Musk’s company to operate without local oversight could expose South Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure to foreign manipulation.
Threat to Local Jobs and Industry
Thambo further warned that Starlink’s entry could undercut South African telecom companies like MTN, leading to job losses.
“Starlink would operate remotely from the U.S., with no clear plan for local employment,” he said. “This is the same America that forces TikTok to sell its U.S. operations over ‘national security’ fears, yet expects us to roll out the red carpet for their corporations.”
Government Response
President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently in Washington for diplomatic talks, has denied any intention to compromise South African laws. However, breaking reports suggest that Musk has again repeated claims of racial exclusion in South Africa, fueling speculation that backroom negotiations may be underway.
The EFF has vowed to challenge any deal in court, insisting that Starlink must comply with the same regulations as other foreign firms.
“We will not allow our laws to be rewritten in Washington,” Thambo declared. “If Musk wants to operate here, he must follow our rules—not the other way around.”
As tensions escalate, the controversy highlights growing resistance to perceived foreign interference in South Africa’s economic policies. Legal experts suggest that if the government proceeds with exemptions for Starlink, a fierce court battle could follow.
For now, all eyes remain on Washington—and whether Musk’s influence will override South Africa’s regulatory framework.
