Malatsi’s Starlink Move Sparks Uproar Over Black Empowerment Threat

South African business leaders and opposition parties are up in arms over a new policy directive by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi that could let Elon Musk’s Starlink bypass the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) laws. If it takes effect, the directive will allow Starlink to qualify for operation in Africa’s biggest economy without meeting the 30% historically disadvantaged groups (HDGs) ownership rule, sparking fears that it undermines BBBEE goals. Critics say the move effectively rewrites licensing rules and question its timing, as the policy was proposed just a day after President Ramaphosa met Musk and Trump in Washington. Malatsi’s office insists the directive isn’t tailored to Starlink. Still, industry voices warn it risks compromising national sovereignty and call for a fair, inclusive market analysis before any changes are made.

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