Ramaphosa to Offer Starlink “Workaround” Before Meeting with Trump

South Africa is preparing to offer Elon Musk’s Starlink a workaround for its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, aiming to facilitate the satellite internet service’s entry into the country. This initiative coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. The proposal includes a “last-minute” meeting between South African officials and Musk or his representatives to discuss potential solutions. Musk has previously claimed that Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa due to his race, an allegation refuted by South African officials, who noted that Starlink had not applied for a license. The government’s move reflects an effort to mend strained ties with the US and attract foreign investment.

Reuters