The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have firmly opposed any exemption for Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, from South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws.
US-based SpaceX, which owns Starlink, recently petitioned the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to reconsider its licensing rules for foreign-based companies. Current regulations require that any satellite network provider operating in South Africa must have at least 30% local ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, in line with the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy.
EFF leader Julius Malema, speaking at a media briefing on Monday, emphasized that Musk would not receive special treatment.
“BEE is a policy that must be implemented regardless of who is involved—whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else. It cannot be applied selectively. If Starlink wants to operate in South Africa, previously disadvantaged groups must be part of the transaction,” Malema stated.
ICASA is set to hold public hearings in Centurion this week to discuss its proposed licensing framework for satellite services. SpaceX, along with representatives from Meta, is scheduled to present arguments regarding regulatory adjustments.
The debate over Starlink’s compliance with local empowerment laws underscores the broader discussion on foreign investment, economic transformation, and digital access in South Africa.