Ntshavheni Denies Starlink Favouritism, Says China Offers Superior Satellite Tech

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has strongly refuted claims that South Africa is bending its policies to accommodate Elon Musk’s Starlink, following reports that the government may ease Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules for foreign satellite operators.

Speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Ntshavheni said South Africa remains firm on its stance that all foreign companies, including SpaceX’s Starlink, must adhere to local laws and transformation requirements—no exceptions.

“There was no conversation about Starlink during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump or over lunch with Elon Musk,” she said. “We are not rolling out the red carpet for Starlink. If we enter the low-earth orbit satellite space, all players must comply with South African laws.”

Ntshavheni went further, saying the idea that South Africa would favour Starlink is misguided. “Why are we talking about Starlink and not about the Chinese? Their satellite technology is more advanced than what Starlink offers. There are many capable global players.”

The debate around Starlink’s possible entry into South Africa flared up after the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies published new policy directions that appear to ease B-BBEE rules for satellite services. Critics argue this could open the door for Musk’s company, which has long criticized South Africa’s transformation laws.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), slammed the proposal at a rally in the Free State, calling it a betrayal of South Africa’s transformation agenda. “You ease these rules only when foreign billionaires complain. What does that say to local businesses?” he asked.

Opposition party Build One South Africa (BOSA) echoed this concern. Deputy leader Hlazo Webster warned that allowing powerful foreign players to bypass local laws sets a dangerous precedent. “This isn’t transformation—it’s surrender,” she said. “Special concessions lead to state capture.”

The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, led by Khusela Diko, has now summoned Minister Solly Malatsi to clarify the new policy directives in Parliament. There’s growing pressure to ensure that licensing decisions are transparent and lawful.

Meanwhile, Musk has previously claimed his company was denied an operating licence simply because he is not black—a claim that has stirred debate, especially in light of the government’s renewed efforts to attract foreign investment.

Ntshavheni, however, insists the rules are the same for all. “South Africa is open for business, but everyone must play by the rules,” she said.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com