Elon Musk alleges bribery attempt in South African Starlink license dispute
via The Citizen13 min read
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, claims that Starlink was offered an opportunity to "bribe" its way to a telecommunications license in South Africa. He stated that this involved pretending a black person ran the company's local entity, an offer he refused on principle. Musk alleges that Starlink is barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, a claim South African officials have dismissed. Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled after Musk and US President Donald Trump publicly criticized policies like Black Economic Empowerment BEE laws, which require foreign-owned telecoms companies to allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups. Clayson Monyela, Head of Diplomacy, refuted Musk's bribery allegations, calling them "pure lies, a fabrication," and emphasized that all companies must comply with South African law. Monyela also noted that over 600 US companies operate in South Africa, complying with laws and thriving. Despite a policy direction issued last year by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi to provide alternatives for satellite internet services, Starlink remains unavailable in South Africa, though it operates in some neighboring countries. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia also declined Starlink's application to operate there in March 2026.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.