South African Presidency tells Elon Musk to 'move on' amid Starlink bribery claims
via The Citizen13 min read
The South African Presidency has advised Elon Musk to focus on other markets, following his claims that Starlink was denied a license in the country because he is not black and that he refused bribery offers. Musk has repeatedly stated on X that Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa due to his race, an allegation dismissed by South African officials. He claimed Starlink was offered opportunities to bribe its way to a license by pretending a black person ran the local entity, which he refused on principle. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya suggested Musk explore the 192 other UN member states. Head of Diplomacy Clayson Monyela denied any bribery requests from the South African government, emphasizing that companies must comply with the law. The Land Party has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate Musk's bribery and extortion claims, urging a probe by the Madlanga Commission. They also demanded investigations into all foreign companies in South Africa, including Amazon, to ensure compliance with local laws and transparency regarding Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment B-BBEE partners. SpaceX has not applied for a Starlink license in South Africa because the Electronic Communications Act requires license holders to be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups, a provision the company opposes.
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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.