Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has made it clear that South Africa should not consider adopting Starlink, the affordable rural internet service owned by billionaire Elon Musk.
Speaking firmly on the issue, Zibi said allowing Starlink into the country would be a “stupid” move, stressing that South Africa should not rely on a service controlled by Musk. According to him, decisions around critical infrastructure like internet access must prioritize national interests and local control, rather than placing such power in the hands of foreign-owned companies.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about expanding internet access to underserved rural communities, where services like Starlink are often promoted as quick and cost-effective solutions. However, Zibi’s stance highlights growing concerns among some political leaders about sovereignty, regulation, and who ultimately benefits from such technologies.
The remarks have already sparked debate, with supporters praising his focus on national control, while critics argue that rejecting affordable connectivity could slow progress in bridging the digital divide.