In a post on X today, Sunday, Musk wrote: “South Africa won’t allow Starlink to be licensed, even though I was BORN THERE, simply because I am not Black!”

He rejected offers to bypass rules by “pretending that a Black guy runs Starlink SA,” calling it bribery, and stated: “Racism should not be rewarded no matter to which race it is applied. Shame on the racist politicians in South Africa.”

The dispute centers on South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy. To obtain telecom licenses from ICASA, operators must meet 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups (primarily Black South Africans).

Starlink has offered free high-speed internet to 5,000 rural schools, a R500 million commitment benefiting over 2.4 million children yearly and operates in about two dozen other African countries.

Starlink has not received the required Electronic Communications licenses because it has not yet fully complied with ICASA’s current ownership rules. Authorities say the requirements apply equally to all operators to promote post-apartheid economic transformation and are not personal to Musk.

In December 2025, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi directed ICASA to recognize Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to direct equity sales. This would allow substantial investments (such as Starlink’s schools project) to count toward empowerment targets.

As of April 2026, ICASA has not completed the regulatory updates, leaving Starlink’s formal launch pending. Unofficial use of kits has been restricted by both SpaceX and regulators.

No immediate government response was issued to Musk’s latest comments.

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In a post on X today, Sunday, Musk wrote: “South Africa won’t allow Starlink to be licensed, even though I was BORN THERE, simply because I am not Black!”

He rejected offers to bypass rules by “pretending that a Black guy runs Starlink SA,” calling it bribery, and stated: “Racism should not be rewarded no matter to which race it is applied. Shame on the racist politicians in South Africa.”

The dispute centers on South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy. To obtain telecom licenses from ICASA, operators must meet 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups (primarily Black South Africans).

Starlink has offered free high-speed internet to 5,000 rural schools, a R500 million commitment benefiting over 2.4 million children yearly and operates in about two dozen other African countries.

Starlink has not received the required Electronic Communications licenses because it has not yet fully complied with ICASA’s current ownership rules. Authorities say the requirements apply equally to all operators to promote post-apartheid economic transformation and are not personal to Musk.

In December 2025, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi directed ICASA to recognize Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to direct equity sales. This would allow substantial investments (such as Starlink’s schools project) to count toward empowerment targets.

As of April 2026, ICASA has not completed the regulatory updates, leaving Starlink’s formal launch pending. Unofficial use of kits has been restricted by both SpaceX and regulators.

No immediate government response was issued to Musk’s latest comments.

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The post Elon Musk Accuses South Africa of Racism, Rejects “Bribe” Shortcut for Starlink In South Africa  appeared first on MDNtv.

Accordingly, the Commission shall submit a second interim report by 29 May 2026 and a final report on the completion of the inquiry, on 31 August 2026.

This extension was granted at the request of the Commission due to the number of persons who must still appear.

The President appointed the Judicial Commission Inquiry in terms of section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution on 21 July 2025.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga was appointed Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry and Advocates Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo were appointed as members of the Commission.

The Commission submitted its first interim report to the President on 17 December 2025 and resumed its activities in January of this year.

In its interim report, the Commission referred a number of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals.

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Masina who is a former Mayor of the embattled City of Ekurhuleni from 2016 until 2021 denied that he has now divorced the ANC and joined the MK Party.

On Wednesday, reports circulated in mostly on social media that Masina dumped the ANC for the MK Party.

It has come to my attention that there is false information circulating on social media, stating that I, Mzwandile Masina have joined ‘MKP’. I wish to categorically state that this is blatant fabrication, a lie and absolute gossip spread by faceless accounts on social media.

“This is a deliberate attempt to undermine my credentials and use the fabrication to cast doubt, whilst sowing division within the ANC. I have grown through the ranks of the organisation and wish to categorically state that I remain a loyal member of the ANC, my commitment to the ANC can never be put to question by faceless gossipers on social media,” he said.

Masina said that he strongly believe that the ANC remains the only viable instrument to liberate the people of South Africa from all forms of oppression.

“As a member of the ANC NEC, my efforts are centred on regaining the lost ground and instilling confidence in the ANC.

I urge the members of the ANC and the society at large, to not succumb to the sensationalism being stirred by these faceless gossipers and the delusional statements circulating on social media.

My final analysis is that the faceless gossipers are worried about my stability and growth in the ANC, my revolutionary commitment to the ANC is unquestionable and lifelong. I shall never betray the forebears who selflessly fought for the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.

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Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will roll out lenacapavir which is a long-acting PrEP injection given just twice a year, offering powerful protection against HIV transmission during his State of The Nation Address (SONA) held at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.

“In support of our programmes to prevent and ultimately eliminate HIV, we will be undertaking a massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection that has proven highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV.

“We are also working to end cervical cancer in our country by mobilising society to ensure that every young girl between the ages of 9 and 15 receives the HPV vaccine,” he said

While talking about the HIV six month prevention, Ramaphosa further touched on the NHI.

“As part of preparation for the NHI, we are investing in health facilities, personnel and systems to improve access to quality care.

“We will be undertaking substantial investment in health infrastructure, prioritising the construction and revitalisation of academic hospitals,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa’s public healthcare facilities serve more than 80% of the population with only 16% of South Africans making use of private facilities.

“On a recent visit to George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, I witnessed the dire effects of inadequate health infrastructure.

“Starting with George Mukhari Hospital, we will be working with various public and private financing institutions to finance the building and revitalisation of healthcare facilities,” he said.

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Mabuyane said these engagements breached established diplomatic protocol, undermining South Africa’s constitutional system in which international cooperation must be managed through national channels such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Treasury.

He called the actions an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

The premier has instructed the provincial Health MEC to investigate how the donations were accepted and said the government will work with national authorities to prevent future unauthorized foreign engagements.

Critics argue foreign diplomats must follow proper diplomatic channels, and that traditional leaders like King Dalindyebo have no mandate to engage independently with international missions on behalf of the province.

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This comes after as the result of the ongoing deteriorating relationship between South Africa and USA which emanates from the allegations that were to President Donald Trump that the country was involve in white genocide.

Speaking to MDN News, founding member of Dungeon Trucking Vusimuzi Mbatha who hails from Ennerdale in Soweto in Johannesburg said that staying in the US at the moment was not conducive for them.

“We are under a microscope at the moment. Any missteps become their weapons while the Black South Africans in the US have not been supported in developing an empowered community that can defend itself unlike the other groups who are heavily supported by their home governments and industries,” he said.

“We are being let down by our own government who is not looking out for the interest of the Black South Africans. We are facing a situation where our own government back home is aware that most black South Africans are not getting their visas approved just because of the ongoing war of words because of the allegations that people are painting the picture that South Africa is a bad country to live. We are not different from the South Africans that are stuck in Ukraine. We have been in the forefront fighting for the Black Migrants in the US yet our government is giving us support that we need,” he said.

Another South African citizen Yoliswa Cele who has been living in the US for more than 10 years said that said that Afrophobia began during the first terms of Trump administration.

“This is also not new, South Africans have been raising concerns about the situation for over a decade. This is the fuel that helps drive the engine of actual violence from the minority operating out of xenophobia and hate. This is what makes the non-Xenophobic but very concerned majority begin to push for less friendly policies.

“We still have to be accountable to each other. South African immigration laws have been severely violated for over a decade, not to mention our social laws hence some of us no longer speak up when our fellow South Africans are harshly expressing their concerns and experiences,” she said.

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The leaders explained how the G20 Troika — with South Africa as the outgoing chair, the United States as the current president, and the United Kingdom as the incoming chair — will work together to ensure stability and continuity in the G20’s social commitments. They noted that the United Kingdom has already pledged to carry forward key priorities set in Johannesburg, even if some countries shift their political positions.

Speaking on geopolitical tensions, the delegation stressed that South Africa will not be discouraged by negative attitudes from any single country. They reiterated that the Global South remains strong, confident, and supported by the majority of participating nations, giving Africa a firm platform from which to push its developmental goals.

The briefing also focused heavily on women’s health and menstrual education. The leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to expand sanitary support programmes in primary and high schools and confirmed that the national curriculum is being strengthened to better support girls who experience early-onset menstruation.

Responding to questions about internal political speculation, the Deputy President dismissed any succession debates, saying such topics fall outside the G20 framework. The leaders closed by reaffirming the strong cooperation among Global South nations and expressed confidence in the success of this year’s summit engagements.

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I fully support calls for the South African government to take stronger and more decisive action to rescue and protect the women, children, and all civilians affected by this brutal conflict. Their right to safety, dignity, and life itself is non-negotiable. South Africa must act with courage, urgency, and unwavering moral clarity.

I salute the extraordinary work of Gift of the Givers under Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Their compassion, tireless effort, and bravery in the face of human suffering are a beacon of hope in a world that too often turns a blind eye. Those who are able to donate or assist Gift of the Givers must do so. Every contribution brings warmth, relief, and life-saving support to people who have lost everything.

We must also remember the historic solidarity of the Palestinian people with our own struggle. During the darkest days of apartheid, Yasser Arafat, as leader of the PLO, stood with South Africa, offering support and guidance when the oppressors sought to crush our people. He also guided Nelson Mandela on the importance of standing with the Palestinian people, teaching us that the fight for justice and humanity knows no borders.

The legacy of Nelson Mandela reminds us that silence in the face of oppression is betrayal. We must act now, with heart and courage, to ensure that those fleeing war are given safety, dignity, and hope. South Africa must continue to lead by example, offering sanctuary and practical support to those in desperate need.

The children of Gaza are crying out for help. The women are seeking shelter from bombs. They are not alone. We stand with Palestine. We stand with the refugees. We stand for justice and humanity.

Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela

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The South African government has responded with a series of emergency measures aimed at softening the blow. A new export support desk has been launched to help affected companies find alternative markets and navigate the changing trade landscape. Officials have also proposed a trade package to the US in a last-minute attempt to secure a more favourable deal.

Trade officials warned that the tariffs would directly impact almost $10 billion worth of goods, including cars, aluminium, citrus, and wine. Although some exports—like platinum group metals—remain exempt due to US demand, the bulk of industrial and agricultural products are now at risk.

The situation has sparked political finger-pointing at home. The government accuses opposition leaders of undermining efforts to secure a resolution, while critics argue that poor diplomacy and weak trade strategy left South Africa vulnerable.

Efforts to salvage the situation have included offers to buy American gas, open up South African markets to US agricultural products, and increase South African investment in American industries. However, observers believe the core issue is political rather than economic, tied to South Africa’s international alliances and policies like Black Economic Empowerment.

The president of the United States made it clear that no further extensions will be granted, calling the tariff decision final and “a big day for America.”

With around 7.5% of South Africa’s exports headed to the US, the country must now urgently diversify its markets. However, experts say it won’t be easy. For instance, citrus exporters already ship to over 100 countries, and few offer prices that match the US.

Economic analysts are calling for a full reset of trade policy. There’s growing consensus that South Africa should lean more on African trade blocs and build regional financial institutions to support intra-African commerce. But while these long-term shifts are debated, short-term realities loom: some factories have already temporarily closed, and thousands of jobs are at risk.

The road ahead is unclear. Negotiations continue behind closed doors, and though some hope remains for a revised agreement, many fear that South Africa’s days of preferential access to the US market are over.

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