Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is facing a wave of criticism after voicing strong support for the entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink into South Africa—despite concerns that the satellite internet giant could sidestep local empowerment laws.
In a bold social media statement, McKenzie hailed Starlink’s potential arrival as a “game-changer” that could drastically cut data costs and connect rural communities long left behind in the digital divide. He urged the government to “fast-track” regulatory processes to enable Starlink’s launch.
“I support it wholeheartedly,” McKenzie posted, drawing both applause and ire.
However, backlash came swiftly.
Opposition MPs and civil society organizations slammed the minister for seemingly prioritizing foreign tech interests over South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) goals. EFF MP Sihle Lonzi called out McKenzie for “abandoning transformation principles,” while highlighting persistent failures in the sports and arts sectors he oversees.
The uproar follows a Department of Communications proposal that could loosen existing rules requiring 30% local ownership for tech companies. The new policy would instead allow foreign firms to meet transformation requirements via alternative investments—an idea that has sparked heated national debate.
While Starlink promises to bridge digital divides, the bigger question looms: At what cost to South Africa’s long-fought push for economic justice?
