South Africa could be left behind as one of the only African countries without access to Elon Musk‘s Starlink satellite internet, according to the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Starlink in South Africa impossible under ANC cadre deployment policy – DA
The country’s government has reportedly refused to allow Starlink to operate without handing over at least 30% of its equity to the ANC, the ruling political party, to operate within the country.
This refusal could see millions of South Africans continuing to live without access to technology or the internet unless provided by an ANC cadre or tenderpreneur.
“It is simply laughable that an international multibillion dollar company must hand over at least 30% of its equity to the ANC government to operate within South Africa,” DA shadow communications minister Dianne Kohler Barnard said in a statement.
Starlink is a multibillion-dollar company that operates the world’s first and largest satellite constellation that delivers broadband internet. The service is capable of supporting online gaming, streaming, video calls and more, and has already been rolled out in at least 20 African countries, with others set to receive it in the near future.
However, South Africa may miss out if the DA’s claims about the government’s policy are true.
The impact of Starlink’s availability in South Africa could be significant, especially for those in rural areas who have limited access to information and learning materials.
“If Starlink were available in South Africa, children in even the most rural of areas would have access to information and learning materials, and others would be able to educate themselves beyond the constraints of formal universities or schools which millions simply cannot afford,” Barnard added.
The internet could provide a means of educating themselves beyond the constraints of formal universities or schools that many cannot afford. It could also provide access to streaming services where different trades and skills can be learnt, or where the government could set up free online educational portals to help everyone have a better chance of escaping unemployment.
The ANC government has been criticised for refusing to allow Starlink into the country and preferring to keep the people of South Africa in the digital dark., albeit a response from the communications ministry providing clarity on the DA’s claims has yet to surface.
The opposition party, the DA, has vowed to challenge the government’s decision and has called on Elon Musk’s office and SpaceX to make an application to the government to provide these services within South Africa.
