---
title: "Redi Tlhabi asks: Elon Musk, Starlink, and South Africa, what is the real deal?"
description: "In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi takes a hard look at Elon Musk’s explosive comments about South Africa — and the controversy surrounding the government’s reported efforts to lure Starlink into the country. She’s joined by outspoken activist, academic, and Daily Maverick columnist Khaya Sithole for a sharp, no-holds-barred conversation."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-05-27-redi-tlhabi-asks-elon-musk-starlink-and-south-africa-what-is-the-real-deal/"
published: "2025-05-27T14:30:56"
updated: "2025-05-27T15:26:17"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 113
---

# Redi Tlhabi asks: Elon Musk, Starlink, and South Africa, what is the real deal?

> In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi takes a hard look at Elon Musk’s explosive comments about South Africa — and the controversy surrounding the government’s reported efforts to lure Starlink into the country. She’s joined by outspoken activist, academic, and Daily Maverick columnist Khaya Sithole for a sharp, no-holds-barred conversation.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 27 May 2025, 16:30 SAST · Updated 27 May 2025, 17:26 SAST

## Key points
- In a whirlwind of geopolitical intrigue and local drama, the tangled web of Trump, Biden, and South Africa's Starlink saga reveals just how complicated the quest for connectivity and clarity can be in a world where even the satellites seem to have a say in the matter.
- Trump and Biden's positions on the Ukraine conflict highlight contrasting global strategies.
- Starlink's entry into South Africa raises legal and regulatory concerns amid ongoing drama.
- Khaya Sithole discusses the implications of Starlink on local competition and market dynamics.
- Government communication lapses and ICASA's role underscore challenges in navigating tech regulation.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9JCvwJr-y4)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/057aaaaa-3d0c-499e-889f-13e4a1fd244d?dark=false&color=F1F0EF)

1:18 Trump, Biden, and the Ukraine Conflict
03:09 Starlink and South Africa: The Drama Unfolds
03:41 South Africa's Legal Framework and BEE Codes
04:41 The Role of ZA in Ending Apartheid
05:33 Challenges in South Africa's Parliament
06:52 Speculations on the Starlink Deal
08:40 Khaya Sithole's Insights on the Starlink Controversy
11:30 Government Communication Issues
16:16 The Role of ICASA and Regulatory Processes
18:32 Starlink's Market Impact and Competition
20:47 Elon Musk's Relationship with South Africa

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi
**Produced** by Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

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