Elon Musk Slams South Africa Over Starlink Ban, Calls Policy ‘Racist’

Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of South Africa, accusing the government of racial discrimination following the continued refusal to grant an operating licence to his satellite internet service, Starlink.

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the SpaceX founder claimed that Starlink’s application had been blocked because he is not Black, despite being born in South Africa. The billionaire further alleged that the company was informally offered a workaround involving the appointment of a Black executive to satisfy ownership requirements, a move he said he rejected on principle.

The controversy centres on South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, which requires companies operating in sectors like telecommunications to meet equity thresholds, typically mandating at least 30 percent Black ownership. The policy was introduced to correct deep economic imbalances created during apartheid, but it has increasingly become a point of friction for foreign investors.

South African regulators, including the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, have consistently maintained that the rules apply uniformly to all operators and are a legal requirement for licensing. Authorities have pushed back against claims of discrimination, insisting that the policy is aimed at economic redress rather than racial exclusion.

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Musk has repeatedly criticised the framework, describing it as “unashamedly racist” and claiming that such policies contradict the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He has also alleged that numerous laws in the country unfairly disadvantage non-Black citizens, further fuelling the ongoing debate.

Despite the standoff, Starlink has continued its rapid expansion across Africa, now operating in nearly two dozen countries where it provides high-speed internet access to underserved communities, including schools and healthcare centres. South Africa, however, remains one of the few major economies on the continent where the service is unavailable.

Musk had previously proposed initiatives to support connectivity in rural South African communities, including offers to provide internet access to thousands of schools, but those plans have stalled due to regulatory hurdles tied to ownership compliance.

As of now, the South African government has not issued an official response to Musk’s latest remarks. However, previous statements suggest that there is unlikely to be any regulatory concession without full adherence to B-BBEE requirements.

The dispute highlights a broader tension between South Africa’s post-apartheid transformation policies and the expectations of global technology investors. Analysts say the outcome could shape future investment decisions and influence how African nations balance economic redress with the need to attract international business.

Elon Musk Slams South Africa Over Starlink Ban, Calls Policy ‘Racist’

Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After Injuring Three in New York

A machete-wielding man who allegedly identified himself as “Lucifer” was shot dead by police after attacking three people at a subway station in New York City on Saturday, in a violent incident that triggered panic across the transit system and led to temporary train disruptions.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, reportedly launched the attack inside the subway network in Queens before being confronted by responding officers. Authorities said the incident began at the 7 train platform, where commuters were suddenly attacked in a series of violent slashes.

Police reported that the first victim, an 84-year-old man, was struck on the head. Griffin then allegedly moved through the station and attacked a 65-year-old man, causing injuries to his head and face, before proceeding to another platform where a 70-year-old woman was cut on the shoulder.

The attacks caused chaos inside the station, with passengers fleeing as the suspect moved between platforms, continuing the rampage before officers arrived at the scene.

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According to the New York City Police Department, officers quickly located the suspect and issued repeated commands for him to drop the weapon. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Griffin ignored at least 20 instructions to disarm and instead advanced toward officers while holding the machete and behaving erratically.

Officials said the suspect repeatedly claimed he was “Lucifer” during the confrontation, heightening concerns about his mental state as the situation escalated rapidly.

Police said an officer opened fire when Griffin advanced toward them with the weapon still raised. He was struck twice and later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

All three victims were also taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed their conditions were stable following the attack, though they sustained significant injuries.

Officials further revealed that Griffin had previously been arrested three times, although he had no documented history indicating classification as an emotionally disturbed person under police records. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the full sequence of events.

The attack caused temporary disruptions across subway services as emergency responders secured the area and evacuated passengers from affected platforms. Train operations were later restored after the scene was brought under control.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident, describing it as a “senseless act of violence,” while city officials praised the rapid response of police officers in preventing further harm. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they assess security measures across the city’s transit network following the attack.

Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After Injuring Three in New York

Netanyahu Says Israel’s Campaign Against Iran ‘Not Over’ Despite Ongoing Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel’s military campaign against Iran is far from complete, despite a fragile two-week ceasefire currently holding between the United States and Iran.

Speaking in a televised address in front of a large strategic map of Iran and its regional influence, Netanyahu said Israel’s operations are still ongoing and that its objectives have not yet been fully achieved.

“This is not the end of the campaign. It is merely a preparation on our way to achieve all of our goals. We still have more to do,” he stated.

The Israeli leader stressed that Israel would continue its efforts against Iran until its strategic objectives are met, either through diplomatic arrangements or renewed military action. He claimed Iran had entered the ceasefire period weakened following recent escalations in regional tensions.

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Netanyahu also made clear that the ceasefire arrangement applies primarily to U.S.-Iran relations and does not limit Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where cross-border tensions have continued despite international calls for restraint.

The remarks come as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains in place following high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions disputes, and broader regional security concerns.

The ceasefire is also linked to wider instability in the Middle East, including maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route that remains central to global energy stability.

Despite the temporary pause in hostilities, analysts warn that the region remains highly volatile, with unresolved disputes between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional actors continuing to fuel uncertainty.

Iran and Hezbollah have not yet responded to Netanyahu’s latest comments, though both have previously accused Israel of escalating regional tensions and undermining diplomatic efforts.

For now, the situation remains delicately balanced, with a temporary ceasefire in place but no clear indication of a long-term political or security settlement.

Netanyahu Says Israel’s Campaign Against Iran ‘Not Over’ Despite Ongoing Ceasefire