South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment laws require telecommunications companies to have at least 30% local Black ownership, which has prevented Starlink from launching in the country.

Starlink has offered to invest 500 million South African Rand to connect rural schools with high-speed internet as an alternative to meeting local ownership requirements.

A political split exists within South Africa's government over changing ownership laws for companies like Starlink, with Minister Soleim Latsi of the DA supporting alternatives while Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele of the ANC opposes changes.