Johannesburg, South Africa – In a recent statement, former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba has slammed the South African government for bending BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) rules to welcome Elon Musk’s Starlink project. Mashaba has called this move a betrayal to the principles of BEE and has urged the government to reconsider their decision.

Mashaba, who is a well-known advocate for economic freedom and equal opportunities, expressed his disappointment in the government’s decision to grant Musk’s company, SpaceX, a BEE exemption for their Starlink project. The project aims to provide high-speed internet to remote and under-served areas using a network of satellites.

In his statement, Mashaba stated that the government’s actions are in direct violation of the BEE policies that were put in place to promote economic transformation and empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals. He emphasized that these policies were put in place to address the historical injustices faced by black South Africans and to level the playing field in terms of economic opportunities.

Mashaba further highlighted that the BEE policies were not meant to benefit a select few individuals or companies, but rather to uplift the entire black community and promote economic growth for the country as a whole. He stressed that the government’s decision to bend the rules for a billionaire like Musk sends a message that the BEE policies can be manipulated for personal gain, rather than for the greater good of the country.

The former mayor also pointed out that this move by the government undermines the efforts of small and medium-sized black-owned businesses who have been struggling to secure BEE contracts and partnerships. He stated that it is unfair for these businesses to compete with a company like SpaceX, which has access to resources and technology that are not available to most local businesses.

Mashaba’s statement has sparked a debate among South Africans, with many expressing their support for his views. Some have even called for the government to revoke the BEE exemption granted to SpaceX and to hold them accountable for violating the BEE policies.

In response to the criticism, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has defended their decision to grant SpaceX a BEE exemption. They stated that the exemption was granted due to the unique nature of the Starlink project, which requires specialized skills and technology that are not readily available in South Africa.

However, Mashaba has argued that the government should have instead focused on developing these skills and technology within the country, rather than giving exemptions to foreign companies. He believes that this would have not only benefited the local economy but also created job opportunities for South Africans.

In conclusion, Mashaba’s criticism of the government’s decision to bend BEE rules for SpaceX’s Starlink project has raised important questions about the effectiveness and implementation of BEE policies in South Africa. It is clear that the government needs to reassess their approach to BEE and ensure that it truly benefits the previously disadvantaged individuals and promotes economic growth for the country. As Mashaba aptly stated, “We cannot allow BEE to become a tool for personal gain and a betrayal to the principles it was founded upon.”