The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has launched a verification process following now-retracted claims that Elon Musk’s Starlink internet kits were being used in Orania.
The reports, which first surfaced online earlier this month, alleged that the whites-only enclave was secretly benefiting from an unlicensed satellite internet service. However, it has since emerged that the story was based on a discredited article published by The Sunday Independent.
Retraction and clarification
The Sunday Independent has since withdrawn the article, acknowledging that it was authored under a false identity and relied on anonymous, unverified internet posts with no factual basis. The publication admitted that there is no evidence Starlink kits have been distributed or used in Orania.
Despite the retraction, Icasa confirmed to Sunday World that inspection teams have been dispatched to the Northern Cape to ensure compliance with telecommunications laws.
Icasa reiterates Starlink has no licence
Icasa spokesperson Milly Matlou said the regulator continues to monitor reports of unlicensed satellite operations across the country.
“If Starlink is found to be in breach of South African regulations, enforcement action will follow. This may include, among others, lodging a complaint with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),” said Matlou.
Icasa also reminded the public that Starlink currently holds no licence to operate in South Africa and warned that using or importing its hardware without authorization is illegal.
No evidence of illegal operations
Matlou stressed that, at present, there is no verified evidence of Starlink services operating in Orania or elsewhere in South Africa.
“We take all such reports seriously, but we act only on verified information,” she said.
Icasa has urged anyone with credible information to contact satinvestigation@icasa.org.za.
