EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately fellow South Africans, the Starlink horse has bolted

It was good to hear another of our political leaders speaking up against tech billionaire Elon Musk and his arrogant intention of riding roughshod over South Africa’s laws to launch his satellite internet business in the country.

Under our laws, specifically the Electronic Communications Act, telecommunications operators need to be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals to obtain a licence. It’s written in plain English, but Musk doesn’t seem to understand the law. Or he expects South Africa to bend over backwards and pave a special path for him and his SpaceX business to launch the Starlink satellite service locally.

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi was correct to say South Africa would be “stupid” to allow this to happen. I would add that it would be a clear sign that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his partners in crime in the so-called GNU had sold off the family silver.

Musk is also guilty as charged on misinformation and disinformation, which includes the blatant “white genocide” lie he and others have been spreading about our democratic Rainbow Nation.

Where I disagree with Zibi is on the fighting part. There is no need for anyone to be fighting Musk. We must welcome him and his business like other law-abiding investors if he comes through the front door.

All Musk has to do is obey our laws. And he doesn’t need to like or approve of them, by the way. He is entitled to lobby – in keeping with our democratic laws and systems – for any change in them he desires. But in the meantime, the law is the law – as imperfect as it may be. Currently there is no way his company can get a licence without the law first being amended.

Musk was at it again last week, repeating the propaganda that he is being prevented from operating locally because of the colour of his skin. Which points to greater and more terrifying ambitions on his part other than simply obtaining a licence to operate.

The dangers Zibi highlights are very clear and present. An example of the potential dangers is what Musk's company is reportedly doing in Iran.

SpaceX has been reported by CNN to be offering free internet service to anyone that can tap in at a time when the government is desperately trying to tame the flames of violent protests. If this didn't involve a compromised oligarch like Musk, the citizens would benefit from the service.

Sadly, fellow South Africans, it may be too late to block him from owing a powerful tech system in our country, because his satellites are already buzzing around in the sky above our heads like the minibuses that roam around our townships and cities. That horse has bolted.