Starlink could become a test case of how far the ANC is prepared to dilute equality laws to attract investment and whether the pro-business Democratic Alliance — a key member of South Africa’s fragile government of national unity — is prepared to risk the stability of the coalition by pushing its opposition to Black empowerment.

The president vowed to cut all funding to South Africa over what he called a human rights violation, a move that reflects Elon Musk's repeated and false claims.

Elon Musk has waded into South African politics just as SpaceX is seeking a licence to operate in the country.