Why Many South Africans Aren’t Interested in Starlink Despite Viral Somalia Tweet

A post claiming Somalia has Starlink before South Africa sparks debate, revealing cost concerns and deep distrust of Elon Musk.

Social media debate erupts after claims Somalia has Starlink before South Africa, with many locals rejecting the costly service and Elon Musk’s brand.

A viral tweet stating that “Somalia has Starlink before South Africa” has triggered a wave of reactions online most of them dismissive of the satellite internet service’s relevance or desirability in South Africa.

Somalia has Starlink before South Africa. Let that sink in. https://t.co/ehbekKTJhL

— RooiKop Stiefkind (@G1ngerNomad) August 5, 2025

Many South Africans responded by questioning the point of the comparison. Some sarcastically suggested that the original poster move to Somalia, while others asked what tangible benefit Starlink would bring to a country like Somalia, with one comment reading: “Will it stop the war?”

The biggest reason for the lack of enthusiasm appears to be cost. Starlink’s monthly fees and equipment prices are far beyond the reach of the average South African household, making it inaccessible to most. For many, it’s a product for a small, wealthier segment of the population rather than a game‑changer for nationwide connectivity.

However, price is not the only factor. Some South Africans openly reject Starlink because of distrust toward its founder, Elon Musk. Critics often reference Musk’s privileged upbringing during apartheid and past comments made by him and his father that they view as misleading or offensive about South Africa. For these individuals, avoiding Starlink is as much a political stance as it is a financial one.

Others argue that enthusiasm for Starlink in South Africa is largely driven by a narrow group often wealthier or white urban users while the majority rely on more affordable fibre and mobile data options. Some have gone as far as to claim that “paid bots” are artificially pushing pro‑Starlink sentiment online.

The debate underscores a wider reality: for most South Africans, the priority in internet access is affordability and reliability, not acquiring the latest high‑tech solution especially when it’s linked to a figure they distrust.

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