South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that Starlink was not discussed during his White House meeting with President Trump. He noted South Africa’s familiarity with low-orbit satellites and emphasized that there are multiple companies interested in this technology beyond Starlink. Ramaphosa called for public input in crafting the investment environment while addressing ongoing bilateral issues between South Africa and the US.
In a noteworthy statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified on Tuesday that discussions regarding Starlink were not a part of his recent White House visit. Meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ramaphosa specified that, contrary to popular belief, Starlink—the satellite internet service associated with Elon Musk—was not a topic of conversation. “Many people believe that we went to Washington to discuss Starlink. That is not so,” he informed journalists after his address at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in South Africa.
Ramaphosa further elaborated on South Africa’s engagement with low-orbit satellites, affirming the nation’s familiarity with the technology required for Wi-Fi and internet access. He emphasized that several companies, in addition to Starlink, are involved in this sector. “There are several other companies, including Chinese, Russian, European companies, as well as local companies interested in the field,” he mentioned, pointing out the diverse landscape of potential competitors in the market.
He underscored that the focus should not solely rest on one provider, indicating that, “People tend to focus on one company only, and yet, we’ve got a plethora of companies that would want to get into this space.” This addresses the misconceptions circulating regarding South Africa’s technology and investment ecosystem, which he believes requires thoughtful crafting and permissions.
The South African president also stressed the need for significant public input and stakeholder engagement in shaping the investment environment for technology companies. The proposed process aims to facilitate broad discussions with a wide range of participants, including both key industry players and ordinary citizens. This inclusive approach is intended to promote a more robust framework for investment, ensuring that it benefits all parties involved.
Ramaphosa’s White House meeting with Trump last Wednesday primarily centered around bilateral relations and trade issues, against a backdrop of rising tensions concerning Trump’s controversial assertions regarding the treatment of white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa. Ramaphosa firmly rejected these claims, which have garnered considerable media attention. This visit aligns with recent developments, including the US’s decision to welcome white South African refugees.
This context highlights a multifaceted approach to international relations for South Africa, as the government navigates investment opportunities while also addressing sensitive social issues both domestically and internationally.
In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified that discussions regarding Starlink were not part of his agenda during his meeting with President Trump in the White House. He highlighted South Africa’s familiarity with satellite technology and emphasized the presence of various companies interested in the sector, beyond just Starlink. Ramaphosa advocated for a comprehensive investment environment that includes public and stakeholder participation, showcasing a broad vision for technological advancement in the nation amid ongoing discussions surrounding bilateral relations with the United States.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
