Latest news with #Pretoria-born
The South African
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Hello 54! Elon Musk recreates childhood birthday cake
Elon Musk celebrated his 54th birthday with a recreation of the cake he had for a childhood party while living in South Africa. The Pretoria-born businessman left his home in Pretoria at the age of 17 to study and live abroad. In an X post, one of Elon Musk's baby mama Shivon Zillis shared a side-by-side image of the billionaire businessman on his 54th birthday and a throwback one from his childhood. In both images, the world's richest man grinned over a birthday cake. Elon's latest celebrations featured a recreation of his childhood party cake. 'Happy birthday, rocket man', she posted. Although he is now a naturalised US citizen, Elon Musk has been an open book about his South African roots. The X owner attended Pretoria Boys High School – a prominent English/Afrikaans school in the metropolitan area of Pretoria (now Tshwane). After his parents' divorce, Elon Musk left SA with his mom and siblings, Tosca and Kimbal, to emigrate to Canada. They later moved to the US. Errol – who still lives in SA – speaks both English and Afrikaans fluently. Elon became a naturalise US citizen in 2002. IS ELON MUSK A KID AT HEART? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Miss World 2025: South Africa's Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg remains upbeat after early exit
Despite showcasing the qualities of a well-rounded global ambassador, Jansen van Rensburg did not make it into the top 40. Despite falling short of expectations at the Miss World 2025 finale in India, South Africa's Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg has emerged with her head held high and her spirit unshaken. At just 19, the Pretoria-born model and youth advocate represented her country with poise and passion, winning hearts with her intelligence and purpose-driven vision, even if she didn't walk away with the crown. Jansen van Rensburg had been in India for nearly a month leading up to the 72nd Miss World pageant. Her advocacy platform, 'Never Too Young to Advocate', had impressed judges at the national level in South Africa, earning her the title of Miss World South Africa in October 2024. The digital project she leads is centred on empowering youth through education, representation, and activism. Its core pillars: educate, graduate, and advocate, aim to equip young people with tools to be heard and recognised in meaningful spaces. Her passion project was developed long before the Miss World pageant, and according to organisers, she remained actively involved in youth-centred charity work during her time in India. Despite showcasing the qualities of a well-rounded global ambassador, Jansen van Rensburg did not make it into the top 40. The Miss World title ultimately went to Opal Suchata from Thailand, a result that surprised some South African pageant fans who had closely followed Zoalize's journey. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about her future. On an Instagram post she posted shortly after the finale she said; 'I can't wait to come back to our beautiful country. 'I see all your messages, I feel all your love, and I appreciate you all. We might not have gotten the result we expected, but never let this break our spirit.'
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
ATM calls for the ban of Elon Musk's Starlink in South Africa, citing legal concerns
The ATM has called for a total ban on Starlink operating in South Africa. Image: Reuters The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for the immediate banning of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite broadband service in South Africa, citing concerns over the company's alleged disregard for local laws and exploitation of resources. According to ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona, Starlink's operations in the country are not only unauthorised but also pose a threat to national sovereignty. The ATM's call for a ban comes after Pretoria-born billionaire Elon Musk claimed that Starlink was not allowed to operate in South Africa because he is not black, sparking controversy over the country's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations. However, the South African government has denied these claims, stating that Starlink is welcome to operate in the country, provided it complies with local laws. Further concerns over Starlink's operations in South Africa center around the company's alleged failure to follow local regulations and its potential impact on the country's economy. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "We voice our deep concern over yet another instance of foreign entities exploiting our resources, disregarding our laws, and undermining our national sovereignty," Ntshona said. The South African government has rejected Elon Musk's claim that Starlink is banned due to his race. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation previously said Starlink was welcome to operate in South Africa provided there was compliance with local laws. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has confirmed that Starlink has not applied for an operating license. The government has emphasised the need for compliance with local telecommunications regulations. The regulatory requirements for telecommunications services in South Africa include compliance with the country's BEE policies, which aim to promote economic transformation and equity. Foreign-owned companies, including Starlink, are required to sell 30% of their local equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
The South African
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Ultimate scam artist?': Trevor Noah on Elon Musk's antics
Trevor Noah has weighed in on the widespread criticism of Elon Musk, also a South African, who has been accused of spreading 'misinformation' about his country of birth. This follows the tech billionaire businessman's clash with the local government, which called on his satellite company, Starlink, to abide by transformation legislation. He's also addressed Afrikaner 'refugees' and claims that they are being persecuted. During an episode of his What Now? Podcast – titled Is Elon Musk the ultimate scam artist – Trevor Noah delved into the Pretoria-born billionaire's controversies. The South African comedian touched on topics like Elon's upbringing, his views on Apartheid, and how he has used that to further his business interests. Trevor Noah – who is also a US citizen like Elon – accused the X owner of being 'erratic', working through 'manic' episodes, and essentially manipulating his position of power and influence. Trevor said: 'Elon's plight with South Africa started when he wasn't able to launch Starlink in South Africa… Elon [took it personally] and was like 'I'm going to find a way to break the system 'He is supremely talented at finding the right lever to pull, and he will pull it'. During the episode, Trevor Noah also took a swipe at Afrikaner 'refugees' who recently arrived in the US. According to Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, South Africa's 'racist laws' and 'white genocide' Trevor joked about meeting the 'refugees' at his local golf club, where they complained about how 'tough' it was in SA. Of the US's refugee status offer to white South Africans, Trevor added: 'That is a joke, it's actually funny'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Starlink deal a threat to SA's sovereignty
Elon Musk has previously claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not Black, an allegation South African officials refuted. Image: AFP COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi's policy directive that could pave the way for Starlink satellite internet service to operate without the requisite BBBEE laws means the country's sovereignty has been held at ransom by people who have been throwing insults against it. "We are not against Starlink or the investment but against the changing of our laws to accommodate individuals and people who do not respect the country and its laws. We would have lost the country's sovereignty as no one is exempted from complying with the laws of the country,' said Black Business Council (BBC) CEO Kganki Matabane. He was reacting to reports that Starlink, owned by Pretoria-born billionaire Elon Musk, might operate in South Africa without meeting the 30% HDG (historically disadvantaged groups) ownership requirement in the ICT sector - through an Equity Equivalent Programme (EEP). According to Minister Solly Malatsi, easing B-BBEE licensing requirements will 'harmonise legislation' and boost competition, supporting the government's mission to expand reliable broadband access to underserved South African communities. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Malatsi's gazette under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa returned from his White House meeting with US President Donald Trump and Musk, has come under intense scrutiny. During this meeting, South African billionaire Johann Rupert, who was part of Ramaphosa's delegation, told Musk that the country needed to have a starlink satellite in every police station. However, Malatsi's spokesperson Kwena Moloto denied that the directive was drafted to allow Musk to bypass regulatory requirements and said the timing of the publication was a coincidence. Moloto said the minister is empowered by the EIPs, provided for under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (Act 53 of 2003) and the ICT Sector Code, to initiate the directive. "The minister is empowered by the BEE Act which allows qualifying multinationals to meet empowerment obligations through alternatives to 30% ownership - such as investing in local suppliers, enterprise and skills development, job creation, infrastructure support, research and innovation, digital inclusion initiatives, and funding for SMMEs."Despite the legal standing of the ICT Sector Code under the BBBEE Act, ICASA's Ownership Regulations do not fully reflect its provisions - particularly regarding deemed ownership and EEIPs. Therefore, this policy direction aims to ensure consistency, unlock investment, and give practical effect to the ICT Sector Code in line with national development goals, including transformation," Moloto said. Musk, who is also part of Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) team, has been leading the charge with false claims that there was white genocide in South Africa. They falsely claimed the signing of the Expropriation Bill into an Act was a way for the government to seize land from whites. Opposition parties have maintained that the US's hostile treatment of South Africa under the Trump administration was another way of pressuring the Ramaphosa-led government to accommodate Starlink. Build One South Africa Deputy president, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said if the government can bend the country's regulations for international businesses, it can do the same for the country's businesses. "BOSA calls on Malatsi, to make public the record of decision in this matter, so as to assure the people of South Africa that this was not a back door deal. This is not transformation, it's capitulation. "The message being sent is that if you are a powerful foreign billionaire, you can sidestep South Africa's laws, while our local businesses are forced to jump through hoops. What begins with special concessions, ends in state capture," Hlazo-Webster said. African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyolwethu Zungula called for the immediate withdrawal of the gazette saying: "This government gazette is nothing short of a shameless sellout to American oligarchs Elon Musk and Donald Trump - a move that spits in the face of our nation's transformation agenda. "By rolling out the red carpet for Starlink and other American corporations, the ANC/DA coalition is handing over our digital future to foreign hands, undermining local businesses, and betraying the very people they swore to uplift. This is not transformation, it is neo-colonialism dressed up as 'investment'."
