South Africa had the chance to give rural communities, schools, farmers and businesses access to the best satellite internet technology in the world.

Government said no.

Starlink remains excluded, not because it underperforms, but because it does not meet ownership requirements. Meanwhile, government appears prepared to welcome a so-called competitor with zero commercial satellite customers anywhere in the world.

In the enclosed video, Gerhard Papenfus explains why this is not empowerment. It is a policy choice that trades excellence for ideology, and South Africans lose either way.