South Africa's Communications Minister addresses Starlink's empowerment pathway and regulatory challenges
via The Citizen4 min read
South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, stated that it is legally impossible for his ministry to offer an Equity Equivalent Investment Programme EEIP to multinational companies like Starlink. Eligibility for EEIPs is determined by national legislation and regulations, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ICASA is the sole authority for granting individual licenses. EEIPs are a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment B-BBEE initiative for multinationals that cannot meet the standard 25% black ownership requirement, allowing them to earn empowerment points through investments in training, skills development, and local enterprise instead of selling equity. However, ICASA's current regulations for telecommunications licensing only recognize ownership by historically disadvantaged groups as a valid measurement for individual licenses, creating a misalignment with the B-BBEE Act and ICT Sector Code which acknowledge EEIPs. This regulatory discrepancy prompted Malatsi to issue a Policy Direction in May 2025, urging ICASA to consider revising its ownership regulations to align with the B-BBEE Act and ICT Sector Code. Malatsi clarified that this directive is not about any specific company, including Starlink, but aims to harmonize the regulatory environment, increase investment and competition in the ICT sector, and provide South African consumers with more choice and better access to connectivity. ICASA chairperson Mot
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.