Cape Town – The debate over SpaceX’s Starlink entering South Africa has intensified after DA Minister Solly Malatsi directed the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ease strict Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules.
These rules, requiring local ownership, have blocked Starlink because SpaceX maintains 100% ownership of its subsidiaries.
Malatsi argued that relaxing these rules would expand high-speed internet access, citing public support.
“Today we gazetted the final policy direction on the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme in the ICT sector, following a draft published in May,” Malatsi wrote in his post on X.
“The purpose of this policy direction is to ensure that the full scope of economic empowerment is properly recognised and applied. We received over 19,000 submissions on the draft, with 90% supporting the policy direction for the regulatory clarity it provides and its potential to expand access to high-speed internet.
“The final policy direction reinforces regulatory parity. It does not favour any entity, bypass the Electronic Communications Act, or weaken transformation.
Today we gazetted the final policy direction on the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme in the ICT sector, following a draft published in May. The purpose of this policy direction is to ensure that the full scope of economic empowerment is properly recognised and applied.
We… pic.twitter.com/tdPgZlNInK
— SollyMalatsi (@SollyMalatsi) December 12, 2025
However, the ANC and EFF condemned the move, calling it an unlawful bypass of Parliament.
They warn that allowing Starlink could threaten local telecom jobs, pose security risks, and favour foreign interests over national priorities.
“It mirrors a troubling trend where ministers belonging to the DA seek to bypass parliament by reforming laws through directives rather than following democratic legislative processes, said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu in a statement.
The African National Congress (ANC) is deeply concerned by the Government Gazette issued on 12 December 2025, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi. The Gazette introduces policy directions that exceed the Minister’s legislative authority,… pic.twitter.com/yD7LQvl1zE
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) December 13, 2025
“The minister claims to have received 19 000 submissions on the draft, asserting that 90% of these support the policy direction, citing the regulatory clarity it provides and its potential to expand access to high-speed internet.”
DA officials maintain the directive does not bypass transformation requirements but aims to prevent international firms from being excluded when local ownership isn’t feasible, stressing the urgent need for broader internet access in South Africa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
