JOHANNESBERG, July 7 – South Africa’s Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi, says the debate over Starlink’s licence application has grown beyond satellite broadband and is now centred on the government’s broader telecommunications reform agenda.
In a letter to Parliament’s communications committee, Malatsi rejected claims that his proposed policy changes were influenced by Starlink or its representatives. He said the plan to recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to local ownership requirements had been part of the Democratic Alliance’s 2024 election manifesto and the Government of National Unity’s Medium Term Development Plan before any engagement with the company.
The dispute stems from South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act, which requires network operators to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged South Africans. Starlink has been unable to obtain a licence under the current rules, while the proposed EEIP framework is seen as a possible alternative for multinational companies that cannot meet the ownership requirement.
Malatsi said he has met several satellite operators, including Starlink, Amazon LEO, China Satellite Network Company, Space24 and Spacesail, stressing that the discussions focused on industry capabilities and the country’s regulatory framework rather than individual licence applications.
He also denied claims that public affairs firm Resolve Communications influenced government policy or arranged meetings with Starlink. According to the minister, his only meeting with a SpaceX representative in September 2024 was facilitated by lawyer Robert Appelbaum, not Resolve Communications.
The controversy began after Parliament requested clarification over allegations that private interests may have sought to influence government decisions. Malatsi maintained that engagement with industry stakeholders is a normal part of policymaking and does not determine government decisions.
Parliament’s communications committee is expected to review the minister’s response before deciding its next steps, as the dispute continues to draw attention to South Africa’s approach to telecommunications regulation, foreign investment and competition policy.
