The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni Diko, has formally written to Minister Solly Malatsi requesting a comprehensive written explanation, together with all related documents, regarding any meetings held with Starlink and Tony Leon’s Resolve Communications.
The allegations were made by former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and then Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, during a recent media interview.
During the interview, Steenhuisen alleged that Resolve Communications, which is owned by former DA leader Tony Leon, facilitated engagements between members of the government and private-sector clients, including Starlink.
In her letter to the Minister, the Chairperson notes that the allegations, which remain untested, are of a serious nature.
According to Diko, the allegations also raise questions about the propriety of engagements between public office-bearers and private interests in matters that may relate to policy development, regulatory processes and executive decision-making.
“At face value, these allegations invoke concerning historical precedents in our country, where private interests sought to direct government policy and executive decisions during the State Capture era,” said Diko.
She also emphasised that, “while the allegations have not been established as fact, it is incumbent upon the committee, in the execution of its constitutional oversight mandate, to satisfy itself that all engagements involving the executive are conducted in accordance with the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.”
Furthermore, Diko said the letter was intended to afford the Minister an opportunity to provide a comprehensive written response to the matters raised in the media reports.
Malatsi has until Monday to submit his detailed written response, together with any supporting documentation.
