The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, accusing him of attempting to bypass South Africa’s laws to allow SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service to operate in the country.
The party claims Malatsi is using a Ministerial Policy Directive to sidestep provisions of the Electronic Communications Act and the ICT Sector Code, which regulate ownership and transformation in the telecommunications sector. According to the EFF, the directive would allow foreign satellite network operators, including Starlink, to avoid the 30% Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) local ownership requirement.
In a statement, the EFF said the directive would permit companies to meet BEE obligations through alternative measures, such as infrastructure contributions, rather than equity ownership. The party argues this would undermine efforts to protect and transform South Africa’s telecommunications industry.
The EFF has accused Malatsi of exceeding his authority by using a policy directive to override legislation passed by Parliament. The party further claims the move weakens the role of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which has reportedly raised concerns about the legality of the proposed directive.
The Red Berets said they would oppose the policy through parliamentary processes and legal action if necessary, adding that any changes to transformation requirements should follow proper legislative procedures.
The Minister has not yet publicly responded to the EFF’s allegations.