Nokukhanya Mntambo | May 26, 2025
Last week, Malatsi's division issued a policy directive in public comments that has sparked speculation that the government has shaking to bending Musk rules.
JOHANNESBURG – Communications Minister Solly Malatzi was able to join the grill in Parliament after the Communications Portfolio Committee summoned an order that would allow South African billionaire Elon Musk to see the land of Starlink.
This sparked speculation that the government was shaking to bending musk rules after Malatsi's division issued a policy directive for public comments last week.
If passed, the policy loosens the Affirmative Action Act, which requires telecommunications foreign investors to sell 30% of their local entities to historically underprivileged groups in order to qualify for a business license.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies said the proposed policy was not intended to overturn the country's transformation agenda.
Instead, it includes provisions for companies to participate in the equity equivalent program.
This will result in foreign companies investing in programs targeting equity, skill development and economic inclusion.
In a statement released in X, Communications Portfolio Committee Chairman Xerradiko said Maratz must come before the assembly to explain what she appears to be violating the Electronic Communications Act.
Dico further described it as an attempt to avoid the law through policy instructions that are not worthy of the written paper and explicit invitations to litigation.
In X's reply, Maratz said he would honor his invitation to Tuesday's meeting.
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