Malatsi: Communications sector's proposed policy changes already provided for in law

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi has once again moved to defend proposed policy changes in the sector, saying he's not attempting to do anything not already provided for in law.

Many believe the regulations are being designed to benefit foreign satellite company Starlink, the company of tech mogul Elon Musk.

On Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a former communications minister, said no discussions were had with Musk during government's visit to Washington last week.

Malatsi has been at odds with political parties in Parliament this week - including the African National Congress (ANC), over regulations that would forego Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements for communication operators in favour of equity equivalents.

READ: Malatsi defends policy directive to ease company transformation targets and BEE requirements

Responding to member’s statements in the National Assembly on Thursday, Malatsi again sought to explain the move, telling the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party that he was working within the prescripts of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act, passed during the administration of their leader, Jacob Zuma, in 2014.

“This is not some invention by a villager from Limpopo called Malatsi. It’s there in the rules.”

Answering questions at a post-Cabinet briefing earlier in the day, Ntshavheni also defended her actions as a former communications minister.

“We’ve never considered Starlink. I’ve never said that. I said South Africa considered developing or introducing satellite communication in the country.”

Malatsi said the new regulations will create a more competitive environment for multiple operators.