Presidency stresses ICASA's independence on Starlink policy directive

The Presidency says telecommunications regulator ICASA should be given the space to independently assess the new policy directive that would allow Starlink to operate in South Africa under more flexible rules.

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi recently published a policy directive instructing ICASA to permit foreign investors to operate without being required to cede 30% equity.

READ: 'Political expediency': Malatsi dismisses calls to withdraw directive allowing Starlink BEE alternative

The move is widely seen as facilitating tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country without fully complying with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, the Presidency emphasised that while Malatsi’s policy directive is lawful, ICASA must independently review and consider it.

South African lawrequires foreign-owned telecommunications companies to hold at least 30% black ownership.

This mandate, which forms part of the B-BBEE framework, aims to address past racial inequalities.

However, tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly criticised the policy, claiming South Africa discriminates against white-owned foreign companies.

While Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya insists ICASA should be allowed time to independently judge Communications Minister Solly Malatsi’s policy directive, he says Starlink is not the only company interested.

“We should avoid the trap of getting fixated on Starlink. There are four or five companies that have expressed interest in providing their services here in South Africa. It’s not only Starlink.”

The ANC and EFF believe that Malatsi’s policy directive seeks to bypass BBBEE regulations.