Public Interest SA opposes Starlink B-BBEE exemption: ‘This is dangerous territory’

Thabo Shole Mashao (In for Clement Manyathela on 702) speaks with Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA and Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa

Listen below:

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has proposed a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) exemption for satellite companies.

This would allow Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in South Africa despite not meeting B-BBEE requirements.

Starlink could provide satellite-based internet access to underserved or difficult to reach areas without relying on local infrastructure.

Public Interest SA is opposing the exemption, arguing that it will set a dangerous precedent.

“It signals a willingness to bypass South Africa’s legislative frameworks for the benefit of a foreign multinational owned by a US tech oligarch while marginalising local empowerment imperatives.”

- Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA

He adds that Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has overstepped his role with this proposal, as this should fall to the Department of Trade and Industry.

“This is dangerous territory we are treading in.”

- Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA

RELATED: Starlink should be in the mix; SA needs as much connectivity as it can get - tech expert

Maimane argues that B-BBEE needs to be rethought entirely, and not just relaxed for foreign companies.

“Rather than looking at this narrowly, through Starlink we need to look at broadly and see what new legislation we can enact to achieve what Mr Malatsi is trying to do.”

- Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa

“It is not about removing redress. It is about asking how we can do it better for the next generation.”

- Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa

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