Controversial Starlink directive raises tension within GNU

THE Government of National Unity (GNU) is facing fresh challenges following a controversial policy directive issued by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

The Government Gazette, issued on Friday, is widely seen as an attempt to clear the path for Elon Musk's Starlink to operate in the country by bypassing the strict 30% historically disadvantaged groups (HDG) ownership requirements and replacing them with a less stringent "equity equivalent" model.

The policy has drawn immediate condemnation from the ANC, the EFF, and Rise Mzansi, who accuse Malatsi of executive overreach, undermining the nation's transformation framework, and selling out South Africa's digital sovereignty to foreign interests.

The issue that pits the DA's pro-business, deregulation stance against the ANC's commitment to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and national security. Malatsi is a senior DA member.

The directive allows foreign satellite network operators, like Starlink, to substitute black equity ownership with "equity equivalent" investment programmes, such as investments in digital infrastructure.

Malatsi argues this "reinforces the need for regulatory parity," will "attract more investment," and help expand high-speed internet access to underserved communities.

However, his political partners and rivals are not convinced.