
B-BBEE licensing requirements for satellite service providers
JOHANNESBURG - Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, has gazetted a proposal to ease B-BBEE licensing requirements in the ICT sector.
WATCH | Big law firms lament new BBBEE laws
This mean businessman, Elon Musk's, Starlink could operate in South Africa.
Musk has complained about BEE laws that require that ICT companies are 30% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.
The new policy direction will allow foreign companies to meet BEE requirements rather through what is called equivalent investment programs.
The Editor in Chief and Publisher of Stuff Magazine, Toby Shapshak discussed this with eNCA
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Mail & Guardian
3 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
There is no genocide in South Africa – but there is billionaire disinformation
US President Donald Trump. What unfolded recently in the Oval Office — a meeting between US President Donald Trump, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Elon Musk, Johann Rupert, and DA leader John Steenhuisen — was a shameful display of misinformation, disinformation, elite self-preservation and racial scapegoating. It was a calculated act of fear-mongering and a spectacle of national chauvinism of the US state. Trump's tirade about a genocide against white people, or more specifically white farmers, in South Africa is not only factually wrong, it is morally grotesque. Especially in the context of the real genocide taking place in Gaza and which is being televised live around the world. According to reports by the Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) champions a pan-African agenda. Race is a social construct, not a biological reality; it is shaped by history, politics and culture rather than rooted in genetics. There is only one race and that is the human race. By referring to a section of the population in South Africa who happen to have a white skin as refugees, especially a section of the population who benefited unfairly under the apartheid regime, is disingenuous at best. One apartheid-era example is job reservation where all white collar work was reserved exclusively for 'whites only'. It also makes a mockery of the plight of human beings fleeing war, conflict and persecution based on their political beliefs, sexual orientation and so forth; fleeing for their lives. Trump's fear-based rhetoric is echoed by US officials such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are leveraging disinformation to justify racist immigration policies. It also informs the practice of many European countries and others such as Australia, which are embedded in repressive measures taken against people fleeing countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These can only be seen as racially informed policies to keep refugees out, based on a racist trope of 'cultural difference'. Rupert's presence in the White House was a masterclass in elite deflection. He spoke about building homes for his grandchildren while ignoring the millions of children growing up in South Africa's informal settlements, excluded from land and opportunity by the very class Rupert belongs to. Rupert accumulated his wealth through the unfair privilege that he enjoyed simply because of the colour of his skin. So to talk about transformation and redress is to talk about how apartheid's systemic construction of inequality remains a reality. Rupert also referred to undocumented migrants as 'aliens' — a term that reeks of apartheid-era violence, recalling the Aliens Control Act, which dehumanised African workers while Rupert's empire was fattened by the exploitation that was the legal framework of apartheid. Today, that legacy continues. But words such as equality and science are anathema to Trump. It is no surprise that Trump uses false and unsubstantiated information, because it is Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon that are vehicles for the spreading of misinformation and toxic hatred. Big Tech firms increasingly operate above the regulatory grasp of governments. And the more toxic and divisive the information that is shared such as the claim of 'white genocide in South Africa', the more profits these companies make. Those US-based tech corporates own the vast majority of the world's digital nervous system and they use this to spread misinformation, lies and unsubstantiated statements. What we saw in the Oval Office was global apartheid in action. The apartheid of the rich and the poor. The apartheid of the excessively rich. This wealth distribution and inequality is informed by an era of the existence of a global empire shaped by multi-tech companies that have a monopoly and domination of global markets and are economic powerhouses. These multi-tech companies are the ones who have coined the phrase 'precarious work', which has impoverished and stripped the dignity of hundreds of millions of workers. There are serious problems in South Africa, but they are not unique to us. Around the world, and very much including Trump's US, it is the greed, cowardice, corruption and inhumanity of those who hold political power and who hoard wealth and dodge taxes, that drives systemic poverty, unemployment and crime, not the poor and not migrants. The Trump-led US state, like most of the states in the Global North, is choosing to ignore the real global crises — climate refugees, displaced people, economic migrants and the genocide in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians are being killed. Whole neighbourhoods flattened. Hospitals bombed. Journalists assassinated. You don't get to preach about justice and peddle lies about 'white genocide' when you not only ignore but support actual crimes against humanity. We call on every worker, activist, migrant, and citizen to reject the myth of the 'invading alien' and stand firm against the real threat: a global billionaire elite desperate to protect its position and power at any cost. Stand in solidarity with the struggle for equality and justice in the world. Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia is a coalition of organisations united against xenophobia.


The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Elon Musk blasts Donald Trump's mega-bill as 'disgusting abomination'
Tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump erupted as the world's richest man derided the president's key piece of economic legislation in a startling rupture just days after exiting a controversial job in the White House. Musk was lauded by the Republican leader as he left his advisory role atop Trump's 'Department of Government Efficiency' last week, despite criticism over his failure to deliver on promises of radical spending cuts. 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,' Musk posted on X as he followed its progress from the sidelines, in by far his most caustic remarks on Trump's agenda. 'Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.' It was not Musk's first comments on Trump's so-called 'big, beautiful bill' which is set to add $3 trillion to US deficits over a 10-year horizon, despite deep cuts to health and food aid programmes. But Musk's previous criticism was more restrained, with the Tesla and SpaceX magnate offering only that it undermined his cost-cutting efforts. On Tuesday he said the bill – being considered by Congress – would burden 'citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.' His post laid bare an increasingly tense relationship between the White House and Musk, who donated almost $300 million to Trump's 2024 election campaign. Musk has become disillusioned, US media reported, as his goals for White House action that would benefit him personally have gone unrealised. The bill he was criticising cuts the electric vehicle tax credit – bad news for Tesla – while Axios reported that Musk was rebuffed in his efforts to extend his role beyond the statutory 130-day limit. He also failed to have his Starlink satellite system used for air traffic control, according to Axios, and was angered by Trump withdrawing the nomination of Musk ally Jared Isaacman to be NASA chief. The normally pugilistic Trump has pulled his punches, aware of his biggest backer's enormous influence over young, tech-savvy and historically apathetic voters – a key Trump constituency in 2024. 'The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill, it doesn't change his opinion,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a rapid response to Musk's tweet. The spat came with House Republicans set to pass legislation sent from the White House to enshrine into law $9.4 billion of DOGE's cuts, mostly money destined for public broadcasting and foreign aid. House Speaker Mike Johnson called Musk's comments 'disappointing,' adding that he had walked the entrepreneur through the bill on Monday, and that he 'seemed to understand.' As the world's richest person bowed out of his role as Trump's cost-cutter-in-chief, their relationship appeared on an even keel as the Republican hailed his fellow billionaire's 'incredible service.' Trump even insisted that Musk was 'really not leaving' after a turbulent four months in which the South Africa-born tycoon cut tens of thousands of jobs, shuttered whole agencies and slashed foreign aid. DOGE led an ideologically driven rampage through the federal government, with its young 'tech bros' slashing tens of thousands of jobs. But its achievements fell far short of Musk's original boast that he could save $2 trillion – more than the government's entire discretionary spending budget for 2024. The DOGE website claims to have saved taxpayers less than a tenth of that total – just $180 billion – and fact checkers even see that claim as dubious, given previous inaccuracies in its accounting. Senate Democrats released a report on Tuesday itemising 130 examples of 'unethical or potentially corrupt' administration actions they say have helped Musk dodge regulation and add $100 billion to his wealth. The report came as senators began what is expected to be a fraught month of negotiations on Trump's mammoth policy package, expected to add between $2.5 trillion and $3.1 trillion to deficits over a decade. Trump said on Monday it was 'the single biggest Spending Cut in History,' although he added: 'The only 'cutting' we will do is for Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse


The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Counterfeit alcohol in SA
Here's your daily news update for Wednesday, 4 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, research shows how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the South Africa's overall alcohol market. Meanwhile, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa says Elon Musk's SpaceX has been operating its Starlink satellite internet service illegally in the country. Furthermore, EFF leader Julius Malema has dismissed concerns over former party deputy president Floyd Shivambu's move to parliament with the MK party. Weather tomorrow: 5 June 2025 The weather service has warned of damaging winds in KwaZulu-Natal, while a weekend cold front is expected to deliver icy conditions, snow, and rough seas across inland and coastal areas. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. How you could be drinking counterfeit alcohol without knowing Illicit alcohol traders are making a fortune selling knock-off liquor to unsuspecting and desperate patrons. Euromonitor International, in partnership with Drinks Federation South Africa (DFSA), this week revealed the runaway popularity of the illicit alcohol trade. Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock Between traders prioritising profits and consumers choosing cheaper options, the country is missing out on just over R10 billion, excluding Value-Added Tax (VAT), on untaxed spirits alone. Through desk research, store visits and surveys across multiple geographic and income demographics, Euromonitor illustrated how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the country's overall alcohol market. CONTINUE READING: How you could be drinking counterfeit alcohol without knowing Icasa seizes Starlink satellite-internet equipment in South Africa [VIDEO] The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) says Elon Musk's SpaceX has been operating its Starlink satellite internet service illegally in the country, and that it has recently confiscated equipment belonging to the company. Starlink has returned to the spotlight in the country following a policy directive from Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, which aims to pave the way for the satellite internet service's legal entry into the South African market. Starlink internet-satellite equipment. Picture: iStock Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after Musk and US President Donald Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as BEE laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. CONTINUE READING: Icasa seizes Starlink satellite-internet equipment in South Africa [VIDEO] 'Ayakwini yena?': Malema says EFF unfazed by Shivambu's parliamentary return EFF leader Julius Malema dismissed concerns over former party deputy president Floyd Shivambu's move to parliament with the MK party, rhetorically asking, 'Ayakwini yena?' (Where was he going?), while reaffirming that his party's 'superior' presence in parliament remains unchallenged Speaking to the media outside the home of late actor Presley Chweneyagae in Soweto, where he had come to pay condolences, Malema addressed several pressing political issues, including Shivambu's new role, calls for black unity, and local governance matters. EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Neil McCartney/The Citizen The MK party on Tuesday removed Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general of the party. This follows an investigation into Shivambu's trip to Malawi to visit fugitive Pastor Shepherd Bushiri's Enlightened Church. CONTINUE READING: 'Ayakwini yena?': Malema says EFF unfazed by Shivambu's parliamentary return Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip Deputy President Paul Mashatile has disclosed that he spent R2.3 million on a single working visit to Japan in March 2025, with expenses including flights, accommodation, ground transport, restaurant services, and laundry costs. This latest revelation adds to previous travel expenditure totalling over R5.5 million since taking office in July 2024. Deputy President Mashatile. Picture: Gallo Images The revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Lerato Mikateko Ngobeni, who requested a complete breakdown of all official travel undertaken by Mashatile since assuming office on 3 July 2024. Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips since the specified dates. CONTINUE READING: Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week The last time it snowed in Johannesburg, Gauteng was on the 10th of July 2023 when the South African Weather Service (Saws) confirmed that various parts of the province was covered in a white. With the latest weather forecast and a cold front looming, Gauteng may once again be transformed into a winter wonderland next week. A snowman admires the snow that blanketed several areas in Gauteng. Picture: Twitter/@newslivesa According to Vox Weather, the mercury is expected to drop below 20°C as residents scurry to get their blankets out and keep warm. CONTINUE READING: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu removed as MK Party SG | Fuel levy hike goes ahead | Presley Chweneyagae memorial