Policy directive ‘not a conspiracy to bring Starlink' into SA, says Malatsi
He insisted the process of engaging the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) around looking at the possibility of easing black economic empowerment (BEE) policies in the ICT sector for multinational companies started long before President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
'I make that point to showcase there is no conspiracy on our part with regards to the policy direction. There is no underhand effort in darkness to railroad this into the SA public,' said Malatsi.
He was called before the portfolio committee on communications and digital technologies after gazetting on Friday a policy directive that seeks to relax BEE regulations in the ICT sector which were seen as a move to open the door for Starlink.
Musk has refused to comply with licensing conditions that require a foreign company seeking to enter the ICT sector to give away 30% shareholding to black economic empowerment partners.
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