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IOL News
3 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi's insights on Starlink and South Africa's digital sovereignty
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. Image: X / IOLGraphics Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty and the recent gazette he issued to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently under way at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos, Sentech CEO Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist Manav Daby, among others. Malatsi delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. "We are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Speaking on the sideline of the conference, Malatsi said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the US - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' Cape Argus
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi addresses Starlink concerns, insists the country's data must be protected
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to not only explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty but that the recent gazette he issued is to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist, Google Cloud, Manav Daby, among others. The minister delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. He mentioned how through collaboration between the public and private sector, South Africa has quickly become a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing. 'To fully unlock the potential of data as a national asset, that further drives our competitiveness, economic growth and public service delivery, the government is committed to a regulatory framework that creates that environment for growth, and does not stifle innovation. 'At the same time, we acknowledge the responsibility of protecting our national and public interest in aspects of our data. The past few years have demonstrated the growing confidence that global cloud leaders have placed in South Africa, and our strategic approach to data sovereignty,' Malatsi said. He said that the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied 'Our approach is based on four basic pillars - firstly, by acknowledging that not all data is equally sensitive and requires the same level of regulation (that) we are implementing in a risk-based approach. So it is this distinction between general commercial data and critical sovereign data that our national policy on data and clouds allows for the free-flow of this data, while (still) protecting our national interest. Malatsi said government is serious about creating a regulatory strategy which will help pursue by aligning data regulations with international best practices. 'Thirdly, we realise the importance of developing world-class digital infrastructure so that we can demonstrate to the rest of the world that we are truly open for business and that we can take them also beyond the boundaries of Cape Town. 'We believe the expansion of local data regions and data centres is crucial for this purpose. He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. 'And lastly, we are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Malatsi, speaking on the sideline of the conference said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the United States - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' [email protected]
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking data sovereignty: Minister Malatsi's vision for South Africa at Africa Tech Week 2025
At Africa Tech Week 2025 Minister Malatsi unveils South Africa's ambitious strategy for data sovereignty, amidst a surge of investment from global tech giants. As South Africa cements its position as a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing in Africa, the government is taking decisive steps to ensure the country remains both competitive and secure in an increasingly digital world. At Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, set to take place from 3–4 June 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, will deliver a landmark address on South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty . This keynote comes at a pivotal time, as global tech giants such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft continue to invest heavily in African infrastructure. The Minister will outline how South Africa is aligning regulatory frameworks with international best practices to attract investment while safeguarding national interests. Key highlights of the address will include: Regulatory reforms aimed at balancing innovation with cybersecurity compliance ● Promotion of renewable energy for data facilities to support sustainable growth ● Building a secure digital ecosystem that supports global cloud leaders and local innovators alike Policy initiatives to ensure data sovereignty and protect citizen information. The session promises to be a defining moment for policymakers, enterprise leaders, and technology stakeholders seeking clarity on how Africa's most advanced digital economy is navigating the complex intersection of regulation, security, and growth. Streaming the Future: Sentech hosts panel on unlocking growth in media & OTT Services Also featured prominently on Day 1 of the conference is a high-level panel discussion hosted by Sentech, titled: 'Streaming the Future: Unlocking Growth in Media and OTT Services'. As traditional broadcasting continues to evolve into digital-first platforms, the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) services represents both a challenge and a massive opportunity for Africa's media industry. This panel will bring together top executives to explore how infrastructure providers and tech innovators can collaborate to expand access, enhance content delivery, and monetise new digital audiences across the continent. Panellists Include: Kopano Thage, Chief Commercial Officer – Media Business, Sentech Shoeshoe Qhu, CEO, Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Yokow Quansah , Managing Director, Broadsmart The conversation will cover: Data-driven viewer insights to improve engagement and retention Local content strategies that resonate with African audiences Next-generation streaming technologies that overcome bandwidth limitations Partnership models between broadcasters, tech firms, and regulators to enable scalable growth With Africa's digital audience growing rapidly, this session will provide actionable insights into how the continent can harness its creative potential while building a robust, future-ready media ecosystem. Sponsors Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to innovation and progress is helping drive Africa forward. A special thank you to: Platinum and Naming Rights Partner: Sentech SOC Gold Sponsor & Premium Digital Partner: / InterviewMe Ltd ● Host City Partner : The City of Cape Town Crypto Coffee Counter Sponsor: Binance Silver Sponsors: Softswiss , Absa Bronze Sponsors: XLink , The AdHive Group , Africa Data Centres , and InDrive ● Premium Showcase Sponsors : LexisNexis South Africa, GoSolr (Pty) Ltd, Pula Management, Nutanix and Dell Technologies Showcase Counter Sponsors: Zoho , OneX , Accso South Africa , 4IRI , Geeks4Learning / Reverside , Etapath , Astraia Technology , SETSIBI IT Support Services , ITTHYNK AI Photobooth Sponsor: Gold Otter Media Lifestyle Partner: Isanti Glass Strategic Partners : UVU Africa , BPESA , Good Governance Africa , Promedia Out of Home , StartupGrind Cape Town , Tractor Outdoor , Financial IT , Cape Times , and IOL Join the movement Media representatives are invited to attend and report on the event. For press accreditation or interviews with speakers and organisers, please contact: Thabiso Mohlabeng – For general event inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or speaker details: marketing@ Visit for full agenda, registration,and updates. Get Tickets: About Sentech Africa Tech Week Africa Tech Week is a flagship event focused on unlocking digital transformation across the continent. Hosted by Topco Media in partnership with Sentech, the conference brings together visionaries and innovators to explore how technology can accelerate inclusive economic growth and development in Africa. Let's build Africa's digital future—together. Partnered Content
The South African
12 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Starlink triggers black ownership row in South Africa's parliament
South Africa's proposal to amend the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act has provoked political outrage, with Elon Musk's Starlink at the forefront. The retaliation responds to Solly Malatsi's (Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies) Friday announcement, recommending they restructure the Electronic Communications Act, which requires 30% of foreign telecoms equity to be black-owned. Malatsi's proposition occurred two days after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House, during which Cape Town-based billionaire Johann Rupert requested Musk's technology to tackle the nation's high murder rate. Starlink is yet to operate in South Africa as several neighboring countries grant access. Portfolio committee chair and African National Congress (ANC) member Khusela Diko declared Malatsi's scheme as bending the rules for Musk in a Parliamentary hearing on Tuesday. Moments later, Economic Freedom Fighters member Sixolise Gcilishe said, 'We are not going to accept a situation where our laws are going to be rewritten in Washington.' Meanwhile, ANC's Tshehofatso Chauke saw the policy as a threat to domestic business owners, believing it to offer an 'opportunity for international players to come through the back door' and 'favor big business rather than the interests of South Africans and those who are previously disadvantaged.' Democratic Alliance member Malatsi denied that Starlink played a role in the recommended policy change, stating that the amended framework had been internally discussed since around September of last year. 'We are not attempting to open a special dispensation for Starlink or any other company or an individual… There is no conspiracy on our part with regard to this policy direction,' Malatsi stated. The Minister revealed his intentions were driven by the need to attract investment and tighten business regulations. He believes the policy to be as domestically benefiting as the current BEE requirements, outlining that the reform offers foreign companies two avenues: an equity equivalent scheme or 30% black ownership. 'We advocate for smarter, scalable approaches that deliver meaningful impact and restore policy clarity, consistency, and investor confidence,' South Africa's Association of Communications and Technology said in a statement supporting Malatsi. The proposal has divided South Africa's cabinet, with some calling for legal intervention while others believe it doesn't object to current domestic laws. South Africa's BEE act, introduced after the conclusion of Apartheid, has been infamously criticized by Pretoria-born Starlink CEO Musk, who views the policy as 'openly racist.' Starlink has become increasingly prevalent in Africa – connecting pockets of rural Africa to fast internet – while steering clear of South Africa but operating in neighbors Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Other African locations include Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Benin. South Africa's lawmakers will continue to discuss Malatsi's policy reform, suggesting that, amid the backlash, the door remains narrowly open to restructuring the ICT sector's current black ownership requirements, enabling Starlink to open up shop. 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.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Starlink 'Deal' Exposes BBBEE Ideological Fault Lines
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2024. Of major concern is the notion that Starlink is the only, or even the best, option for satellite internet is misleading, says the writer. Image: Picture: Presidency Reneva Fourie ON MAY 23, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, issued a policy directive proposal offering alternatives to broad-based black economic empowerment. This follows a policy directive to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requiring it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. These announcements coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the United States. A deal with Starlink was publicly advocated in a public session related to the meeting. Some critics believe that the directives have been introduced specifically to help Starlink enter the market in a way that isn't completely straightforward. This concern is reasonable. During a meeting with the Portfolio Committee on 27 May, Minister Malatsi discussed the purpose of these new directives but struggled to explain why such major changes are needed. This uncertainty has left many people questioning who will benefit from these directives. Despite the controversy, it is essential to acknowledge that South Africa does face substantial connectivity challenges, especially in remote and underserved areas. According to ICASA's 2025 State of the ICT Sector Report, 3G and 4G coverage is nearly universal, with 3G at 99.79% and 4G at 99.07%. However, broadband quality remains a pressing issue. The report reveals that South Africa ranks 102 out of 154 countries in fixed broadband speed, with average download speeds at 48.51 Mbps and upload speeds at 39.75 Mbps. Furthermore, only 82.06 per cent of the country has broadband access, mainly driven by terrestrial fixed wireless broadband, highlighting the persistent digital divide, particularly in rural communities. The national broadband strategy, SA Connect, was intended to bridge this gap, but its implementation has faltered, failing to deliver on its promise of accessible, high-quality, and affordable connectivity. Against this backdrop, satellite internet offers an appealing solution. It has the potential to rapidly extend internet access to rural and hard-to-reach areas without the massive infrastructure investment required for terrestrial networks. It is within this context that many view the entry of operators like Starlink as a potentially valuable development if managed equitably and transparently. The framework that governs the provision of electronic communications services (ECS) and networks (ECNS) in South Africa is dictated by the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). Under the current regime, new entrants must obtain individual ECS and ECNS licences from ICASA. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies grilled Minister Solly Malatsi on his draft policy directive relating to the Equity Equivalence Investment Programme and applications for licencing in the ICT sector, Cape Town, May 27, 2025. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers However, such licences are not readily available and can only be issued if the Minister of Communications and Technologies issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA). As it stands, the only feasible route is through the acquisition of licences from existing holders, a process both cumbersome and time-consuming. Compounding this challenge is the ECA's requirement that licensees must be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals or groups. This stipulation is a cornerstone of South Africa's efforts to address systemic economic inequality and is a critical component of the B-BBEE framework. The Minister's policy directive allows for multinationals to make EEIPs as an alternative to direct equity transfer. While this provision aims to uphold the spirit of empowerment, it also introduces a degree of flexibility that, if abused, could undermine the transformative goals of the original policy. The core concern for many observers is not the inclusion of satellite operators per se, but the apparent preferential treatment of Starlink, a company led by Elon Musk – who has a contentious relationship with South Africa and has been accused of using his international platform to discredit the country. Reports suggest that Musk has lobbied extensively for Starlink to bypass the B-BBEE regulations, advocating for preferential procurement and regulatory exemptions. In December 2022, Starlink indefinitely paused its plans to launch in the country. Nevertheless, companies that facilitate the import and activation of Starlink's regional roaming services have brought Starlink kits into the country prompting ICASA to issue a formal notice declaring that using Starlink locally is illegal. The timing of the directives, shortly after engagements with former President Trump – a Musk ally – has fuelled speculation that the Minister's policy interventions are politically motivated and tailored to facilitate Starlink's market entry without due legislative or regulatory process. If true, this would not only set a dangerous precedent but also effectively bypass Parliament, thereby undermining the rule of law and institutional checks and balances. Another major concern is the potential erosion of South Africa's regulatory integrity. Licensing under the ECA is a tightly governed process intended to ensure that all market participants are subject to the same rules and standards. In addition, ICASA is refining a Licensing Framework for Satellite Services. By issuing directives that circumvent these established protocols, the Minister risks destabilising the sector and weakening ICASA's authority. Of major concern is that the notion that Starlink is the only, or even the best, option for satellite internet is misleading. Alternative providers such as China's Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company offer more advanced technology with significantly higher transmission speeds. Satellite service providers should be selected based on the best strategic choice for the country. South Africa needs to proceed with caution as it works through the challenges of expanding its digital services, updating regulations, and managing relationships with other countries. While providing everyone with internet access is important and urgent, the approaches taken must be affordable, reliable, transparent and fair. If South Africa decides to allow satellite companies into the market, it should still follow the laws already in place or make appropriate changes through Parliament. Additionally, foreign companies should not be allowed to push aside local policies that aim to support economic fairness and social justice. South Africa must stand firm against pressure to make decisions that benefit a small group of people at the cost of the larger community. The country's future in technology relies not just on making sure people can connect but also on fair governance and upholding the law. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
