Latest news with #CommunicationsandDigitalTechnologies
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
South Africa and China agree to collaborate on AI and innovation
The aim is to unlock collaborative research, innovation and application of AI in critical sectors, such as education, agriculture and public service delivery. SA's communications ministry delegation (right) engage their Chinese counterparts during a visit to China. Picture. Communications Ministry. South Africa and China have agreed to formally advance a proposed memorandum of understanding on artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation between the two nations. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi led a South African delegation on an investment-focused visit to China. Engagements took place in Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, aimed at securing support for South Africa's digital transformation. Engagement The aim is to unlock collaborative research, innovation and application of AI in critical sectors, such as education, agriculture and public service delivery. Their collective mandate was also to engage Chinese partners on projects that could accelerate connectivity, enhance digital skills and support inclusive innovation across South Africa. With South African-born Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service still evading the country, the delegation engaged with the China Satellite Network Company (CSNC), exploring the development of a satellite broadband initiative to improve last-mile connectivity in rural and underserved communities. 'This aligns with South Africa's commitment to closing the digital divide and enhancing access to education, healthcare, and digital public infrastructure,' the department of Communications and Digital Technologies spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, said. ALSO READ: Malatsi initiates bold plan to expand broadband connectivity across SA Broadband connectivity Moloto added that the delegation also held talks with the Export-Import Bank of China, where the department highlighted the urgent need for increased development financing to support South Africa's digital infrastructure rollout, particularly the expansion of broadband connectivity to remote and disadvantaged areas. 'As part of efforts to increase digital access, the minister visited the headquarters of Chinese technology companies, including Honor and Huawei. 'These engagements formed part of a broader initiative in support of our campaign for smart devices for learners and entrepreneurs,' Moloto said. Affordable devices In February, Malatsi took steps to accelerate access to more affordable smart devices and smartphones. He first mentioned lowering the price of smart devices in October last year when he initiated plans to expand broadband connectivity across South Africa. The country has been stuck in a rut due to limited internet connectivity in rural areas, digital skills, technology and expensive data. Moloto said 'exciting partnerships' were secured during the visit to China, which will be announced in the coming days. ALSO READ: South Africa on track to regulate artificial intelligence Future networks He said delegation also participated in a roundtable hosted by the China Branch of the Brics Institute of Future Networks, which brought together major Chinese ICT firms to explore collaboration on broadband expansion, smart device accessibility and digital skills development. 'The discussions reflected growing international interest in South Africa's digital policy direction and economic potential.' The delegation also attended the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. 'These engagements highlighted the rapid pace at which AI is transforming the world and reinforced the urgency for global collaboration in ensuring that AI technologies are inclusive, ethical and development-oriented,' Moloto said. ALSO READ: Another SA neighbour gets Musk's Starlink
The South African
12-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
'We'll never allow it': EFF vows to 'stop' Starlink in SA
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have doubled down on the rejection of Starlink being granted a licence to operate in South Africa. This comes after Elon Musk's internet satellite service company is reportedly planning to 'work around' the country's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which require a stake in local shareholding for foreign investors. Musk has repeatedly slammed the transformative legislation as a 'racist law', he claims discriminates against him as he is 'not black'. Addressing parliament on Friday, 11 July, EFF spokesperson Sinawe Thambo rejected Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi's plan to introduce equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to transformative legislation like BEE. He said: 'This is a proposal we've objected to because the so-called alignment would require an amendment to legislation. And can't be achieved through a ministerial policy directive.' Elon Musk's plan to launch Starlink in South Africa has been met by heavy opposition. Images via X: @starlink Referring to Starlink creator Elon Musk, Thambo continued: 'We will never allow Starlink, which has weaponised misinformation and captured the White House, to erode US and South African diplomatic relations in order to ease business access in South Africa. 'We view that as economic and diplomatic terrorism. Even if Starlink were to meet equity equivalence requirements, there's a security threat that it poses. That means it must never be allowed to operate in South Africa. And we will never allow it to do so'. In May, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction for his department on EEIPs, which are considered 'alternatives' to transformative legislation. Without mentioning Starlink, the minister claimed that the policy would 'attract investment,' specifically in operating licensing. The minister revealed that current legislation for foreign investments 'did not allow companies to contribute to transformation goals in ways other than traditional ownership'. Last month, Business Day reported that Starlink, which falls under SpaceX, is looking to invest over R2 billion in South Africa as part of its prospective deal to operate in the country. The internet satellite company will reportedly finance infrastructure to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is made up of 16 countries. The move is thought to be a way to 'work around' local BEE policies, which require foreign investors to hold 30% of the local shares. 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
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Minister Malatsi's policy direction on EEIPs faces backlash from Cosatu
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction on the role of EEIPs in the ICT sector, aiming to provide policy certainty and attract investment. Image: X/IOLGraphics Cosatu has expressed concerns over the proposed policy direction on equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs) in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction on the role of EEIPs in the ICT sector, aiming to provide policy certainty and attract investment. The policy direction allows companies to meet empowerment obligations through alternatives to 30% ownership, such as investing in local suppliers, enterprise development, and job creation according to Malatsi. However, Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks, said the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act provides two options for investors that include a 30% shareholder option or an equity equivalent option. 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 The trade federation giant believes that the BBBEE Act is inclusive and provides accommodating options for all investors and not only for the wealthy. The federation is concerned that the proposed policy direction might allow companies like Starlink to bypass BBBEE requirements. "It's critical that Starlink, like all other investors, comply with the BBBEE Act, whether it is the shareholder or equity equivalent option," Parks emphasised. Parks cited examples of companies like IBM and Microsoft that have utilised the equity equivalent option. Cosatu argues that exempting one company from BBBEE requirements would be unfair. The Black Business Council's (BBC) spokesperson Masedi Sesele also shut down the idea saying it would be 'bending of legislation' to accommodate an individual or company. 'Legislation is there for all to comply with, no exception. Otherwise, the country will become lawless…The BBBEE legislation together with the Codes of Good Practice prescribes that any company wanting to do business in South Africa should implement all the elements of the BBBEE codes being ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development. We don't know how the rumoured R2 billion is going to implement those important elements." Malatsi, through his spokesperson Kwena Moloto, said the policy direction sought to provide the 'much-needed' policy certainty to attract investment into the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, and specifically with regards to licensing for broadcasters, internet service providers, mobile networks, or fixed and mobile networks.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Malatsi outlines four areas to propel SA into the digital era
Malatsi said SA has entered a new era where AI and digitalisation are rapidly impacting every person, home, and industry. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has placed digital inclusion at the heart of its developmental agenda, outlining four focus areas to propel the country into the digital era. Malatsi unpacked the four areas of focus during his welcome address at Huawei South Africa Connect 2025. Connecting SA The platform brings together government, industry, and innovators, collaborating to build an inclusive digital economy that connects South Africans 'not just to technology, but to real opportunities, dignity, and hope.' Malatsi said the platform is a reflection of the country's shared commitment to using technology to solve challenges and create new opportunities for institutions and for South Africans. 'I must take this opportunity to thank Huawei for always stepping up when I've called on them to support our efforts to expand access to smart devices. Their consistent willingness to assist has fast-tracked our ability to put smart devices in our people's hands,' Malatsi said. ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA New era Malatsi said the country has entered a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are rapidly impacting every person, home, and industry. 'I remain encouraged by the potential of technologies like AI, 5G, and cloud computing to advance our national priorities. 'As one of the leading digital hubs on the continent — and as the current holder of the G20 Presidency — South Africa is not only embracing new technologies, we are helping to shape how they are applied across the continent and the globe,' Malatsi said. Malatsi said during his current term, the following elements are where he and his department will prioritise as must-achieve goals. Devices The first is working towards achieving 100% connectivity in South Africa by 2029. 'Through SA Connect Phase 2, we are extending broadband access to schools, clinics and libraries in underserviced areas,' Malatsi said. He said this includes concluding the Broadcast Digital Migration process to free up spectrum, expanding 5G infrastructure, and modernising public facilities with open-access fibre. 'We have also seen access to devices being addressed by removing the 'smartphone tax' for phones that cost less than R2 500. This is a meaningful step toward reducing barriers for low-income households to access smart devices. It is one small step in a long journey of eliminating barriers to affordable smart devices.' ALSO READ: AI could be a game changer for South Africa, says Malatsi Skills Malatsi said South Africa is investing in digital skills. He said digital inclusion means nothing without the ability to use technology meaningfully. 'Through the national Digital and Future Skills Strategy, our aim is to empower 70% of the population with basic digital skills by 2029. 'This includes integrating digital literacy into basic education and scaling community-based learning initiatives. These efforts target not only students, but also job seekers, workers in transition, and vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy,' Malatsi said. Productivity Malatsi said his department is also promoting the productive use of digital technologies to ensure that connectivity translates into real opportunities. 'This means using the internet not just for entertainment, but as a tool to access government services, run online businesses, reach new markets and connect with job opportunities'. Support Malatsi said his department is determined to make South Africa the most attractive destination for ICT investment on the continent. 'That means providing policy certainty, reforming procurement systems, while upholding our national transformation goals. 'We have already taken important steps, including issuing the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) policy direction to unlock private sector investment and reforming SITA's procurement model to improve delivery and enable competition,' Malatsi said. Consultative process Malatsi said his department is also launching a consultative process to conduct a comprehensive review of South Africa's legislative and policy landscape. 'Through this process, we will co-create a regulatory environment that is conducive for inclusive growth, innovation and competition in the ICT sector. 'These four priorities form the foundation of our strategy to build a digitally inclusive, innovative, and high-performing digital ecosystem for all South Africans,' Malatsi said. Malatsi said gatherings like South Africa Connect matter because it enable government, industry, innovators, and civil society to align efforts, leverage resources, and deliver tangible solutions that directly impact citizens. ALSO READ: Malatsi initiates bold plan to expand broadband connectivity across SA
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
HONOR 400 and 400 Pro launch in South Africa: A new era of smartphone photography
The HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro have officially launched in South Africa, extending the brand's AI-first approach to photography and creative tools. Unveiled at Kyalami Racecourse on Thursday night, the launch offered early access to HONOR's most advanced imaging experience yet, including features usually expected from flagship releases. Among the first to test the devices were creators, developers, and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, reflecting the growing intersection of AI, mobile tech, and digital policy. HONOR is now ranked No. 2 in market share locally, with an ambitious goal to reach No. 1 by 2028. What sets this release apart is not just what's included but what's arriving first. The HONOR 400 and 400 Pro debut Google Cloud's Veo 2-powered Image-to-Video tool, giving users an exciting way to transform stills into cinematic video clips in seconds. That old picture of a young gogo in the 70s can now move. It also introduces an industry-first 50× telephoto zoom via the main camera, using AI to sharpen distant details without a bulky lens. The series includes tools such as: AI Erase Passers-by, using AI to automatically identify pedestrians in photos and remove them. AI Deepfake Detection , a first at this tier which can detect whether the participant in a video call is using deepfake technology. A 6.7-inch OLED display with 5000nits Peak Brightness and 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery with a big storage 12+512G Available now from R12,999 for the HONOR 400 and R17,999 for the HONOR 400 Pro , both devices are stocked at Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C. Each purchase includes R8,000 worth of added value: the HONOR Watch 2i, HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite, and an HONOR Choice Powerbank 10000mAh, until July 31, 2025. For those looking for the edge without the excess, this is one of the most compelling smartphone launches of the year. The Star
