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IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Short cuts can be costly, counterproductive and dangerous, Minister Malatsi
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi defending his ICT policy and denying affording special treatment for Starlink. He is pushing for the sector regulations to be "aligned" with transformation laws through equity equivalent investment options. Image: X/IOLGraphics If the BS by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi that his directive proposing the relaxation of the BBBEE regime had nothing to do with Elon Musk and his Starlink business didn't jeopardise the core of what South Africa is about I would have simply joined the many good, law-abiding citizens who simply laughed it off. But this is serious. Here we're talking about our Constitution, our noble and well-intentioned laws, our national honour and sovereignty, our post-1994 dispensation's foundation and so on. Malatsi's timing has been described as 'deeply unfortunate' by some, but I'd like to label it as very revealing about him and very cheap. Even primary school kids could see the minister's slip showing very plainly as he ran around like a headless chicken, somersaulting backwards and forwards to fling the gates open for the tech billionaire bully while still pledging support for our national transformation project. But all this sound and fury by the minister won't amount to much. His proposal may simply be rejected, as it has been 'roundly' repudiated by the parliamentary committee that summoned him to explain his actions. Which will bring all of us back to square one. Malatsi and his ilk may have been watching too much TV. Watching US President Donald Trump riding roughshod over everything he dislikes by sitting down and signing executive orders can be very tempting for any ambitious politician. But that's not how laws are made in functional democracies like our Mzansi. This is not to say the minister is simply crazy – like Trump and Musk. There's some method in his madness. He's trying to deal with an extremely challenging malady that has infected global trade and business in general and has had a fast-acting corrosive effect on the rules, etiquette, culture and other good things everyone used to take for granted. Thankfully, South Africa is still a democratic nation. The processes for law making and amendment are well known and still stand. And we generally take our sweet time before anything gets done. So, why rush now? My advice for the minister, or anyone wanting to quickly remove these hurdles standing in front of our good potential international investors would be to simply follow and trust the established processes. Short cuts can be costly, counterproductive and dangerous.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johann Rupert's influence on Elon Musk's Starlink in South Africa
Elon Musk's Starlink faces BEE egulatory easing in South Africa after White House meeting Image: IOL Graphics In a dramatic turn of events, less than two days after a tense White House meeting allegedly facilitated by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite venture appears to be facing new regulatory easing in South Africa. This development follows a series of high-stakes political manoeuvres, sparking debate on the influence of global business titans and their intertwined relationships with national policies. During a White House meeting that drew widespread attention, Rupert reportedly told officials to facilitate Musk's entry into the South African market. A meeting, which included President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump, was marked by contentious exchanges. Trump, in particular, launched unfounded allegations of genocide against South Africa, a narrative critics say was influenced by Musk after the country refused to soften its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. President Ramaphosa, under pressure to defend South Africa's democratic values and policies, struggled to articulate the nation's stance. Meanwhile, Rupert, citing concerns over crime and economic stagnation, urged that Starlink's launch be prioritised. 'We need Starlink in South Africa,' Rupert declared, emphasising the importance of technological advancement for the country's future. Regulatory Changes and Growing Tensions Following these developments, IOL approached the BEE Commission on Thursday to determine whether its regulations might be revised to accommodate Musk's satellite business. While initially seeking an extension, it was reported on Friday that the government gazetted BEE amendments to ease licensing requirements for satellite service providers like Starlink. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Experts suggest this move may be part of a broader effort to attract international technology investments, but critics warn of potential biases. In March, IOL published an investigation questioning whether Musk was leveraging BEE laws to destabilise South Africa's economy through targeted sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Political and Business Dynamics Political analyst Joe Mhlanga commented on Musk's influence: 'He's a businessman deeply involved in US politics. Musk's relationship with Trump and his wealth gives him significant leverage. When South Africa refused to relax BEE laws, Musk appeared to use his political connections to push for favourable regulations.' 'Musk's involvement extends beyond South Africa. The tech billionaire has shown a pattern of exerting influence, including donating millions to Trump's campaigns and criticising South Africa's expropriation and BEE policies as 'openly racist.' She added that such statements had fuelled diplomatic tensions, with some accusing Musk of weaponising his influence to serve personal and corporate interests. Industry Voices and the Call for Fairness In March, South Africa's telecom industry body, the Association for Communications and Technology (ACT), urged ICASA, the country's telecom regulator, to approach the regulatory review fairly. Phila Sithole, ACT's head of industry research, emphasised the importance of a level playing field. 'We support the review, but it must be transparent and non-discriminatory,' Sithole said. 'Regulations should benefit the entire sector, not just one company.' Speaking to IOL, former South African ambassador to the US, Welile Nhlapo, highlighted the broader implications 'Our goal should be to attract investments that align with our development agenda. Large-scale projects like Starlink can be beneficial if managed strategically.' The Rupert Family and South Africa's Political Ties Amid these developments, rumours have circulated suggesting Rupert may have played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating Ramaphosa's engagement with Trump. Political analyst Professor Tumi Senokoena warned against oversimplifying such claims, emphasising the complex history between the Rupert family and the African National Congress (ANC). 'The relationship predates Ramaphosa's presidency,' Senokoena explained. 'Anton Rupert's influence on political and economic spheres was strategic and enduring. 'Cyril Ramaphosa's ties to the Ruperts go back decades, through his roles in the labor movement and business interests.' He stated that historically, Anton Rupert maintained a nuanced relationship with the ANC, leveraging his vast wealth to influence policy indirectly. 'This legacy has persisted in the activities of Johan Rupert, who remains one of Africa's most influential investors through Richemont and other holdings.' Global Influence and Future Directions Senokoena argued that the Ruperts' global reach means their fortunes are closely linked to South Africa's economic health. 'Their investments are sensitive to international sanctions and economic policies. They benefit from stability but are also vulnerable to disruptions.' Looking ahead, South Africa faces a delicate balancing act—navigating foreign influence, domestic policy, and economic growth. The recent moves around Starlink reflect broader geopolitical tensions, with implications for the country's sovereignty and development trajectory. While figures like Rupert and Musk wield substantial influence, their actions are rooted in a complex web of historical relationships and economic interests. Professor Senokoena asserted, 'Understanding these relationships helps us see that South Africa's future appears to heavily depend on a few Afrikaner individuals who continue influencing the policy direction of this country.' IOL Politics
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen accompany Ramaphosa for crucial meeting with Trump
One of South Africa's richest men, renowned businessman Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are reportedly part of the high-level South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington. Image: IOL Graphics One of South Africa's richest men, renowned businessman Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are reportedly part of the high-level South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington. Ramaphosa will meet Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, as the Pretoria government seeks to reset the damaged relations with the US, a key trading partner and investor in South Africa. According to media reports, Ramaphosa has included the golfers in his arsenal, seeking to appeal to Trump who loves the sport. Speculation has been rife over the audience Ramaphosa will receive from Trump, following the dressing down given to visiting Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in February. IOL has previously reported that since his inauguration, Trump has cut aid to South Africa, and has offered South African Afrikaner an opportunity to relocate to the US as refugees. So far, the first batch of 49 Afrikaners has arrived in the US. US President Donald Trump has made good on his promise to cut funding to South Africa over the government's land expropriation policy and resettle white farmers, insisting that their land is being expropriated. 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 ✕ President Donald Trump. Image: AFP Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters has lambasted the inclusion of Rupert on the delegation. "The Economic Freedom Fighters condemns in the strongest terms the inclusion of Stellenbosch billionaire Johann Rupert in a South African delegation that is set to meet with President of the United States of America Donald Trump to mend diplomatic, trade and economic relations between the two nations," said national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. "In what can only be described as capture and an exhibition of the undue influence of big business in an interaction between two nations premised on democracy and sovereignty, Trump and Ramaphosa have allowed their benefactors and funders to influence and control the relations between South Africa and the United States, undermining the people of both nations. "Elon Musk and Johann Rupert are two sides of the same coin. Both are egoistical businessmen who parade their control over the presidents of these two nations and both hold a considerable stake in both of these economies. They are both racist to the core and are opposed to transformation and equity because it threatens their ill-gotten wealth and control over the political fortunes of the United States and South Africa," he said. Weekend Argus
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tee off: Johann Rupert, golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen join Ramaphosa in crucial Trump meeting
One of South Africa's richest men, renowned businessman Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are reportedly part of the high-level South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington. Image: IOL Graphics One of South Africa's richest men, renowned businessman Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are reportedly part of the high-level South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington. Ramaphosa will meet Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, as the Pretoria government seeks to reset the damaged relations with the US, a key trading partner and investor in South Africa. According to media reports, Ramaphosa has included the golfers in his arsenal, seeking to appeal to Trump who loves the sport. Speculation has been rife over the audience Ramaphosa will receive from Trump, following the dressing down given to visiting Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in February. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL has previously reported that since his inauguration, Trump has cut aid to South Africa, and has offered South African Afrikaner an opportunity to relocate to the US as refugees. So far, the first batch of 49 Afrikaners has arrived in the US. US President Donald Trump has made good on his promise to cut funding to South Africa over the government's land expropriation policy and resettle white farmers, insisting that their land is being expropriated. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ President Donald Trump. Image: AFP Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters has lambasted the inclusion of Rupert on the delegation. "The Economic Freedom Fighters condemns in the strongest terms the inclusion of Stellenbosch billionaire Johann Rupert in a South African delegation that is set to meet with President of the United States of America Donald Trump to mend diplomatic, trade and economic relations between the two nations," said national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. "In what can only be described as capture and an exhibition of the undue influence of big business in an interaction between two nations premised on democracy and sovereignty, Trump and Ramaphosa have allowed their benefactors and funders to influence and control the relations between South Africa and the United States, undermining the people of both nations. "Elon Musk and Johann Rupert are two sides of the same coin. Both are egoistical businessmen who parade their control over the presidents of these two nations and both hold a considerable stake in both of these economies. They are both racist to the core and are opposed to transformation and equity because it threatens their ill-gotten wealth and control over the political fortunes of the United States and South Africa," he said. IOL News
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Facing Trump in the White House, Ramaphosa has one job: Defend South Africa's sovereignty
President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for a pivotal meeting with Trump, where he must defend South Africa's sovereignty against aggressive US policies. Image: IOL Graphics On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will walk into the lion's den, the White House, to face a man who has made it his mission to humiliate South Africa on the global stage. Donald Trump's second term in office has brought with it a wave of renewed aggression towards countries that dare not toe American imperialism line. South Africa, with its unwavering support for Palestine, its transformation agenda at home, and its refusal to bend to Western pressure, has been placed squarely in Trump's firing line. Aid has been cut. Long-standing development programmes, including life-saving ones like PEPFAR, have been frozen. And in a move reeking of political theatre and racial undertones, Trump has pushed through an expedited programme to grant white South Africans - specifically Afrikaners - refugee status in the United States based on an imaginary 'genocide'. Now, Ramaphosa is in Washington for what the presidency has billed as a 'reset' of relations. While the stakes are high, Ramaphosa must not go there to beg. If Ramaphosa grovels, he not only undermines South Africa's sovereignty - he reinforces the very narrative Trump wants to sell to the world: that South Africa is broken, its policies racist, and its leadership desperate. That is not the South Africa we are. And it is not the leadership this moment demands. 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 ✕ What Ramaphosa should do is what South Africa has always done best on the global stage: negotiate from strength, not submission. Despite our challenges, South Africa still holds cards that Washington cannot ignore. We are a critical mineral powerhouse , the world's largest producer of platinum, a major supplier of manganese and vanadium, and a vital node in the global green energy and defence value chain. With the US in a race to decouple from China's mineral dominance, South Africa is more than a partner, it's a strategic necessity. We are also the gateway to the African continent, the most sophisticated financial and logistics hub south of the Sahara. The JSE, our banks, our ports, our tech sector, they still matter, even if Trump would rather pretend otherwise. Then there's our role as chair of the G20 this year. Trump may not care about multilateralism, but his advisers do. And if Washington wants traction in Africa or the Global South, it's going to need Pretoria, whether Trump likes it or not. Ramaphosa must use this meeting to assert those strengths, calmly and confidently. Offer cooperation on trade, on security, even on migration, but only on equal footing. Not as a supplicant but as a sovereign head of state. And he must not give an inch on transformation. South Africa's policies on land reform, economic justice and equity were born of our country's painful history and not Donald Trump's Truth Social tantrums. These are not up for negotiation. The biggest mistake Ramaphosa could make is to appease Trump and his white nationalist acolytes. To soften our stance on Israel, to dilute our domestic agenda in return for a photo-op and a hand shake will not be diplomacy, it would be surrender. Instead, he must speak with the moral clarity of a leader who knows his country is imperfect, but principled. A country that may be struggling, but still stands for something. History will remember this meeting not for how Trump behaved, but for how Ramaphosa responded. We cannot control the bully in the room. But we can control how we face him. *** Lee Rondganger is the deputy editor of IOL IOL Opinion
