Latest news with #Icasa
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Climate
- 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
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Icasa seizes StarlinK's satellite intenet equipment in SA
South Africans have found ways around the current restrictions by registering the kit and services in neighbouring countries. 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. BEE laws 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. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. However, some South Africans have found ways around the current restrictions by registering the kit and services in other nearby nations, such as Lesotho, which allows the service, and then using the roaming option to access it in their home country. WATCH: Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi speaking about Starlink ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi says that Starlink has been operating illegally in SA. He says they have recently confiscated equipment belonging to SpaceX, which owns Starlink, from a company called ICASAsePush in the Northern Cape. The company has been providing Starlink… June 3, 2025 ALSO READ: Bad news for illegal Starlink users in SA Starlink's illegal equipment seized Icasa chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi, told Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday that they had conducted an investigation in the Northern Cape and had written to SpaceX to confirm that its services were being used in South Africa. 'Upon hearing all these issues, we actually went out on an investigation in the Northern Cape. We confiscated equipment which related to SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink. 'Anyone found in this country providing a service without the required authority, it's illegal. So, this company, IcasaSePush, has been providing equipment, and obviously, they have a commercial agreement with SpaceX,' said Ramusi. SpaceX's response Ramusi added that Icasa has written to SpaceX on 21 May 2025 to get confirmation regarding claims that people were using Starlink illegally in South Africa. 'SpaceX has since responded, and I must say that the response worried me as well as a chair[person], because whilst they recognise that operating in a country without proper permits, is not permissible the company IcasaSePush, they (SpaceX) indicated to us as an authority that they've now instructed them to seize operating or even distributing any equipment that is aligned to their business, especially in this country'. Internet With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink offers an opportunity to bridge the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users. Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. ALSO READ: Malatsi gazettes policy direction to possibly allow Musk to operate Starlink in SA [VIDEO]
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Starlink orders ICASAsePush to halt operations in South Africa as regulator Icasa cracks whip
Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi wrote to SpaceX, seeking clarity on whether the international internet service provider was operating in South Africa without a licence. Image: Supplied Elon Musk's international internet service provider Starlink has informed ICASAsePush, a privately-owned company reported as the leading provider of Starlink internet services in South Africa, to cease its local operations following the intervention of South African authorities. The Starlink directive through its parent company SpaceX to ICASAsePush came after South Africa's Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) wrote to Musk's company, seeking clarity after widespread allegations surfaced purporting that Starlink services are available in South Africa. IOL has recently reported that Starlink has not applied for a licence to operate in South Africa, despite claiming that broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) laws are preventing his company from setting up. In South Africa, Starlink is listed at 'service date is unknown' while it is starting in 2025 in Lesotho, Namibia, Tanzania, Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its services are available in eSwatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Burundi, among other African countries. Speaking to IOL, Icasa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi said he has written to SpaceX, seeking clear answers on whether the international service provider was operating in South Africa without a licence. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'I must indicate and confirm that, as an authority, we wrote to the company SpaceX because we wanted to get affirmation ... because sometimes you have fake news and as an authority, with the limitations we have in terms of monitoring equipment and tools, I took it upon myself, supported by council and our exco, and SpaceX has responded, and I must say the response worried me as well, as the chair. 'While they recognise in a country without proper permits is not permissible, they indicated to us they have now instructed them, ICASAsePush, to cease operations and even distribute any equipment that is aligned to their business especially in this country. 'From a security point, that is an issue which should be a concern to us as an authority. Because we collaborate with other state institutions, I have immediately, on behalf of the authority, engaged with Sansa (South African National Space Agency) our national space agency and among other things they do, they providing tracking, tracing and control for those that launch satellites all over the world so we have a very good state of the art facility in this country. Ramusi said he has engaged with security cluster agencies in South Africa as well as Icasa being on the ground, engaging with different communities seeking to identify any illegal activities. 'Part of our collaboration is to bring in other institutions because this requires collaboration. If security is at risk, as an authority, being part of the international telecommunications union, all member states have made a commitment that, as and when you provide services in any country you must observe the local rules. In this instance, as an authority, we just want to instill discipline that as much as we encourage to come to South Africa, if you know that you have equipment that requires spectrum, come to the authority, and that;s what I would like to encourage. Ramusi said SpaceX has confirmed that Starlink services in South Africa have been provided through ICASAsePush. 'They have indicated a company called ICASAsePush. I have got the evidence. They (SpaceX) have written to them instructing them to cease whatever operations that they have. 'My worry is, obviously as an authority is, what kind of a workaround is making it possible for somebody, even when we have instructed SpaceX to cease their operations. With internet, you need to inform those that are providing the service your downlink and your uplink signals should be shut down. That is the instruction we have done as an authority, so I would be more worried if anyone comes today and says that they do have evidence that somewhere in this country, somebody has been able to connect. On its website, IOL found that ICASAsePush prides itself as a trusted facilitator helping South Africans access 'Sparkling' — 'quickly, simply, and without the usual hassle'. ICASAsePush's website also states: 'Diligent copyright lawyers have advised that we can't call a spade a spade - so we now proudly refer to it as Sparkling. Sparkling is a satellite-based internet service. It delivers fast, uncapped internet to homes and businesses - especially in rural or remote areas where traditional options fall short'. 'We source, import, test, and deliver Sparkling hardware directly to your door, handling everything from customs to courier. Whether you choose to buy outright or rent-to-own, we also facilitate your Sparkling account setup if needed — all while keeping you in full control.'
Sky News AU
02-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Anti-Jewish sentiment in the US ‘intensifies' following Colorado attack
Haceb is a Colombian company specializing in the manufacturing and marketing of household appliances. Headquartered in Copacabana, in the northern part of Medellín, the company distributes its products under the Haceb and Icasa brands through authorized dealers across Colombia and in international markets, including the United ... read full story
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
ICASA probes alleged unlawful use of Elon Musk's Starlink in SA
Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has started a probe into allegations that Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Starlink internet-satellite service was operating in the country illegally. Icasa said it has taken note with 'serious concern', about recent reports alleging that Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, may be offering its services in South Africa without the requisite authorisation. Warning Icasa Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi said they have instituted a formal investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and to gather the relevant facts and evidence 'In the interim, Icasa has deployed inspection teams to conduct physical verifications in the affected areas. This operation is being executed in collaboration with other relevant organs of state to ensure a coordinated and lawful response. 'Should the investigation yield any breach with regulatory and legislative frameworks, the authority will explore the applicable enforcement actions within its disposal, which may include, amongst others, lodging a formal complaint,' Ramusi said. Ramusi said Icasa has also formally engaged SpaceX to seek clarity on the reported activities and is currently awaiting a response. ALSO READ: Malatsi gazettes policy direction to possibly allow Musk to operate Starlink in SA [VIDEO] Starlink Icasa published a general notice under Government Gazette no 49777 reiterating that all entities offering electronic communications services within South Africa are required to comply fully with the applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after South African-born Elon 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. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. BEE bypass Last week, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi published a policy direction to provide alternatives to pave the way for the Starlink satellite internet service in the country. Malatsi issued the directive two days after President Cyril Ramaphosa met his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington to 'reset' strained relations following false claims of 'white genocide' and attacks against Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, a statement also made by Musk, who attended last week's meeting in the White House's Oval Office. ALSO READ: WATCH: Starlink not debated with Trump, Ramaphosa says Parliament However, Malatsi was summoned to a briefing by Communications portfolio committee chairperson Khusela Diko on the recently published policy directive. Malatsi and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies officials gave a presentation on Tuesday on how the proposed regulation was formulated, stating that one of the main objectives was to create an environment where competition could thrive. 'It is the lack of competition in the market that appears to be the greatest impediment to lower prices for consumers'. Illegal connections Meanwhile, South Africans have found ways around the current restrictions by registering the kit and services in other nearby nations like Lesotho that allow the service and then using the roaming option to access it in their home country. With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users. Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. ALSO READ: EFF threatens legal action over plans to offer Elon Musk's Starlink [VIDEO]
