Story perspectives

South Africa's B-BBEE Directive Sparks Controversy Over Starlink

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Solly Malatsi, South Africa's Communications Minister, issued a policy directive on B-BBEE in the ICT sector.
The MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters accuse the directive of bypassing parliamentary processes and favoring Elon Musk's Starlink.
Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya defends the directive as lawful and aligned with the B-BBEE Act.
The dispute reveals growing divides over foreign investment and local ownership requirements in telecommunications.

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Story summary

Solly Malatsi, South Africa's Communications Minister, issued a policy directive on B-BBEE in the ICT sector.
The MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters accuse the directive of bypassing parliamentary processes and favoring Elon Musk's Starlink.
Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya defends the directive as lawful and aligned with the B-BBEE Act.
The dispute reveals growing divides over foreign investment and local ownership requirements in telecommunications.