Minister planning a preferential mechanism for Starlink through a pointless policy directive
10 June 2025 - 14:07
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Communications minister Solly Malatsi. Picture: GALLO IMAGES/OJ KOLOTI
Communications & digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi knows multinationals that are prohibited from selling equity by global practice qualify for recognition of their equity equivalent contributions in the place of the sale of assets (“Rules for foreign telecom operators not aimed at Starlink, Malatsi tells MPs”, May 27).
Malatsi also knows the department of trade, industry & competition is the custodian of policy that drives the wheels of these contributions, for such entities to fulfil the priorities of broad-based BEE. Strangely, Malatsi chooses to reinvent the wheel.
Ideally, Starlink would apply for exemption if it’s unable to sell a 30% stake to a broad-based group of black investors. It could thereby append a programme outlining how it would contribute towards building a competitive and sustainable black-owned satellite service ecosystem.
It clear that Malatsi is manoeuvring to offer a preferential mechanism to waive Starlink’s obligation through a pointless policy directive.
Morgan Phaahla Ekurhuleni
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 200 words may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LETTER: Malatsi reinvents the wheel
Minister planning a preferential mechanism for Starlink through a pointless policy directive
Communications & digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi knows multinationals that are prohibited from selling equity by global practice qualify for recognition of their equity equivalent contributions in the place of the sale of assets (“Rules for foreign telecom operators not aimed at Starlink, Malatsi tells MPs”, May 27).
Malatsi also knows the department of trade, industry & competition is the custodian of policy that drives the wheels of these contributions, for such entities to fulfil the priorities of broad-based BEE. Strangely, Malatsi chooses to reinvent the wheel.
Ideally, Starlink would apply for exemption if it’s unable to sell a 30% stake to a broad-based group of black investors. It could thereby append a programme outlining how it would contribute towards building a competitive and sustainable black-owned satellite service ecosystem.
It clear that Malatsi is manoeuvring to offer a preferential mechanism to waive Starlink’s obligation through a pointless policy directive.
Morgan Phaahla
Ekurhuleni
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 200 words may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
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