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EFF Slams Minister Malatsi’s Push to Let Starlink Operate Without Following SA Law

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3 months ago

May 28, 2025

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has come out swinging against what it calls a deliberate and unlawful attempt by Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi to open South Africa’s telecom sector to Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk—without following the country’s local ownership laws.

Speaking after a heated Parliamentary Committee meeting this week, the EFF accused Malatsi of trying to bypass the Electronic Communications Act, which requires that foreign ICT companies operating in South Africa have at least 30% local ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.

According to the EFF, Malatsi is pushing for a shortcut by invoking so-called “Equity Equivalents” under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, which they say amounts to nothing more than “anti-transformation participation.”

“What Minister Malatsi is attempting is nothing short of undermining Parliament through a ministerial policy directive,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo. “This is not regulatory alignment—it’s regulatory overreach.”

ICASA Raised Red Flags Too

Even South Africa’s own telecom regulator, ICASA, reportedly told the Minister that the only lawful route for Starlink to enter the local market would be through a formal amendment to the law—not via ministerial directive.

Tambo said this confirms the EFF’s concerns: “No executive shortcut can or should override our legislation.”

EFF Links Starlink Push to Bigger Political Agenda

Beyond the legal questions, the EFF raised serious political and economic concerns around Starlink’s entry. Elon Musk, the party argues, has made disparaging remarks about South Africa and shows little regard for local transformation goals or job creation.

The party also claims that Starlink’s push is backed by high-level business interests, including billionaire Johann Rupert, and that the deal poses risks to national sovereignty, security, and jobs.

“We won’t allow corporate empires to dictate our laws or undermine our democratic processes,” said Tambo. “We will resist in Parliament and, if necessary, in court.”

The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies reportedly echoed the EFF’s stance, strongly opposing the attempt to loosen legal requirements for Starlink’s benefit.

EFF: No Starlink Without Full Compliance

The party made its position crystal clear: Starlink is welcome only if it complies fully with South African law. Otherwise, the EFF promises to mobilize politically and legally to block the company’s entry.

“We say no to Starlink in South Africa,” Tambo concluded. “This is about protecting transformation, jobs, and our country’s independence from corporate capture.”