logo
ICT SMME Chamber slams draft transformation policy change

ICT SMME Chamber slams draft transformation policy change

eNCA3 days ago
CAPE TOWN - The ICT SMME Chamber rejects the proposed changes to the Black Economic Empowerment laws.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, gazetted equity equivalent investment programmes.
The policy change is meant to accelerate access to high-speed internet connection.
But critics argue that multi-national companies like Elon Musk's Starlink, are able to circumvent BEE requirements.
eNCA speaks to managing director of the ICT SMME Chamber, Loyiso Tyira to unpack this matter.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'We'll never allow it': EFF vows to 'stop' Starlink in SA
'We'll never allow it': EFF vows to 'stop' Starlink in SA

The South African

time15 hours ago

  • The South African

'We'll never allow it': EFF vows to 'stop' Starlink in SA

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have doubled down on the rejection of Starlink being granted a licence to operate in South Africa. This comes after Elon Musk's internet satellite service company is reportedly planning to 'work around' the country's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which require a stake in local shareholding for foreign investors. Musk has repeatedly slammed the transformative legislation as a 'racist law', he claims discriminates against him as he is 'not black'. Addressing parliament on Friday, 11 July, EFF spokesperson Sinawe Thambo rejected Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi's plan to introduce equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to transformative legislation like BEE. He said: 'This is a proposal we've objected to because the so-called alignment would require an amendment to legislation. And can't be achieved through a ministerial policy directive.' Elon Musk's plan to launch Starlink in South Africa has been met by heavy opposition. Images via X: @starlink Referring to Starlink creator Elon Musk, Thambo continued: 'We will never allow Starlink, which has weaponised misinformation and captured the White House, to erode US and South African diplomatic relations in order to ease business access in South Africa. 'We view that as economic and diplomatic terrorism. Even if Starlink were to meet equity equivalence requirements, there's a security threat that it poses. That means it must never be allowed to operate in South Africa. And we will never allow it to do so'. In May, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction for his department on EEIPs, which are considered 'alternatives' to transformative legislation. Without mentioning Starlink, the minister claimed that the policy would 'attract investment,' specifically in operating licensing. The minister revealed that current legislation for foreign investments 'did not allow companies to contribute to transformation goals in ways other than traditional ownership'. Last month, Business Day reported that Starlink, which falls under SpaceX, is looking to invest over R2 billion in South Africa as part of its prospective deal to operate in the country. The internet satellite company will reportedly finance infrastructure to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is made up of 16 countries. The move is thought to be a way to 'work around' local BEE policies, which require foreign investors to hold 30% of the local shares. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Malema calls on Ramaphosa to fire police minister
Malema calls on Ramaphosa to fire police minister

The South African

time19 hours ago

  • The South African

Malema calls on Ramaphosa to fire police minister

EFF leader Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Police Minister Senzo Mchunu immediately, following mounting allegations of political interference in police operations. Speaking with eNCA in Mpumalanga, Malema accused Mchunu of arriving at the ministry with 'baggage' and misbehaving. 'Mchunu came with baggage. He is new in the job but already tainted. This is a man who went into that institution to do wrong things,' Malema said. He argued that restoring public confidence in the police starts at the top. 'You have to fire the executive authority and then put order. If there are generals who have misbehaved, the national commissioner should act on them. Then we start dealing with crime.' Police Minister Senzo Mchunu faces allegations of interfering in SAPS operations and protecting individuals allegedly linked to criminal activity from prosecution. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the country on Sunday, amid rising calls for action and accountability in the wake of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's explosive claims. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Starlink plans R2bn investment to bypass BEE regulations and switch on the service in SA
Starlink plans R2bn investment to bypass BEE regulations and switch on the service in SA

Eyewitness News

timea day ago

  • Eyewitness News

Starlink plans R2bn investment to bypass BEE regulations and switch on the service in SA

South Africa's regulations require an ICT company, network infrastructure operators and communications service providers to be 30% black-owned. In May, South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi published a review of the B-BBEE licensing rules for satellite service providers, potentially opening the door for Starlink's entry into South Africa. Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Jan Vermeulen, editor at Mybroadband says Starlink appears willing to invest in South Africa, with certain conditions.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store