Malatsi Responds to Parliament Over Starlink and Resolve Communications

South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies,  Solly Malatsi, has defended his engagement with stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, insisting that government policy on equity equivalent investment programmes and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators was developed independently and aligns with both the Democratic Alliance’s 2024 election manifesto and the Government of National Unity’s Medium Term Development Policy (MTDP).

In a letter dated 5 July 2026 to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni, Malatsi said work on his ministry’s policy reforms began as early as July and August 2024, well before allegations of external influence surfaced. He argued that it was “impossible to be unduly influenced to do something one is already doing,” maintaining that the policy direction formed part of his electoral mandate and the government’s agreed programme.

The minister said he has held meetings with several international satellite companies and industry stakeholders, including MzansiSat, Amazon Leo, China Satellite Network Company (CSNC), Spacesail, Space24 and Starlink, as part of efforts to better understand developments in the rapidly evolving satellite communications sector. He stressed that none of these engagements involved discussions about individual licence applications, but instead focused on the capabilities of the companies and South Africa’s existing regulatory framework.

Malatsi said stakeholder engagement is a normal and essential function of government, noting that ministers are routinely approached by companies, public affairs firms and even Members of Parliament seeking discussions on sector-related issues. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for the ICT industry, saying collaboration between government and the private sector is critical to expanding broadband access and closing South Africa’s digital divide. However, he emphasised that while stakeholder meetings may inform his understanding of policy issues, they do not determine his decisions, which he said are guided by the Constitution, legislation and his mandate from voters.

Addressing concerns about Resolve Communications, Malatsi denied suggestions that the public affairs firm arranged meetings with Starlink or exercised influence over government policy. He explained that Resolve Communications contacted his office on only two occasions. The first, in November 2024, led to a meeting with Premium Ideas SA (PISA), a company involved in SIM-card packaging and logistics, to discuss concerns over widespread non-compliance with the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA). The second contact, in June 2025, related to a request concerning Hot 102.7 FM’s licence amendment application before the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Malatsi said that meeting was cancelled after the matter was referred to the regulator.

The minister also acknowledged having spoken by telephone with Resolve Communications CEO Paul Boughey on two occasions. According to Malatsi, the first conversation related to the PISA matter, while the second concerned Boughey’s request for access to the Government Gazette containing the published policy directive. He described the inquiry as routine and one of many received from interested stakeholders.

Regarding Starlink, Malatsi confirmed that he met once with Ryan Goodnight, a representative of SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, in September 2024. The meeting, which was attended by his Chief of Staff, was arranged directly between his office and Robert Appelbaum. He said the discussion formed part of his broader engagement with LEO satellite providers to better understand their potential contribution to improving broadband connectivity in South Africa.

Malatsi noted that he has been transparent about the Starlink meeting, including publicly discussing it during an interview with MyBroadband. He also pointed out that President Cyril Ramaphosa has held discussions with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, with the Presidency confirming at the time that Starlink’s licensing issues would be among the topics for discussion.

Concluding his letter, Malatsi expressed hope that his detailed response would assist Parliament’s Portfolio Committee in establishing the facts surrounding his engagements with stakeholders and reaffirmed that all of his decisions are taken without fear or favour and in accordance with the law.