Julius Malema rejects Starlink policy shift, blasts government for bowing to US pressure

EFF leader Julius Malema gave the proposed policy the proverbial middle finger as he reiterated his party’s stance on the easing of B-BBEE requirements for satellite licenses to allow Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in South Africa.

Speaking to supporters in Koppies, Free State, ahead of next week’s by-election, Malema criticised the government’s draft policy, which would ease B-BBEE rules for multinational companies. 

He said the move came shortly after remarks were made in the White House about Starlink being blocked from entering the South African market.

The meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump aimed to mend strained diplomatic relations.

The proposal, which has been strongly opposed by political parties was made by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) gazetted the policy direction on the role of investment programmes (EElPs) in the ICT sector, saying they are tools to accelerate broadband access.

Malema questioned the motive behind the policy shift, suggesting it was influenced by foreign pressure.

“Today, a tender is given in the White House without advertisement, where (Johann) Rupert stands up and says, why is Elon Musk's Starlink not given an opportunity in South Africa? Elon Musk's business cannot come to South Africa if it has not complied with 30% BEE,” he said.

He accused the government of undermining transformation policies to accommodate international corporations.

“The following day, they issued out that they want to relax their BEE deals so that Starlink can come into South Africa.”

“There is no such law in South Africa. Starlink will not come into South Africa if it does not comply with the BEE,” the red berets leader said.

He emphasised that the 30% ownership should be distributed among Black South Africans, not concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

“That 30% must go to black people, as many as possible, because we want to benefit from our economy. Comrades, we must never be dictated to by business,” he said.

Regulatory easing came less than two days after a high-level meeting at the White House, allegedly facilitated by South African billionaire Johann Rupert. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump reportedly attended the meeting. 

Rupert urged Starlink’s entry into South Africa to be expedited, citing crime, economic stagnation, and the need for technological advancement.

“We need Starlink in South Africa,” Rupert said.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies summoned Minister Solly Malatsi to brief Parliament on the newly issued policy directives aimed at easing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements for licensing satellite services, including Elon Musk’s Starlink.

“The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has invited Minister Solly Malatsi and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to appear before the committee and brief on the recently gazetted policy directions,” Committee Chairperson Khusela Diko said.

Diko said that the recently gazetted policy directions appear to be in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act and in favour of low earth orbit satellite provider SpaceX.