Malatsi Clarifies Starlink Engagements and Resolve Communications Matter Before Parliament
South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has defended his interactions with ICT industry stakeholders, stating that government policy decisions on satellite operators and equity investment reforms were developed independently and were not influenced by external parties.
South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has provided clarification to Parliament regarding his engagements with technology companies, satellite operators, and public affairs firm Resolve Communications.
In a letter dated 5 July 2026 addressed to Khusela Sangoni, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Malatsi said policy reforms affecting equity equivalent investment programmes and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators were already being developed before concerns about possible external influence emerged.
The minister maintained that the policy direction was consistent with both the Democratic Alliance’s 2024 election manifesto and the Government of National Unity’s Medium Term Development Policy (MTDP).
Policy Decisions Were Independently Developed
Malatsi stated that his ministry began working on policy reforms in July and August 2024, shortly after the formation of the new administration.
He argued that it would not be possible for external parties to influence decisions that were already part of an existing government agenda.
According to the minister, policy decisions are guided by constitutional responsibilities, existing legislation, and the government’s development priorities rather than individual stakeholder discussions.
Engagement With Satellite Companies
As part of efforts to understand the rapidly changing satellite communications industry, Malatsi said he has met with several companies operating in the sector.
These engagements included discussions with organisations such as:
• MzansiSat
• Amazon Leo
• China Satellite Network Company (CSNC)
• Spacesail
• Space24
• Starlink
The minister explained that these meetings focused on understanding technological capabilities, industry developments, and South Africa’s regulatory environment.
He emphasized that the discussions did not involve specific licence applications or attempts to influence regulatory outcomes.
Malatsi Confirms Starlink Meeting
Regarding Starlink, Malatsi confirmed that he met with Ryan Goodnight, a representative of SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, in September 2024.
The meeting was arranged through his office and attended by his Chief of Staff. Malatsi said the purpose was to discuss the potential role of Low Earth Orbit satellite technology in improving broadband access in South Africa.
He noted that satellite connectivity could play an important role in expanding internet access, especially in areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure remains limited.
The minister also pointed out that discussions involving Starlink have been publicly acknowledged, including previous engagements between President Cyril Ramaphosa and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Response on Resolve Communications
Malatsi also addressed questions surrounding Resolve Communications, rejecting claims that the public affairs company influenced government policy or arranged preferential access for Starlink.
He explained that Resolve Communications contacted his office on two occasions.
The first interaction, in November 2024, involved a meeting with Premium Ideas SA (PISA) regarding concerns around compliance with the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA).
The second contact, in June 2025, involved a request related to Hot 102.7 FM’s licence amendment application before the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Malatsi said the meeting was cancelled after the matter was referred to the regulator.
He also confirmed having two telephone conversations with Resolve Communications CEO Paul Boughey, explaining that the discussions related to these matters and a request for access to a published Government Gazette.
Government Maintains Open ICT Engagement Approach
Malatsi defended stakeholder engagement as a normal part of government operations, saying ministers regularly meet businesses, industry groups, public affairs representatives, and other stakeholders to better understand sector challenges.
He said maintaining dialogue with the private sector is important for improving broadband access, encouraging innovation, and reducing South Africa’s digital divide.
However, he stressed that stakeholder meetings provide information and perspective but do not determine government decisions.
Supporting South Africa’s Digital Connectivity Goals
The minister concluded that his engagements with ICT companies were conducted as part of his responsibility to understand emerging technologies and support digital development.
He expressed confidence that his response would help Parliament establish the facts surrounding the engagements and reaffirmed his commitment to making decisions based on the law and national interest.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Solly Malatsi?
Solly Malatsi is South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, responsible for policies related to telecommunications, digital transformation, connectivity, and ICT development.
2. Why did Malatsi appear before Parliament?
Malatsi responded to questions regarding his engagements with ICT stakeholders, including Starlink and Resolve Communications, and addressed concerns about possible external influence on government policy.
3. Did Malatsi meet with Starlink representatives?
Yes. Malatsi confirmed that he met Ryan Goodnight, a SpaceX Starlink representative, in September 2024 to discuss satellite connectivity and the potential role of LEO technology in South Africa.
4. What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX that uses a network of Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide broadband connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is limited.
5. What are Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites?
LEO satellites operate much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, allowing them to provide faster communication speeds and lower latency for internet services.
6. What is Resolve Communications?
Resolve Communications is a South African public affairs and communications firm that engages with organisations on policy, regulatory, and stakeholder matters.
7. Did Resolve Communications influence South Africa’s Starlink policy?
Malatsi denied that Resolve Communications influenced government policy decisions or arranged special treatment for Starlink, stating that policy reforms were developed independently.
8. Why does South Africa engage with satellite companies?
South Africa is exploring satellite technologies as part of efforts to expand broadband access, improve connectivity in underserved communities, and support digital inclusion.
9. What role does stakeholder engagement play in government policy?
Government officials often meet with industry stakeholders to understand technological developments, market challenges, and potential solutions. However, policy decisions must still follow legal and regulatory processes.
10. How can satellite internet help South Africa’s digital economy?
Satellite connectivity can help extend internet access to rural and remote areas, support businesses, improve access to digital services, and contribute to broader digital transformation goals.
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