ActionSA Calls for Probe into Tony Leon’s PR Firm

What the Complaint Is About

ActionSA, a South African political party, has asked the Public Protector to look into Resolve Communications, a public‑relations company started by former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon. The party says the firm may have used its connections to influence ministers in the current Government of National Unity (GNU).

Allegations Involving Starlink and Minister Malatsi

Meeting with Starlink

The complaint points to a meeting arranged by Resolve Communications between Elon Musk’s satellite‑internet company Starlink and Solly Malatsi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. ActionSA claims Leon then pushed Malatsi to speed up government decisions that would help Starlink enter the South African market.

Other Ministers Under Scrutiny

ActionSA says the concerns go beyond Starlink. They allege that other companies linked to Resolve Communications have pressed GNU ministers for favourable treatment. The party cites former DA ministers of Agriculture and of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment as sources who have publicly confirmed feeling pressure.

Resolve Communications’ Response

Resolve Communications called the ActionSA move a “political stunt.” The firm argues that the Public Protector’s job is to check government bodies, not private companies doing lawful business. They say investigating them would be outside the Public Protector’s legal power and would waste state resources. Nonetheless, Resolve says it will cooperate if the office asks for information.

Past Incidents Mentioned by ActionSA

Herman Mashaba’s Johannesburg Mayoralty

ActionSA also brought up an earlier episode involving former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba. According to the party, Tony Leon tried to set up a R300 million contract for a Resolve client during a meeting with Mashaba. Mashaba reportedly refused and complained to the DA. Leon later chaired the internal DA panel that reviewed Mashaba’s term, a process ActionSA believes helped push Mashaba out of the party.

Next Steps Planned by ActionSA

ActionSA says the Public Protector complaint is just the start. The party plans to:
– Submit parliamentary questions to all DA ministers and deputy ministers about any meetings with Resolve Communications.
– Call Minister Malatsi and Resolve representatives to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer questions.
– Keep monitoring the GNU for any signs of improper influence.

Why This Matters for South Africa’s Government

ActionSA’s chairperson Michael Beaumont stresses that the issue isn’t about attacking one party. He says any misuse of political connections—no matter which party benefits—undermines trust in government. With the GNU now including more parties than at any time since 1994, Beaumont argues that strong oversight is essential to stop hidden interests from steering state decisions for private gain.

Conclusion

The debate over Resolve Communications highlights a broader question: how should South Africa handle lobbying and private influence in a coalition government? While the firm denies wrongdoing and says its work is routine, ActionSA insists the allegations deserve a thorough investigation. Whether the Public Protector will take up the case remains to be seen, but the call for accountability has sparked a conversation about transparency, power, and the role of political connections in shaping public policy.