Who Is Solly Malatsi?
Solly Malatsi is South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. He was appointed as part of the Government of National Unity and is tasked with shaping the country’s digital future.
Why the Controversy Arose
In a recent interview, former minister John Steenhuisen suggested that Tony Leon’s firm, Resolve Communications, was arranging meetings between government officials and private companies—including Elon Musk’s Starlink. The claim implied possible undue influence on policy decisions.
What the Allegations Say
- Resolve Communications – a public‑relations company linked to Tony Leon.
- Starlink – SpaceX’s satellite‑internet service that beams broadband from low‑orbit satellites.
- Licensing issue – South African law requires telecoms operators to be at least 30 % owned by historically disadvantaged South Africans. Starlink has not met this rule, so it cannot operate legally in the country.
Minister Malatsi’s Response
Setting the Record Straight
Malatsi published a letter titled “Setting The Record Straight” to the portfolio committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni‑Diko, addressing the claims directly.
His Mandate Explains the Meetings
- He said his work on policy reforms for the Medium Term Development Policy (MTDP) started in July‑August 2024.
- Engaging with stakeholders is part of his electoral mandate and an agreed GNU position.
- He stressed that being already involved in a task makes it impossible to be “unduly influenced” to do something he’s already doing.
Who He’s Met With
Malatsi listed several low‑orbit‑satellite players he has spoken with:
- MzansiSat
- Amazon Leo
- China Satellite Network Company (CSNC)
- Spacesail
- Space24
- Starlink (via SpaceX representative Ryan Goodnight)
He emphasized that none of these meetings discussed individual license applications; they were purely informational—learning what each company can offer and sharing South Africa’s current regulatory stance.
How Government‑Stakeholder Interaction Works
- Ministers are regularly approached by companies, industry groups, or even MPs suggesting meetings.
- Such contact is described as “normal and essential” for staying informed.
- Engagements broaden perspective but do not dictate decisions; choices remain guided by the Constitution, law, and voter mandate.
Resolve Communications – What Actually Happened
- Resolve reached out twice to Malatsi’s office:
- To arrange a meeting with Premiums Ideas SA (PISA), a local SIM‑card packaging and logistics firm.
- In June 2025, concerning Hot 102.7 FM’s license amendment request to ICASA.
- He spoke with Resolve’s CEO, Paul Boughey, on the phone twice—once about PISA and once about accessing a Government Gazette notice.
- Both interactions were described as routine and unrelated to Starlink.
The Starlink Meeting
- One formal meeting with Starlink occurred in September 2024, facilitated directly between his office and Robert Appelbaum (a SpaceX liaison).
- He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff.
- The session was introductory, aimed at understanding how low‑orbit satellites could boost broadband access in South Africa.
- Malatsi has spoken openly about this meeting in previous interviews.
Presidential Precedent
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has also met with Elon Musk.
- The Presidency confirmed that Starlink’s licensing status would be part of any discussion.
Tony Leon’s Counter‑Argument
Leon dismissed the state‑capture accusations, saying the Starlink meeting turned into a casual chat where Malatsi was urged to move faster on policy. Leon claimed he raised concerns within his caucus about possible future problems if such interactions weren’t monitored.
Bottom Line
Minister Malatsi maintains that his meetings with Resolve Communications and Starlink are standard parts of his job—aimed at gathering information, not influencing decisions for personal or political gain. He insists that all his actions follow legal frameworks and the trust placed in him by voters. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between encouraging innovation (like satellite internet) and ensuring compliance with local ownership laws. As South Africa continues to shape its digital policies, transparency and clear guidelines will be key to balancing progress with fairness.
