Resolve Communications Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Government Engagement
In recent weeks, South Africa’s Communications Ministry has come under public examination after revelations that the public‑relations firm Resolve Communications contacted Minister Solly Malatsi on two separate occasions. The disclosures emerged from a letter the minister sent to Khusela Sangoni‑Diko, Chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications, which has launched an investigation into alleged political interference involving Resolve and the ministry.
Who Is Resolve Communications?
Resolve Communications is a public‑relations consultancy chaired by Tony Leon, former leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ex‑National Director of Public Prosecutions. The firm describes itself as providing strategic counsel to corporate and governmental clients, with a focus on reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
According to the company’s website, Leon has over three decades of experience in South African politics and business, a background that the firm leverages when advising clients seeking access to senior decision‑makers.
Minister Malatsi’s Account of the Meetings
In the July 5 letter to Sangoni‑Diko, Minister Malatsi detailed the nature of his interactions with Resolve:
- First contact (November 2024) – Malatsi said the approach led to a meeting with Premium Ideas SA, a firm that had raised concerns about non‑compliance with the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication‑Related Information Act (RICA). The meeting was held at Premium Ideas’ offices and attended by one of its executives and a stakeholder manager from the minister’s office.
- Second contact (June 2025) – The outreach concerned Hot 102.7 FM’s application to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to change its broadcasting licence. Malatsi noted that a meeting originally set for July 2025 was cancelled after his office referred the matter to ICASA.
Regarding speculation that Resolve facilitated introductions to SpaceX’s Starlink service, Malatsi denied any such role. He stated that he met a SpaceX representative, Ryan Goodnight, in September 2024, and that the meeting was arranged directly between his office and Robert Appelbaum, without intermediary involvement from Resolve.
The minister added that the Starlink discussion was part of a broader series of engagements with low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) satellite operators, including MzansiSat, Amazon Leo, China Satellite Network Company (CSNC), Spacesail, Space24 and other stakeholders, aimed at understanding how LEO technology could expand broadband access in South Africa.
Allegations of Political Influence
The Sunday Times reported that Tony Leon allegedly attempted to pitch Resolve’s services to DA‑led municipal administrations in Tshwane and Johannesburg. The report cited an affidavit submitted to the Public Protector by a former Tshwane official and quoted former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, who said Leon had approached him about a possible partnership between the city and the firm.
Leon responded to the allegations, maintaining that any outreach constituted ordinary business development and did not result in contractual agreements with the municipalities.
These claims have intensified pressure on both Resolve and the Communications Ministry, prompting the Portfolio Committee’s investigation. Committee Chair Khusela Sangoni‑Diko told reporters that the probe will examine whether private interests have unduly influenced policy formulation, particularly regarding equity‑like investment programmes referenced in the DA’s 2024 election manifesto and the Government of National Unity’s medium‑term development plan.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Minister Malatsi emphasized in his letter that work on the equity‑investment policy began shortly after he assumed office, predating any engagement with Starlink or Resolve. He asserted that the policy aligns with both the DA’s manifesto and the coalition government’s development framework, thereby distancing it from private‑sector influence.
The Public Protector’s office confirmed receipt of the affidavit referenced by the Sunday Times but noted that any formal findings would depend on the completion of the Portfolio Committee’s inquiry.
Industry analysts suggest that the scrutiny reflects broader concerns about lobbying transparency in South Africa’s telecommunications sector, especially as the country prepares to allocate spectrum and shape regulations for emerging LEO satellite services.
Implications for South Africa’s Broadband Strategy
South Africa’s ambition to widen broadband access has prompted active dialogue with satellite providers. LEO constellations such as Starlink promise to deliver high‑speed internet to underserved regions, potentially complementing existing fibre and mobile networks.
If allegations of improper influence were substantiated, they could affect public trust in the procurement process and delay policy decisions critical to achieving the national broadband targets outlined in the National Development Plan.
Conversely, a transparent investigation that clears the minister and his office of wrongdoing could reinforce confidence in the government’s ability to engage with innovative technology firms while maintaining accountability.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation around Resolve Communications highlights the intersection of public relations, political connections, and technology policy in South Africa. As the Portfolio Committee’s investigation proceeds, stakeholders—including policymakers, industry players, and civil society—will be watching closely to see how the findings shape future engagements between the state and private actors in the telecommunications arena.
For readers seeking ongoing coverage, reliable updates are available from reputable outlets such as Business Day and the Sunday Times, as well as official communications from the Portfolio Committee on Communications and the Public Protector’s office.
