What the Minister Said About Starlink
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi recently answered questions in parliament about Elon Musk’s Starlink service. He clarified that Starlink has not filed any licence applications with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
Starlink’s Licence Status
- No applications received – Icasa confirmed it has not seen any requests for:
- Spectrum licences
- Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I‑ECNS) licences
- Individual Electronic Communications Service (I‑ECS) licences
- No transfer requests – The authority also said there are no applications to transfer such licences.
Because no paperwork has been submitted, questions about Broad‑Based Black Economic Empowerment (B‑BEE) compliance are not applicable at this stage.
Engagement with SpaceX
Malatsi said his department has not held any meetings with SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink. Therefore, there has been no discussion about a “lawful transformation‑compliant pathway” for the service to enter South Africa.
National Security and Transformation Concerns
Some MPs raised worries that Starlink could threaten national security, citing its use in countries like Venezuela and Iran. The minister responded:
- All satellite operators must follow South Africa’s Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication‑related Information Act (RICA) and data‑sovereignty rules.
- No company receives special treatment; the department stays technology‑neutral.
- Licensing decisions rest with Icasa, which checks both security and transformation requirements.
B‑BEE Requirements for Foreign Companies
For multinationals that cannot sell local equity because of global ownership rules, South Africa offers the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). Under EEIP, a company must invest the equivalent of 30 % black ownership into approved projects that:
- Grow black‑owned businesses
- Develop digital skills
- Support small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs)
- Improve broader digital inclusion
Malatsi stressed that any international entrant—including Starlink—must meet these EEIP rules to align with the country’s transformation goals.
Conclusion
At the moment, Starlink has not taken the formal steps needed to operate in South Africa. The minister emphasized that any future licence will have to satisfy Icasa’s regulatory checks, national‑security safeguards, and B‑BEE obligations. Until an application is filed, discussions about compliance, security, or preferential treatment remain speculative.
