DA leadership backs ICT BEE relaxations amid Starlink plan
In a move that aligns with the Democratic Alliance (DA) strategy to widen ICT access, DA federal council chair Helen Zille publicly defended communications minister Solly Malatsi’s decision to relax Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The stake here extends beyond regulatory tinkering; it signals a broader push to accelerate connectivity through innovative platforms, including plans to surface Starlink connectivity in South Africa.
What the BEE relaxation entails for ICT
The specific BEE relaxations in the ICT sector are framed as measures to reduce red tape, lower entry barriers for new players, and attract investment. Supporters say the changes are oriented toward creating a more competitive landscape that can spur faster deployment of digital infrastructure and services. Critics, however, caution against loosening empowerment standards if they might dilute transformation goals and the distribution of economic opportunities.
DA’s overarching policy stance
The DA’s position has consistently emphasized market-led growth with targeted social uplift. Zille argued that adjusting BEE rules within ICT fits the party’s broader commitment to empowering historically disadvantaged communities through faster access to technology, digital jobs, and local entrepreneurship. She noted that the policy shift is designed to unlock investment and accelerate universal service objectives, particularly in under-served urban and rural areas.
The Starlink surface plan: connecting SA with satellite internet
Alongside the BEE discussion, the DA has foregrounded plans to surface Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, as a potential solution to SA’s connectivity gaps. A Starlink surface approach would involve deploying user terminals and ground infrastructure to bring high-speed internet to areas where terrestrial networks lag or are cost-prohibitive. Proponents argue that satellite-based connectivity can bridge the urban-rural divide, support remote learning, and enable more robust business operations for small and medium enterprises.
Potential benefits
If implemented effectively, Starlink could offer lower latency and higher speeds in regions with limited fiber or cellular coverage. For the ICT sector, this translates into improved service availability, better cloud access for startups, and new opportunities for digital inclusion programs. The combination of BEE policy adjustments with satellite connectivity aims to cultivate a more dynamic tech ecosystem capable of producing jobs and fostering innovation.
<h2 Risks and governance considerations
Critics warn that relaxing BEE standards might risk undermining empowerment outcomes if not accompanied by strong accountability and measurable targets. Safeguards—such as transparent reporting, periodic reviews, and targeted carve-outs to ensure meaningful participation by black-owned and small ICT firms—are essential to maintain balance between investment attraction and transformation goals.
<h2 Public reception and future prospects
Public reaction to the dual agenda of BEE relaxation and Starlink expansion is mixed. Proponents in business circles say the policy environment is becoming more predictable, which could attract both local and international capital. Community advocates, however, want to see concrete metrics on how empowerment and digital inclusion will be tracked and reported. The coming months are likely to reveal more detail on implementation timelines, licensing regimes, and cost considerations for end-users.
What this means for South Africa’s ICT landscape
Ultimately, the Zille-supported stance on Malatsi’s BEE relaxations and the Starlink surface strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to closing the digital divide. If carefully designed, it could push the ICT sector toward faster growth, more competitive pricing, and broader access to online services. The success of such policies, however, will hinge on robust governance, transparent evaluation, and a clear path to meaningful empowerment for historically disadvantaged communities.
