BBBEE LEGISLATION FOR ELON MUSK’S STARLINK @KASIBC_NEWS

BBBEE LEGISLATION FOR ELON MUSK’S STARLINK @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is pleased with proceedings of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies meeting, wherein majority of political parties expressed their displeasure and rejection of the attempted work around of the Electronic Communications Act and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act by Minister Solly Malatsi, in order to accommodate Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite company. 

Today, on the 27th of May 2025 Minister Malatsi appeared before the committee to account for the gazetting of his Ministerial Policy Directive, wherein he expresses his intention to “align” the Electronic Communications Act and ICT Sector Code, in order to allow foreign telecommunications entities to operate in South Africa without complying to licensing laws that require 30% local ownership by previously disadvantaged groups, and instead, pursue presence in our country using Equity Equivalents as permitted for other sectors by the B-BBEE Act. 

In what can only be described as an unlawful attempt at subverting the powers of the Parliament of South Africa by using a Ministerial Policy Directive, Minister Malatsi characterises the amendments he wants to make to two Acts of Parliament, as regulatory alignment. 

When pressed by the EFF as to whether he is not attempting to effect amendments to law and referring to these amendments as “policy alignment”, the Minister provided an inadequate response. More importantly however, Minister Malatsi conceded that the advice he received from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) was that it would be desirable that the Minister pursue his attempted alignment through an amendment of the Electronic Communications Act which stipulates 30% local ownership participation in order for licensing to be granted, and not his underhanded attempt to force an anti-transformation participation of Starlink in South Africa’s telecommunications sector. 

The fact that the regulatory authority is alive to the legislative irregularity of the Minister’s attempts, means there is certainty that the only lawful mechanism for Starlink to exist in South Africa is through full compliance with our laws, or through a legally sound amendment of legislation. No other mechanism, including a Ministerial Directive can ease conditions for Starlink to operate in our country. 

The EFF further raised political concerns about the presence of Starlink in South Africa, which is owned by an individual who has peddled disinformation about our country, expressed his disdain for transformation, and would operate without any guarantees to jobs in the local telecommunications industry. Additionally, there was a resounding call from the Committee expressing a clear rejection of Starlink in South Africa, and any attempt to subvert legislation by abusing Executive powers and undercutting the will of the people, which rests in the hands of Parliament. 

The EFF will therefore continue to oppose, both in Parliament and if necessary, in the courts, any introduction of Starlink in South Africa which is not compliant with the laws of our country. Elon Musk’s Starlink, which was demanded by Johann Rupert at the Oval Office represents a national security threat, a threat to local jobs, and a threat to sovereignty and independence, as Musk has attempted to coerce access to the South African market using disinformation of a non-existent white genocide as leverage. 

The EFF vows, that over and above legislative requirements, we will fight tooth and nail against corporate terror that uses access to diplomatic channels and Presidents to pursue business interests. 

We Say No To Starlink in South Africa!  

BLACK GENOCIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA @KASIBC_NEWS

BLACK GENOCIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses its deep anger at the tragic killing of three young Black learners in Dalton, KwaZulu-Natal, by a white farmer who allegedly ran them over with his vehicle. Not only is this a criminal act but it is also a true reflection of the deep-rooted, racist violence that continues to plague South Africa. 

This heinous crime, which has devastated the families concerned and the larger community, has exposed the real violence in this country. It is the violence against a landless Black majority still subjected to the brutality of white landowners who view Black lives as disposable. 

The incident in Dalton is not isolated. Across the country, we have witnessed multiple cases where white farmers have targeted Black people. In 2017, two white men in Mpumalanga were arrested for forcing a young Black man into a coffin and threatening to set it alight; in 2016, two white farmers in North West dragged a 9-year-old black boy behind a bakkie after accusing him of stealing a sunflower; and in 2024 a six  year old was run over by a white farmer in the Western Cape after being accused him of stealing an orange. 

These are a few of many more, highlighting a clear pattern of systemic violence against Black people, especially the young, by individuals emboldened by centuries of unchallenged white supremacy. 

However, even in the face of this horror, South Africans are forced to endure false narratives of so-called “white genocide.” These lies, peddled to distract from the truth of white impunity, are used to silence Black pain and shield the real perpetrators of violence. 

In reality, it is Black people, particularly the rural poor, who face daily humiliation, abuse, and now, in Dalton, murder. 

The EFF is further appalled to learn that following the murder of these young learners, the suspect’s family allegedly offered R20,000 and gifts to one of the grieving families. This is an immense insult that seeks to cheapen Black life and buy silence. 

Therefore, the EFF demands justice for these young learners and their families. While the local police have acknowledged the arrest of the man in question, we demand a thorough investigation, and prosecution of the white farmer responsible for this massacre. 

We further demand a full investigation into why such acts continue with impunity in a democratic South Africa, as Dalton community members have stated that this was not this farmer’s first violent incident. 

 The EFF sends our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we assure them we stand with them and will do so until they receive justice in its fullest form.  

STATUS OF SECURITY SERVICES IN MOGALE MUNICIPALITY @KASIBC_NEWS

STATUS OF SECURITY SERVICES IN MOGALE MUNICIPALITY @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Executive Mayor, Lucky Sele, acknowledges recent developments regarding the provision of security services within Mogale City Local Municipality, a matter of significant operational importance that directly affects the safety of municipal employees as well as members of the public who rely on our facilities for service delivery. Legal Clarification and Draft Order (16 May 2025): In terms of the order dated 16 May 2025, it is important to clarify that neither Mabotwane Security Services CC nor Wenzile Phaphama Trading and Projects CC currently holds jurisdiction or legal authority to provide security services to Mogale City Local Municipality. Both entities have been prohibited from rendering services pending the outcome of the Judicial Review initiated by the applicant. 

This legal position is binding and will remain in force until such time that the court concludes the review process and makes a final ruling. The municipality is therefore guided by this court directive in all matters relating to the provision and procurement of security services. 

Current Status and Way Forward: 

The municipality is currently navigating this matter within the confines of legal prescripts and remains committed to upholding transparent, fair, and compliant procurement practices. 

Alternative measures are being explored to ensure uninterrupted security coverage during this period of legal uncertainty. The safety of municipal staff and the public remains a top priority, and contingency arrangements are being pursued to mitigate any potential risks during this transitional phase. 

To this end, the Municipal Manager as per the Municipal Systems Act has effected an extension to the scope of Inyanda Yemikhonto, which is the company charged with highlevel security services in the municipality, to safeguard municipal assets until the decision of  the Judicial Review. 

 Conclusion: “It is unfortunate that the abovementioned security service companies, in their pursuit of commercial interests, have contributed to the growing tensions between the municipality and our community. 

These companies have employed individuals residing in Mogale City - many of whom rely on this work as their sole means of livelihood. As a result, their continued legal battles have had social consequences that extend beyond the courtroom,” said the Executive Mayor Lucky Sele. 

The municipality remains committed to restoring stability, ensuring fairness, and protecting the integrity of public service. 

We appeal for patience and cooperation from all stakeholders as we work toward a sustainable and legally sound resolution that protects both the municipality’s interests and the well-being of its people.