ANC MP Shaik Subrathie Raises Eyebrows Over DA's Possible Ties to Elon Musk's Starlink

Starlink boss Elon Musk

In a heated parliamentary session, Shaik Subrathie, a member of the African National Congress (ANC), questioned the Democratic Alliance's (DA) potential connections to Elon Musk's Starlink.

Subrathie asked whether the DA had any conversations with Musk and Starlink, sparking a debate over the proposed regulations.

The regulations in question would require companies like Starlink to cede 30% of their equity to ANC-connected individuals to obtain a bandwidth license. Minister Malatsi defended the move, stating it promotes transformation and will benefit the economy and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

However, Subrathie and other opposition parties have raised concerns about the potential favouritism towards Starlink ¹.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sinawo Thambo accused Malatsi of overstepping executive powers and attempting to amend legislation, including BBBEE laws, through the regulations. Thambo expressed concerns about the implications of such actions, stating, "I think that speaks to the overstepping of executive powers has been spoken to in the house. That is my primary legislative concern."

Malatsi assured MPs that the regulations aren't a special dispensation for Starlink and urged members to allow the process to unfold, including the public consultation process. He emphasized that the regulations aim to promote transformation and benefit the economy, rather than catering to specific companies or interests.

Some political parties have rejected the policy move by Minister Malatsi, with some calling for his resignation. The controversy surrounding the proposed regulations has sparked a heated debate about the role of executive powers and the potential implications for the ICT sector.