Latest news with #ColleenMakhubele
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mobile network operators grilled by MP's over data costs
MP's grilled mobile network operators relating to the cost and expiration of data. Mobile network operators (MNO) Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and Rain have come under fire over poor connectivity and their pricing and expiration for services such as data. The mobile network operators appeared before the Communications Committee on Friday to provide an update on the challenges and progress made in achieving universal connectivity. Members of Parliament (MPs) grilled the MNOs relating to the cost of data and called for them to consider measures to further reduce the cost of communication and prioritise rural connectivity. While the CEOs of the MNOs told the committee that they've made major strides in expanding coverage, especially in the 5G network space, MPs questioned their data pricing and the issue of expiring data. Data costs EFF MP and national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo riaised concerns about data and airtime expiry. Thambo challenged the logic behind data and airtime expiry, questioning whether it was a purely capitalist scheme designed to exploit consumers. He argued that since data and airtime are not perishable goods, their expiry policies are unjust and violate consumer rights by allowing mobile operators to profit unfairly. 'I don't doubt there is a logical financial explanation for the expiring mandates of data and airtime…Which may be logical to you, but continues to undermine access to information for ordinary South Africans and their ability to live in this country.' WATCH Colleen Makhubele in Parliament This week at a glance: 'You have become loan sharks to the poor. Instead of cutting data costs, you are advancing it – loaning them.' – Chief Whip Hon. Colleen Makhubele raising concerns about network service providers and their exhorbitant pricing for products such as data and… — MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) June 14, 2025 ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA 'Loan sharks' MK party MP Colleen Makhubele accused the operators of preying on the poor. 'You have become loan sharks to the poor. Instead of cutting data costs, you are advancing it – loaning them.' Political parties also noted the high salaries paid to some of the CEOs of the network operators, calling on them to help contribute to uplifting poor and rural communities. Engagements Chairperson of the committee, Khusela Sangoni Diko, stated that all the information received will be useful when the committee meets to deliberate on the budget of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in the coming weeks. Diko said the committee also called for increased engagement on the issue of prepaid data expiration. 'I think we may have to engage more on this topic, especially because people buy this data, and it cannot simply disappear on the basis of MNO-determined timelines.' ♦️Must Watch♦️ EFF MP @Sinawo_Thambo delivers a scathing critique in the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, calling out the 'revolving door' culture between regulators and mobile network operators. Commissar Thambo questions the ethics of former… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 13, 2025 Competition In the interest of national security and technology sovereignty, the Committee called on the MNOs to consider mobilising their own resources to build the country's own satellite for communication. MTN SA CEO Charles Molapisi told the committee that outside South Africa, the operator has partnerships with non-terrestrial and satellite players such as Starlink. Molapisi said he welcomed Starlink to South Africa, as MTN would welcome all competition. 'I always say we are not fixated on one key player, Molapisi said. 'We see satellite players as one bundle. I'm sure the committee is aware that in some of our markets outside South Africa, we've already done partnerships with the likes of Starlink.' ALSO READ: Fibre, cheaper data and weaver birds: Ramaphosa promises innovation Regulatory requirements Vodacom CEO Sitholizwe Mdlalose told the committee that the MNO was guided by President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent remarks, which stated that Starlink had not been discussed in meetings with the US government, and by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola's remarks that the government's commitment to attracting foreign direct investment did not refer to Starlink. 'Vodacom recognises satellite networks as complementary to mobile and fixed networks/ We believe they play a role in accelerating digital inclusion and bridging the connectivity divide, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 'Our position has consistently been that there must be a level playing field for all market participants. This is not specific to Starlink, but a matter of principle. Any new entrant to the South African telecommunications sector should be subject to the same regulatory requirements that govern licensed operators,' Mdlalose said. Starlink In May, South Africa took a step closer to obtaining Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service after Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi published a policy direction to provide alternatives, paving the way for the service in the country. The proposed policy direction was published in the Government Gazette. 'It provides applicants with a workaround to rules on who can acquire a licence to provide electronic communications services or to operate an electronic communications network in the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) that require a minimum of 30% shares to be in the hands of historically disadvantaged individuals. 'These regulations currently prevent companies, regardless of whether they are large international firms that typically do not sell shares to local partners, from qualifying for individual licences under the ECA, even if they can contribute to South Africa's transformation goals through means other than traditional ownership. Musk not black Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after South African-born Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. ALSO READ: WATCH: Starlink not debated with Trump, Ramaphosa says
Eyewitness News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Opposition parties reject establishment of another state-owned company
CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties have rejected the launch of another state-owned company that will consolidate and control all digital assets across the state. The Communications and Digital Technologies Committee received a briefing on the consolidation of fibre networks from all State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to form the South African State Digital Infrastructure Company. But the move has been criticised by some parties who say there's no need for another state company that will be poorly managed and drain the fiscus. The committee heard on Tuesday how the new state-owned entity would be a merger of state telecoms company Broadband Infraco (BBI) and government-owned signal distributor Sentech. READ: Bill seeking to incorporate all SOEs into 1 holding company open for public participation The company would have control of all fibre networks and digital infrastructure, including those owned by other SOEs that aren't in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, like Transnet and Eskom. "There is a very clear proposal or recommendation and therefore adopted position of the country, that we should look at streamlining the digital assets of the country in a wholesale provider of broadband connectivity," said committee chairperson, Khusela Diko. But the official opposition MK Party's Colleen Makhubele said she doesn't understand the business case for the new entity. "Is it just not another financial burden for taxpayers? Why do we keep creating state-owned entities when we fail to manage the current ones?" BBI CEO, Gift Zowa said there is a need for the state company to go to areas where the major networks refuse to go, such as rural and remote areas, to give the poor greater connectivity.
Mail & Guardian
04-06-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
New chief whip says MK party will try to repair relationship with EFF
Newly appointed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party parliament chief whip Colleen Makhubele Colleen Makhubele said fixing the relationship was important for the wellbeing of the progressive caucus in parliament This content is restricted to subscribers only . Join the M&G Community Our commitment at the Mail & Guardian is to ensure every reader enjoys the finest experience. Join the M&G community and support us in delivering in-depth news to you consistently. Subscription enables: - M&G community membership - independent journalism - access to all premium articles & features - a digital version of the weekly newspaper - invites to subscriber-only events - the opportunity to test new online features first Already a subscriber?
Mail & Guardian
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
MK party sacks Manyi as chief whip, replaces him with Makhubela
The MK party has removed Mzwanele Manyi as its chief whip in the National Assembly, less than a year after his appointment. The Manyi's dismissal was announced by National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza during Tuesday's parliamentary session, ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's appearance for a question-and-answer session with MPs. Manyi was replaced by former speaker of the City of Johannesburg council, Colleen Makhubele. According to a letter circulating on WhatsApp, Manyi was informed of his removal through official party communication signed by deputy party president John Hlophe. 'I am writing to inform you that, with immediate effect, you are hereby relieved of your duties as the chief whip of the MK party in the National Assembly. This decision was made with careful consideration and in the interest of advancing the collective goals and objectives of our party,' the letter read. 'We are pleased to announce that Honourable Colleen Makhubele will assume the position of chief whip effective immediately.' Manyi was appointed to parliament in August 2024, replacing Sihle Ngubane. His appointment as chief whip was seen as a move to stabilise the party's parliamentary operations and ensure alignment with its leadership, including Zuma and Hlophe. Makhubele has been described in party ranks as a rising figure and an effective communicator. She was elected to the City of Johannesburg council as part of the Congress of the People before aligning with the MK party ahead of the 2024 general elections. Manyi's removal comes months after News24 reported allegations of physical confrontation between him and Hlophe during a caucus meeting in February, where Hlophe accused Manyi of sabotaging his State of the Nation debate, which was drafted by Manyi. Sources told the Mail & Guardian at the time that Hlophe accused Manyi of undermining his position as the party's deputy leader. Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela denied the incident at the time, referring to it as a mischaracterisation of internal party discussions. Neither Hlophe nor Manyi commented publicly on the matter. The leadership change comes amid calls in the party for a broader restructuring of its parliamentary leadership. A discussion document circulating among party members proposes a revamp of the party's structures to improve discipline and parliamentary performance. The party, which became the official opposition after the 2024 general elections, has faced internal criticism over its perceived lack of visibility and failure to set the agenda in parliament, while the Economic Freedom Fighters and parties in the government of national unity have gained momentum. An MK party source said there was growing frustration that the party was being outperformed in key parliamentary debates. The source said Manyi had become a focal point of that Responding to speculation about internal divisions, Ndhlela issued a statement on Tuesday urging supporters not to be alarmed by reports of leadership changes. 'MK party wants to state that, against the wishes of those who fear the power of the MK party and attempt to drive a wedge amongst our leadership, we remain united and steadfast in our mission to serve the people of South Africa,' the statement said. The party has not formally addressed the details of Manyi's dismissal or confirmed whether the decision forms part of a broader reshuffle. Manyi had not issued a public response by the time of publication. Makhubele expressed her gratitude to Hlophe and the caucus, assuring them that their trust was well placed. 'This moment is a testament to the progress we are making as a party that values the contributions and leadership of women. It is a moment that reminds us all that empowerment is not a privilege but a right, and I intend to lead with courage, authority, and an unwavering focus on the ideals we stand for,' she said.
The Herald
27-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
Mzwanele Manyi ousted as MK chief whip, replaced by Colleen Makhubele
In the latest round of musical chairs in the MK Party, Mzwanele Manyi has been ousted as its chief whip in parliament. He has been replaced by former Johannesburg council speaker Colleen Makhubele, who has had a steady rise in the party. The leadership change was communicated to party MPs by deputy leader John Hlophe, who said Manyi was to be 'relieved of his duties with immediate effect'. 'We thank him for his service and dedication to the MK Party and wish him the best in his future endeavours.' Announcing Makhubela as his replacement, Hlophe called on party MPs to support this 'leadership transition'. 'We are confident she will lead with strength and vision as we continue to advance our collective mission. Let us rally together in support of this leadership transition and remain steadfast in our commitment to the party's goals.' TimesLIVE
