Latest news with #DigitalTechnologies
Eyewitness News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Comms Minister Malatsi sticks to policy directive allowing multinationals to improve SA's infrastructure
CAPE TOWN - The Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, says people should not obsess over Starlink, saying his new regulations will involve other companies. Malatsi again defended his policy directive, which allows multinationals to contribute to the economy through infrastructure development and other means, instead of ceding 30% ownership. On Tuesday, he told the Cape Town Press Club that the new regulations aren't intended to give Elon Musk's company, Starlink, a free pass. He further added that the new regulations are not akin to ministerial overreach. ALSO READ: Malatsi says his policy directive is not a scheme to give Starlink a backdoor into South Africa or circumvent the country's transformation laws. He says the directive is one of a range of interventions to grow the sector and transform it through other initiatives and involves other companies besides Starlink. "Whether it is Spacex, Starlink, Amazon's Project Kuiper, or Eutelsat OneWeb . Any other entrant offering alternative connectivity models, our objective remains the same." Malatsi says the regulations will consider all the written comments and public submissions before the process closes later this month.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Limpopo e-learning app secures R1m investment
LIMPOPO – What began as a dream between two childhood best friends from Gumbani village outside Malamulele has become a national success story. Marvel Shimbambu and Malungelo Mathonsi, co-founders of the e-learning app Novar, have secured a R1 million investment from Liberty to support the next phase of their growing platform. The journey started with determination and humble beginnings. With no formal training, facilities, or funding, the duo purchased a second-hand computer for R700 and taught themselves to code using YouTube tutorials. Their vision was simple but powerful: to improve access to quality education in under-resourced communities. The result was Novar, a free, interactive e-learning app that offers curriculum-aligned content, virtual learning tools, and information about bursaries. Since its launch, the app has been downloaded more than 50 000 times, empowering learners across South Africa. Their story gained widespread attention when social media content creator Austin Macaskill shared it on his platform, @coolstorybru_za, sparking national admiration and support. Global tech company IBM has taken note, enrolling the Novar founders in its prestigious Enterprise Development Class of 2025. Through this programme, Marvel and Malungelo will receive expert mentorship, technical support, and access to IBM's global innovation network to help scale their platform. In a significant show of support, Liberty's head of business efficiencies and sustainable impact, Amelia Beattie, announced a R1 million investment into Novar. This funding will help the team enhance their platform and expand their impact. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi praised both Liberty and IBM for their support of the young innovators. 'The backing from IBM and Liberty shows the transformative power of investing in home-grown talent. It sets a standard for the private sector. By adopting a whole-of-society approach, we can bring together government, industry, and communities to turn brilliant ideas into sustainable businesses,' said Minister Malatsi. 'This aligns with our vision for South Africa's digital future, ensuring young innovators from all corners of the country have the opportunity to thrive.' Back in Gumbani, the local community is celebrating the success of its young trailblazers. Community leader and activist Bishop Baloyi praised the pair for their dedication and discipline. 'These boys are a shining example to the youth of our village,' said Baloyi. 'We urge the government to install broadband and internet infrastructure in rural areas. Our young people are full of potential, but they need the tools to grow. What these two have done is groundbreaking; they defied the odds and are now helping to build a better future.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Vivo launches affordable new Y-Series smartphones
The entry level and midrange smartphone market has become fiercely competitive. As South Africans continue to look for more affordable smartphones that rival flagship models, Vivo has introduced its latest Y Series lineup: the Y29, Y19s Pro, and Y04. In February, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi took steps to accelerate access to more affordable smart devices and smartphones. Competition The entry-level and midrange smartphone market has become fiercely competitive as tech companies pack innovative features, including artificial intelligence enhancement, into phones that are affordable. Huawei, Samsung, Oppo, Honour and Xiaomi are operating in a saturated market with all wanting the largest piece of the South African consumer market pie. With its latest series of devices, Vivo claims an industry-first seven-star quality promise, designed to give users peace of mind with robust protection and dependable performance across the Y Series range. ALSO READ: Vivo X200 Pro offers DSLR experience, but it's pricey Y29 While Y29 leads with the full suite of premium protections, the Y19s Pro and Y04 are also equipped with durability and performance features. The flagship of the Y Series, the Y29, features a slim 6500mAh BlueVolt battery. It has a reinforced anti-drop armour design, a 120Hz display, and is powered by the Snapdragon 685. Y19s The Y19s Pro features IP64 resistance, dual 300% audio booster speakers. Vivo said with 256GB of internal storage, 'there's plenty of room for apps, media, and memories.' Picture: Vivo Y04 Vivo claims the Y04 is set to raise the bar in the entry-level segment with the largest storage capacity in its price range – a generous 256GB of internal storage. The Y04 features IP64 dust and water resistance, a long-lasting 5500mAh battery. 'With the new Y Series, Vivo is not just launching affordable smartphones – it's introducing a new benchmark for performance, durability, and peace of mind in this segment,' Vivo said. Picture: Vivo Availability and pricing The Vivo Y29 is available at a recommended retail price of R7 999. The Y19s Pro is priced at R5 999, while the Y04 is available for R2 999. ALSO READ: WhatsApp for iPad: What you need to know
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Starlink under scrutiny: Minister Malatsi backs ICASA's probe into unauthorised services
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. Image: X / IOLGraphics Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has thrown his weight behind the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to investigate Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, for allegedly operating in the country without authorisation. This development comes after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) alleged that Starlink was offering its services in South Africa without a licence. ICASA confirmed that the organisation had launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in South Africa. ICASA spokesperson, Milly Matlou, said: 'ICASA has launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in SA. We have also engaged SpaceX for further clarity and have currently deployed inspection teams on the ground to investigate the matter further.' If found guilty, the company could face enforcement actions, including fines or even a ban on its operations in the country. 'Should the investigation yield any breach with regulatory and legislative frameworks, the authority will explore the applicable enforcement actions within its disposal, which may include, among others, lodging a formal complaint with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),' Matlou said. The MKP alleged that Starlink was operating in South Africa without authorisation, using a shadow entity called "ICASAsePUSH" to masquerade its operations. The party claimed that this operation constitutes a 'blatant' violation of South African telecommunications law and represents a direct affront to the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. The party launched its allegations during the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies meeting in Parliament on Tuesday. 'During that session, the MK Party directly challenged the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies regarding his awareness of this operation. His professed ignorance was not only unacceptable but deeply troubling,' party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. Malatsi has expressed his full support for ICASA's investigation, stating that it is the regulator's responsibility to manage both licence applications and investigations. 'The minister was made aware of the allegations when they were raised in the portfolio committee on Tuesday. It is now ICASA's responsibility to investigate these allegations, and the minister fully supports this investigation,' Malatsi's spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, said. This will be the second time the authority investigates Starlink's dealings. In 2023, ICASA issued a notice, warning that it was illegal for anyone or company to use Starlink, as it doesn't hold a licence to operate in the country. Meanwhile, during the session on Tuesday, Malatsi defended his recently gazetted proposed ICT policy adjustments, saying that it was intended to attract investment into the sector. He said it was not a way to allow Elon Musk to operate in South Africa. 'We are not attempting to open a new dispensation for Starlink or any other company or individual,' he told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communication. 'We are saying that the regulations in our sector must consistently make provisions for the two choices that exist in any other sector,' Malatsi said after his department on Friday gazetted a proposed policy direction to the ICASA. Cape Argus
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Minister Malatsi defends ICT sector empowerment regulations against opposition
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said he was not attempting to open a special dispensation for Starlink or any other company or individual when he introduced the policy directives that relax black economic empowerment regulations. Image: Supplied Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi faced fierce criticism on Tuesday as he defended the policy direction to relax broad-based economic empowerment (B-BBEE) regulations in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. During a briefing with the Communications and Digital Technologies Portfolio Committee, Malatsi reiterated his commitment to the principles of transformation in South Africa, stating that the new policy does not aim to create exceptions for specific companies or individuals. Malatsi, who highlighted the ongoing efforts to introduce an equity equivalent investment programme in the ICT sector, clarified that his department's work predates recent international developments, specifically referring to last week's visit to Washington by the South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Although critics suggest that the timing of the gazette could benefit Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, Malatsi firmly dismissed these claims. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This work is not about introducing dispensation for any individual or company,' he asserted, emphasising the importance of consistent application of the B-BBEE Act and ensuring that transformation mirrors what is happening in other economic sectors. The minister sought to reassure the committee that the policy direction allows stakeholders 30 days to submit their views, which will help shape the final policy. 'In the end, Icasa may continue to require 30% (B-BBEE ownership), but it must permit commitments envisaged in the ICT sector conditions for valid applications for individual licences,' he stated. However, dissent erupted within the committee, with members expressing alarm over the implications of the proposed policy. ANC MP Oscar Mathafa questioned Malatsi's decision to open licensing applications without a clear strategy encompassing the equity equivalent programme, arguing that this move could undermine the transformation agenda that the government is mandated to pursue. 'We request all parties and members of society who are interested in this matter to reject this particular policy direction,' he said emphatically. The sentiment was echoed by EFF MP Sinawo Thambo, who alleged that Malatsi was attempting to amend legislation covertly through policy directions designed to align the B-BBEE Act with ICT sector codes. Colleague Sixolise Gcilishe added that her party would not hesitate to legally challenge the proposals, underscoring a commitment to upholding South African laws against perceived external influence, particularly from Washington. 'We will explore all legal mechanisms. We are not to accept our laws to be written in Washington. You are setting a wrong precedent by bending backwards when you are bullied. This is about Starlink and Washington,' Gcilishe said. Adding to the chorus of criticism, MK Party's Colleen Makhubele accused Malatsi of failing to engage transparently with stakeholders and highlighted the need for a thorough regulatory impact assessment before proceeding with the proposed policy changes. DA MP Tsholofelo Bodlani countered the criticism, urging critics to acknowledge the opportunity for public comment within the 30-day submission period. 'All choose to ignore that little fact,' he remarked, suggesting that some criticisms were politically motivated. The committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, raised concerns about the legal authority Malatsi held to align the B-BBEE with ICT codes, questioning the potential consequences of removing the 30% B-BBEE requirement. 'Why take away from black people one thing they can make a structural shift in the economy?' she pressed, advocating for industry players' desire for regulatory parity. In response, Malatsi expressed surprise over the committee's shock regarding the policy proposals, reiterating that the discussions had been ongoing. 'There could be no legitimacy to a claim whatsoever that this process was done in a clandestine manner. We are in a stage that involves and invites public submissions,' he maintained.
