Author: Staff Writer

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is facing challenges in stopping unauthorised Starlink services in the country, despite declaring the satellite internet provider illegal. Starlink Operating Without Approval ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi confirmed that Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been operating unlawfully in South Africa. Authorities recently confiscated equipment from ICASAsePush, a company in the Eastern Cape that was distributing Starlink technology. Ramusi stated: “Starlink has been operating illegally in SA. We have recently confiscated equipment belonging to SpaceX from a company called ICASAsePush.” Thousands of Illegal Starlink Kits in Circulation Although ICASA has not released 2025 data, estimates from November 2023 suggest: Over 14,000 Starlink kits are…

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) faces mounting uncertainty following the suspension of its CEO, Collins Letsoalo, amid a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into a controversial R79 million office lease deal in Johannesburg. Letsoalo was placed on special leave with immediate effect, raising questions about governance and financial management at the embattled state entity. Letsoalo Breaks Silence In an exclusive interview with #Newzroom405’s Xoli Mngambi, Letsoalo addressed his suspension and the allegations against him. He maintains his innocence, claiming that certain parties are attempting to portray him as “corrupt and incompetent.” Why Was the RAF CEO Suspended? The RAF Board suspended Letsoalo on 27 May 2025 following a preliminary SIU report implicating…

Following a successful first round in October 2024, Collective X has committed an additional R50 million to invest in digital jobs across South Africa – co-investing with employers to create structured, outcomes-based work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that connect digital skills training with real employment. This commitment comes on the heels of new Collective X research revealing the scale of South Africa’s digital skills crunch: an estimated 118,000 ICT roles are currently unfilled, with more than 41,000 of those suited to junior talent. With over 30,000 different ICT jobs currently advertised, employers are struggling to find work-ready candidates—despite high youth unemployment.…

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This is according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who notes that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year’s event marked a decisive shift – from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025,…

A coordinated operation between police and private security firm Vision Tactical led to the tracking and fatal shooting of Philangenkosi Makhanya, one of the suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Olorato Mongale, according to the Sunday Times report. The four-day manhunt ended in a bloody shootout on the KZN coast. The Kidnapping and Initial Investigation Olorato Mongale was kidnapped in Athol, Johannesburg, at 2:45 PM on Sunday and found dead just hours later in Lombardy East. By Monday night, police contacted Vision Tactical, a security firm working closely with the SAPS anti-kidnapping unit, to assist in tracing the suspects. Tracking the Suspects’ Movements Vision Tactical’s director, Yaseen Theba, revealed that the suspects…

Renowned South African health and skincare education provider, Isa Carstens Academy (ISA), is set to join the NetEd private higher education group in terms of a recent transaction between the ISA founders and NetEd Group. This acquisition will enable this iconic wellness education brand to move further into higher education with an expanded reach and new offerings. South Africa’s beauty and personal care sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with an expected compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2030. ISA, a leader in health and skincare education for over 45 years, is aligning with the industry’s evolution. The…

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said today it has taken note with serious concern, recent reports alleging that Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, may be offering its services within South Africa without the requisite authorisation. To this end, ICASA has published a general notice under Government Gazette no 49777 reiterating that all entities offering electronic communications services within South Africa are required to comply fully with the applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. ICASA added that it has also formally engaged SpaceX to seek clarity on the reported activities and is currently awaiting a response.…

The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has noted with great interest the Minister’s Policy Directive on aligning ICASA’s empowerment regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code, and the proposed inquiry into the need for I-ECNS licence applications. These developments will shape competition, transformation, and the regulatory framework and provided it is implemented transparently, consistently, and with an equal application of the law, could usher in a new era for the sector. ACT recognises the Minister’s call for ICASA to formally recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) and will make submissions accordingly. While we support efforts to resolve regulatory ambiguity…

Late on Friday the 23rd of May, Fitch Ratings announced its decision to affirm Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’, with a stable outlook. In addition, Fitch Ratings revised Eskom’s Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) to ‘ccc+’ from ‘ccc-‘. Fitch Ratings stated the revision of Eskom’s SCP is a reflection of the improvement in the operational performance of the Group and the material increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) that the ratings agency has evaluated as likely in Eskom’s Financial Years (FY) 2025 to FY 2029. “The affirmation and positive revision on our credit rating profile by…

Cell C, South Africa’s customer-focused challenger in the mobile telecommunications space, today announced the appointment of PHD South Africa as its official media agency partner, effective 1 July 2025. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Cell C’s journey to deepen engagement with customers and bring its purpose, to empower South Africans through accessible, human-centred connectivity, to life. As Cell C continues to drive its business transformation and momentum following its brand revitalisation, the choice of PHD was driven by a shared commitment to customer insights, innovation, and leveraging technology for impact. PHD’s globally recognised approach to audience…