Author: Staff Writer

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…

A high-stakes legal battle is brewing over the sale of Shell’s downstream business in South Africa, valued at $1 billion (R18 billion), according to Sunday Times. The dispute centers on Swiss energy giant Gunvor’s last-minute decision to replace Afrifund Investments, led by businessman Sipho Maseko, with Matasis Investment Holdings—a Johannesburg-based firm headed by former Northern Cape premier Manne Dipico. Maseko and Afrifund are reportedly considering legal action, alleging they were sidelined in favor of a politically connected entity. Shell announced its exit from South Africa’s downstream sector—including 600 service stations—last year, aiming to shift focus to global upstream operations. Gunvor,…

This year’s G20 and B20 meetings present a crucial opportunity to advance financial inclusion and cross-border digital payments across Africa, transforming the continent into a more integrated trade region, reported the Sunday Times. This is the view of Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo, who spoke at the B20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion plenary in Skukuza this week. Financial inclusion is expected to spur competition, innovation, and cost efficiency. Masondo highlighted the National Treasury’s financial sector reforms, including investments in infrastructure to boost economic participation. The Treasury and South African Reserve Bank’s inclusive payments digitalisation programme aligns with Vision 2025,…

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has rejected criticism of his policy directive easing BEE rules in the ICT sector, dismissing claims it was designed to benefit Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to the Sunday Times. The directive gazetted a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s White House meeting – attended by Musk – has sparked speculation, but Malatsi insists the timing was coincidental. “The policy direction is given under the Electronic Communications Act [ECA] … the minister of communications & digital technologies has the power to give policy directions under the ECA, which is what I have done,” Malatsi told the Sunday Times. “There was…

Huawei has significantly deepened its partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), elevating the institution to an ICT Academy Support Center (IASC). This pivotal step, formalised through a new memorandum of understanding, not only enhances the existing bond established in 2019 but also promises to accelerate the development of local ICT talent, expand resources, and empower students with industry-leading skills crucial for the digital economy. Beyond uplifting individual careers, these partnerships help to bridge the digital divide by providing access to relevant skills and technologies, especially in underserved communities. In doing so, such initiatives bring more people into…

Eskom has issued an Invitation To Tender for the construction of a pilot renewable green hydrogen facility (RHF) at its Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) unit in Johannesburg.  Renewable green hydrogen production is a key priority to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in South Africa. This pilot will directly contribute to informing Eskom’s decarbonisation strategy and potentially enable renewable energy deployment as it presents an excellent medium to long-term energy storage solution.  Developing a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) will present Eskom with an informed pathway to plan for the potential adoption of green hydrogen, as well as provide an opportunity…

Broadbrand, a new digital advertising initiative from the Digital Solutions Group (DSG), has officially launched to provide South African advertisers and publishers with a credible, local alternative to global ad platforms. With Vincent Maher appointed as CEO, Broadbrand enters the market with a mission of restoring value to independent publishers while giving advertisers efficient reach and performance across verified local media. The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how global tech platforms shape news media economics. In February, the Competition Commission’s provisional findings concluded that global ad technology players had engaged in anti-competitive practices against South African news outlets. Broadbrand…