Mere days after a high-stakes meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies announced the gazetting of potential amendments to the BBBEE policy in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some political parties welcoming the changes while others warn of national security risks and legal challenges.
DA Supports Amendments, Hails Progress
The Democratic Alliance (DA) praised the proposed amendments, stating they could bring “drastic changes” to internet provision in South Africa. The party has long criticized delays in updating ICT legislation, arguing that outdated policies have hindered economic access for many citizens.
“The historic lack of political will to amend legislation has delayed our development,” the DA said in a statement. “We call on all South Africans to make their views known and ensure their voices are heard during this historic period.”
EFF Opposes Changes, Warns of Foreign Influence
In contrast, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly opposed the amendments, claiming they bypass Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws to favor foreign companies like Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk.
The EFF labeled the proposal a “national security threat,” alleging that Musk has manipulated laws through “disinformation” and undue influence over US leadership.
“To surrender our telecommunications capabilities to someone who has accused our country of genocide is a threat to our nation,” the EFF stated, vowing to challenge the amendments in Parliament and the courts.
ANC Questions Process, Demands Transparency
Meanwhile, the ANC’s chairperson of Parliament’s Communications and Digital Technology portfolio committee, Khusela Diko, raised concerns on social media platform X, suggesting that proper procedures may not have been followed in gazetting the proposal.
The party has called for an immediate suspension of the gazette, demanding transparency on stakeholder consultations and a Parliamentary review before further steps are taken.
Long Road Ahead
Despite the heated debate, analysts note that the proposed amendments are still in the early stages and face a lengthy legislative process before implementation.
