Solly Malatsi
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Articles by Solly Malatsi
SOLLY MALATSI | Why this election is a choice for what works for millions of South Africans
Story audio is generated using AI For millions of South Africans, the upcoming local government elections on November 4 are about retaining what actually works. Residents living in Midvaal, Cape Town, and other DA-run municipalities have experienced how quality service delivery and accountable government make such a difference to their everyday lives.
SOLLY MALATSI | New move will open unused spectrum to boost internet access for all
Story audio is generated using AI My mission as the minister of communications & digital technologies is to ensure that South Africa achieves universal access to the internet and meaningful connectivity for all. This drives almost all the decisions I take. This is not a mission in isolation. It is directly linked to the GNU’s goal to eradicate poverty, curb unemployment and grow the economy. Affordable access to the internet can empower every individual to uplift their lives.
Setting the record straight on Starlink - Solly Malatsi
Honourable Khusela Sangoni Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies Parliament of the Republic of South Africa P.O Box 15 CAPE TOWN 8000 5 July 2026 Dear Chairperson SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Thank you for your letter dated 01 July 2026.
South Africa’s digital future must be anchored by meaningful access for all
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PSD Bank Rhein-Ruhr eG
Africa Tech Festival Unveils First Speakers for 2026 Africa Tech Festival Africa Tech Festival Unveils First Speakers for 2026 03-Aug-2026 / 15:40 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Navigating BBBEE — the role of equity equivalent investment programmes in digital growth | Daily Maverick
In May 2025, I published a draft policy direction that required South Africa’s broadcasting authority, Icasa, to align the licensing framework for, among others, communications operators, with the national economic empowerment legislation. This move aims to address the regulatory inconsistencies resulting from the limitation on control and ownership regulations that Icasa adopted in 2021 and then amended in 2022.
SOLLY MALATSI: SA’s DPI-driven digital transformation leaves no citizen behind
Imagine a small manufacturing enterprise in Midvaal, employing 42 workers. Every month, the owner juggles licence renewals, UIF filings and proof of compliance for new clients. Each task means dealing with different accounts and passwords or running between different government offices, meaning time away from the manufacturing line.
R2. 5 billion funding for SABC and SAPO to address financial challenges
Fast Company|Published 48 minutes ago Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has announced that the SABC will receive over R700 million and the South African Post Office (SAPO) R1.8 billion Image: Solly Malatsi/X Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has announced that the SABC will receive over R700 million and the South African Post Office (SAPO) R1.8 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
SA’s Digital Future: Minister Malatsi Reveals 4-Pillar Plan For Inclusive Tech
It is a privilege to join you at Huawei South Africa Connect 2025. This platform brings together leaders from government, industry, and the innovation sector. It is a reflection of our shared commitment to using technology to solve challenges and create new opportunities for our institutions and our people. I must take this opportunity to thank Huawei for always stepping up when I’ve called on them to support our efforts to expand access to smart devices.
SOLLY MALATSI | Policy change will expand digital opportunity in SA
The opinion piece by Buti Manamela, published in the Sowetan on May 29 2025, mistakenly conflates two separately gazetted items. The one requests that the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) conduct an inquiry into the need and demand for additional individual electronic communications network service licences to open up more competition.
My BEE directive is common sense
My BEE directive is common sense This isn’t a shortcut; it’s a step forward — for the benefit of all 01 June 2025 - 00:00 By SOLLY MALATSI If we want to connect more South Africans to opportunities, jobs, education, health and business, we need serious investment in digital infrastructure. To get that investment, we must create a regulatory environment that is not only fair and consistent but also aligned with all national laws on transformation. ..
The real reason MTN is selling R99 4G smartphones
MTN South Africa recently announced that it would roll out low-cost 4G smartphones to 1.2 million of its prepaid customers.
South Africa unveils big state digital reform programme
Breaking down silos between government departments is a key objective of the state’s new digital reform programme.
Four councillors appointed to South African communications regulator
The national assembly of parliament has adopted recommendations made by communications minister Solly Malatsi.
OPINION | Affordable digital connectivity for all a fundamental human right
My advocacy will continue until every household can afford these digital necessities, ensuring no South African is excluded from digital opportunities because of cost, says the writer. On Human Rights Day, South Africans pause to reflect on our historic struggles and our progress towards equality, justice, and dignity – and as our nation grows and matures, our understanding of what human rights entail must also evolve.
Opening a path to a digital future for all
The single most powerful way to empower tens of millions of South Africans quickly is to drive down the cost of smart devices and get cheap, reliable broadband into their hands. The ability to participate in e-commerce, remote work, online education and digital financial services creates a world of opportunity currently closed to the poor and unemployed.
Opening a path to a digital future for all
Opening a path to a digital future for all Without smart devices, digital inclusion is an illusion 16 March 2025 - 00:00 By SOLLY MALATSI The single most powerful way to empower tens of millions of South Africans quickly is to drive down the cost of smart devices and get cheap, reliable broadband into their hands. The ability to participate in e-commerce, remote work, online education and digital financial services creates a world of opportunity currently closed to the poor and unemployed...
220 000 set-top boxes, 63 days: Sentech’s mission impossible?
Sentech must install 220 000 set-top boxes by 31 March to meet the analogue television switch-off deadline.
Minister won’t impose 2G, 3G shutdown on operators
A 2G/3G shutdown deadline should not be imposed by government, communications minister Solly Malatsi said.
Starlink in South Africa: why equity equivalence makes sense
Instead of focusing solely on direct ownership, Starlink could invest in initiatives that directly benefit black-owned businesses and communities.
Malatsi intervenes after Sentech threat to cut SABC transmissions
Communications minister Solly Malatsi has claimed that millions of viewers were “at risk of being cut off”.
Malatsi moves to end bitter SABC, Sentech feud
Communications minister Solly Malatsi wants both state-owned companies to make better use of their resources.
Solly Malatsi wants big change to ICT sector’s BEE rules
Scrapping equity requirements for licensees in the ICT sector will encourage foreign investment, the communications minister said.
SABC, Sentech dispute heads to mediation
An independent mediator will facilitate talks between the SABC and Sentech over the former’s growing debt to the latter.
How R109-million Postbank cyberheist was orchestrated
Insider access to critical IT systems and VPN access for Pin resets were among the tools used to defraud the Postbank.
Solly Malatsi fires two Usaasa board members
Communications minister Solly Malatsi has fired two members of the board of state-owned telecoms agency Usaasa.
Gov’t seeks to rebuild botched DigiTech app platform that Malatsi slammed
A botched platform designed to showcase apps developed by small South African businesses may get a new lease on life.
Malatsi to meet with treasury over smartphone taxes
Communications minister Solly Malatsi says luxury goods classification on smartphones inhibits digital adoption.
Ministers to meet with broadcasters as sports licensing feud rages
Newly appointed communications minister Solly Malatsi and his counterpart in the sports, arts & culture ministry, Gayton McKenzie, will meet with MultiChoice Group, eMedia and the SABC this week to resolve a continuing feud over sports rights. Malatsi said this in his first address to parliament on Monday on the occasion of the department of communications & digital technologies’ budget vote in parliament.
Solly Malatsi | How ANC, EFF and MK Party 'doomsday coalition' could lead SA to ruin
If state capture almost collapsed government, the 'doomsday coalition' would burn South Africa to ashes, writes Solly Malatsi South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we're about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism. Join our free subscription trial to unlock this story and a world of news aimed to inform, empower, and inspire.
Solly Malatsi | Manamela's criticism of DA highlights hypocrisy of state capture enablers
Buti Manamela’s entire political currency has been built by fraternising with ANC leaders who have spearheaded some of the worst corruption transactions in the public service, writes Solly Malatsi VOICES When Buti Manamela of the SA Communist Party (SACP) moved on from his position as the secretary of the Young Communist League in 2014, he boasted that one of the highlights of his political career had been working with the ANC Youth League to campaign for the election of Jacob Zuma as ANC...
SOLLY MALATSI | Cut the red tape and let entrepreneurs, economy flourish
In philosophy, it is often said that “if you aren't moving at a snail's pace, you aren't moving at all” – a sentiment that strongly resonates with SA's economic performance, where GDP growth has averaged only 0.8% annually since 2012. This sluggish growth has left the country in a state of crisis, grappling with widespread poverty and sky-high unemployment at 32.1% – the highest in the world.
SOLLY MALATSI | DA is the answer to ANC’s ‘coalitions of corruption’
The drafters of our constitution made provisions, under section 152, that one of the objectives of local government was “…to ensure the provision of services to communities... to promote a safe and healthy environment”. They did so in good faith that elected public representatives, ably supported by professional administrators in municipalities, would lead clean governments that were committed to providing basic services like water, sewerage and electricity reticulation.
Joburg’s water crisis reveals dangers of ANC/EFF ‘doomsday coalition’
Joburg’s water crisis reveals dangers of ANC/EFF ‘doomsday coalition’ 31 March 2024 - 00:00 By Solly Malatsi ..
South Africa: ANC in Parliament Does Not Care About Current Water Crisis
Note to all editors: Please find attached soundbite by Solly Malatsi MP. While our country sits with dry taps, the ANC in Parliament does not believe it is of national importance. This was revealed by the Office of the Speaker in response to the DA's request to table an urgent debate on the current water crisis. This is detached from reality considering that the ongoing water crisis in Gauteng is nearing a month while in KwaZulu-Natal, the Human Rights Commission is investigating the matter.
By-election results show increased voter trust in party - DA
DA dominates four by-elections with increased voter trust to rescue SA 9 Novembers 2023 The DA celebrates a resounding victory in yesterday's four by-elections, securing wins in all four wards and experiencing growth in our vote from 2021. We congratulate the newly-elected ward councillors: Lida Erasmus, Alta de Kock, Fiona Pelman, and Allan Williams. In Tshwane, Lida Erasmus and Alta de Kock triumphed in Ward 47 and Ward 64, respectively, showcasing the unwavering faith voters have in the DA.
Solly Malatsi | Safa leaders should hang their heads in shame for Banyana fiasco
Banyana Banyana players during a breakfast event hosted by Brand SA before the team's departure for the World Cup. VOICES The fiasco over Banyana Banyana Women’s World Cup incentives has left an indelible stain on the contaminated conscious of Safa president Danny Jordaan and the rest his leadership team. Get 14 days free to read all our investigative and in-depth journalism. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
OPINIONISTA: John Steenhuisen has earned the DA’s trust for a second term as leader
In a recent analysis in Daily Maverick (22 November, 2022), Rebecca Davis argues that the “… DA’s one-man leadership race isn’t a good sign for the party”. I disagree.
South Africa: DA Re-Affirms Its Position on the EFF
South Africa: DA Re-Affirms Its Position on the EFF press release By Solly Malatsi The DA Federal Executive met earlier this evening to hear representations from former Mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse on a strategy to regain a governing coalition in the City. After a full and open engagement, in which many perspectives were analysed and discussed, the Fedex resolved to re-affirm its position that it will not negotiate nor enter into coalitions with the EFF.
READER LETTER | Change tact and save the nation from hunger
By - 12 September 2022 - 10:25 A basic basket of cooking oil, pilchards, brown bread and maize meal has increased by R80 to approximately R272. The Democratic Alliance has released the shocking figures of the rising costs of living today, showing that a basic basket of cooking oil, pilchards, brown bread and maize meal has increased by R80 to approximately R272. It begs the question of how the millions of South Africans currently on grants are able to afford these exorbitant increases.
South Africa: Staff Shortages Are Crippling Stats SA
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the increasing decimation of Statistics South Africa due to chronic underfunding. Following consecutive periods of under funding for the last 10 years, StatsSA is now struggling to retain its already minimal staff. New information presented to the portfolio committee of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation today shows that 116 staff members left the entity in the current financial year.
Solly Malatsi | The virtual congress is the DA's most inclusive gathering to date
The DA will host the largest virtual political gathering in South African history when the party elects its new leadership on Saturday, writes Solly Malatsi. Political parties must always be at the forefront of finding innovative solutions for emerging realities. Whether in opposition or government, political parties must embrace innovation to remain relevant in an ever-evolving political environment.
‘Judge the DA fairly on our ideas, not on a simplistic racial binary’
I am not a member of South Africa’s official opposition – the Democratic Alliance. Nor do I support all of its ideas or policies. But I do believe it deserves a fair hearing – after all, it wins the votes of more than one in five South Africans at elections! Martin Source: Daily Maverick Contrary to the normal media trope, policy battles in the DA are not based on black versus white. On every issue, colleagues of different ‘races’ support (or oppose) ideas on the basis of their intrinsic content.
OPINIONISTA: Judge the DA fairly on our ideas, not on a simplistic racial binary
Contrary to the normal media trope, policy battles in the DA are not based on black versus white. On every issue, colleagues of different ‘races’ support (or oppose) ideas on the basis of their intrinsic content. That is something to celebrate, not denigrate, in South Africa. Here’s a thought experiment: Imagine what would happen if the ANC held one of its senior leaders to account on very serious charges, backed by verified recorded and documentary evidence?
LETTER: Accusing the DA of play politics during Covid-19 is 'nonsense and ignorance'
By Solly Malatsi 4m ago OPINION - Sanjay Singh letter’s accusing the leader of the official opposition, John Steenhuisen, of “playing politics” by calling for the economy to be lifted instead of “working with the government” is a mixture of nonsense and ignorance. The DA, through Steenhuisen, has been proactive in providing alternative solutions to the government as he did with the proposal of a smart lockdown to save both lives and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa: DA - We're Not in 'Freefall' - the Polls Are Wrong
Contrary to projections made in two surveys conducted by research company Ipsos, the Democratic Alliance's electoral support is steady, according to the party's own polling. This is an edited version of the DA's response to Ferial Haffajee's story from Sunday night. As we at Daily Maverick do not believe we should allow this space to be used for increasingly unwarranted personal, and sometimes hysterical, attacks on our journalists, we will, from this point on, edit them out.
RIGHT OF REPLY: DA: We’re not in ‘freefall’ – the polls are wrong
DA interim leader John Steenhuisen. (Photo: Chanel Retief) Contrary to projections made in two surveys conducted by research company Ipsos, the Democratic Alliance’s electoral support is steady, according to the party’s own polling. This is an edited version of the DA’s response to Ferial Haffajee’s story from Sunday night.
OPINIONISTA: The DA’s project at the liberal centre of SA confounds the critics again
Those who criticise the DA don’t understand the party’s commitment to building a better future for all South Africans, regardless of race. They also don’t understand that our party was built on internal institutions and policies that work, and are quite different to the ANC’s approach of looking at our country’s challenges through the prism of race and ethnicity.
South Africa: Yes Mandla, the DA Is the Only Party That Still Honours Madiba's Legacy
analysis By Solly Malatsi The DA has been attacked by, among others Mandla Mandela, for claiming Madiba's legacy in election slogans urging citizens to vote for the party to 'honour Mandela's vision to build one South Africa'. But the DA is the only major party left that still honours the principle of non-racialism and reconciliation in South Africa.
OP-ED: Yes Mandla, the DA is the only party that still honours Madiba’s legacy
Solly Malatsi (Photo: Gallo Images / Beeld / Liza van Deventer). The DA has been attacked by, among others Mandla Mandela, for claiming Madiba’s legacy in election slogans urging citizens to vote for the party to ‘honour Mandela’s vision to build one South Africa’. But the DA is the only major party left that still honours the principle of non-racialism and reconciliation in South Africa.
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