Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency. (Photo: GCIS)
“Black economic empowerment (SEB) is non-negotiable.”
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, minister in the presidency, gave feedback on this week’s cabinet meeting on Thursday and announced, among other things, that the cabinet approved the submission of the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill (ECA).
The purpose of this bill is to amend the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 and the purpose of the proposed amendments is to increase the level of competition in the telecommunications sector and lower prices.
“The amendment is also intended to create a conducive environment for investment with a key focus on reducing regulatory entry barriers to improve competition and also give the Independent Communications Authority (Okosa) of South Africa flexibility to regulate the sector,” Ntshavheni explained.
She was asked whether the continued pressure from companies such as Elon Musk’s high-speed satellite internet service Starlink that refuse to meet the required 30% black ownership will finally force the government to reconsider the implementation of BEE.
“The transformation and empowerment of black South Africans to achieve economic inclusiveness is non-negotiable,” Ntshavheni insisted.
“There will be no concessions from individual businesses at the expense of the interest of South Africa. But there is a need to achieve uniformity in the application of the rules in the country – for all investors and role players. No specific one.
“I don’t want to talk about a specific company. But you will know that we as a country and as a government have no specific mandate for that South African.”
Elon Musk (Photo: Allison Robert/AFP)
VSA
Ntshavheni was also asked about the state of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the USA after pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation to this year’s G7 summit has been withdrawn.
“There is nothing new there,” was Ntshavheni’s reply. “We remain a very strategic partner of the USA. We cannot avoid each other. We cannot wish each other away. We must co-exist. That is why we continue to engage with the USA as a valued partner.”
Regarding the G7, Ntshavheni said: “It actually saves our president time.”
According to Ntshavheni, participating countries that are not themselves members of the G7 rarely get a chance to speak at the annual G7 summit. “Even if you get a chance to speak, it doesn’t change the price of bread, because you’re not a member. You don’t contribute to decision-making.”
And South Africa’s relations with France?
“Our relationship with France remains strong. France is putting pressure on the US regarding South Africa’s participation in the G20 under US leadership.
“We said: This does not change the price of bread. We continue with the implementation of our G20 agenda.”
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni was deel van pres. Cyril Ramaphosa se afvaarding na Washington. (Photo: GCIS/X)