Presidency Update: Starlink, G20, and the Madlanga Inquiry
The Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, offered a year-end briefing on both national and international matters on Monday.
South Africa is open to welcoming Starlink, provided Elon Musk’s company complies with local laws. The government is also determined to ensure that the previous year’s G20 engagements remain on the radar and not fade from memory.
In his remarks, Magwenya highlighted these two focal points as part of the year-end progress report. He also outlined the anticipated timelines for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Following an opening statement that celebrated South Africa’s achievements in 2025, Magwenya answered a range of questions from the media.
Malatsi and ICT Reforms
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi drew criticism after a Friday gazette aimed at removing obstacles to both national and international investment in the ICT sector. The reform was interpreted by some as paving the way for Starlink’s entry into South Africa, though Magwenya emphasized that several other players were also exploring opportunities.
Magwenya stressed that we should not fixate on Starlink alone. He noted there are four or five other companies showing interest in delivering these services in South Africa, not just Starlink.
While Malatsi is working to speed up ICT licensing processes within the bounds of the law, Magwenya clarified that the law’s equity ownership provisions remain clear. He stated that the President cannot and will not endorse any action that contravenes the law. In his discussions with sector stakeholders, Magwenya said the government will ensure that all steps are conducted within the framework of existing laws.
Spokesperson Critique of Musk
Magwenya also criticized Elon Musk’s use of X, calling him an “unhinged, unrepentant racist” in relation to his comments about South African laws.
G20: A Contested Presence
On the G20 issue, Magwenya reiterated that South Africa is a full member and did not require an invitation to participate. Nevertheless, South African representatives did not attend the first G20 Sherpa meeting in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
Magwenya described the U.S. approach as an affront to multilateralism that should be opposed by all G20 members. He noted that South Africa has been engaging with other G20 partners to encourage support for the country in its absence, while not pressuring any member to skip participate themselves.
South Africa has maintained opposition to any boycott and will continue to advance the themes championed at the Johannesburg summit: equality, solidarity, and sustainability. Magwenya stressed that these themes matter not only to South Africa and the continent but to the global community, and they should be carried forward beyond a single-year presidency.
Madlanga Commission: Interim and Final Steps
Domestically, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to receive an interim report from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 17 December. Magwenya confirmed that the final report will be released publicly, while the interim findings will not, as they contain premature material.
Witnesses will be recalled to provide additional or more focused testimony in certain areas, while others will return to expand on their earlier contributions. Once the inquiry is complete, the commission will advise the president on potential national security implications, though Magwenya noted that the commission already has the authority to recommend criminal proceedings if warranted.
Ramaphosa will be briefed on any potential extension of the inquiry, but Magwenya urged patience from the public and media, warning against rushing discussions about an unfinished process.
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