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 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko, rejects the characterisation of her X (formerly Twitter) post as a “lie” by the online c propaganda pamphlet, MyBroadband.
 
In an article titled “Senior government member’s lie about Starlink in South Africa”, authored by Mr Hanno Labuschagne on 12 January 2026, the publication presents an interpretation that conflates government’s SA Connect programme, the universal service obligations applicable to licensed mobile network operators and advocacy for the entry of Starlink into South Africa. Ms Sangoni-Diko has not made any false statement regarding Starlink or satellite connectivity in South Africa.
 
Her comments, which are a matter of public record, consistently emphasise that all entities seeking to operate in South Africa’s electronic communications sector are required to comply with existing legislation, including licensing and transformation requirements set out in the Electronic Communications Act. The Chairperson's remarks relate to the regulatory process and public policy. They do not constitute an assessment of the technical capabilities of any specific company.
 
The Chairperson has further stated that, should the pace of connectivity rollout be a concern, the Minister should consider allocating funding from the Universal Service and Access Fund and providing subsidies to mobile network operators and small, medium and micro enterprises to accelerate deployment. Starlink is not the sole or definitive solution to South Africa’s connectivity challenges, nor is it the only low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider seeking to operate in this space. Other providers have already expressed interest in deploying their solutions in South Africa in compliance with the country’s laws and regulations, which is welcomed.
 
Disagreement over policy positions or legislative obligations does not constitute dishonesty. The use of such language misrepresents both the substance and intent of the Chairperson’s remarks and reduces legitimate policy debate to personal accusation.
 
Ms Sangoni-Diko further places on record that there is no indication that Mr Labuschagne sought her comment or clarification before the publication of the article. Responsible journalism requires that serious allegations be put to the affected party for a response before publication.
 
Accordingly, Mr Labuschagne is invited to clearly and specifically identify which factual elements of Ms Sangoni-Diko’s comments he alleges to be untrue, rather than presenting disagreement with policy and law as dishonesty. The Chairperson further reserves her right to approach the Press Council on this reporting.
 
The committee supports open and robust debate on connectivity and innovation. It reiterates, however, that regulatory compliance and transformation are constitutional imperatives and cannot be regarded as optional considerations.
 
South Africa is a legally governed society. While some may disagree with aspects of the country’s legal framework, these laws function effectively. Domestic and international investments in our country are supported by the regulatory certainty these laws provide.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the portfolio committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko