Starlink proposal: Mashatile says Cabinet holds final say on policy changes

Nothing will be changed unless the Cabinet decides so.

This is what Deputy President Paul Mashatile told parliament regarding Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi’s decision to gazette a policy directive, the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).

It proposes to relax the longstanding requirement that foreign ICT investors must hold at least 30% equity in partnership with historically disadvantaged Black people in SA.

Cabinet holds authority to approve changes — Mashatile

Mashatile addressed oral questions from members of parliament (MPs) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday afternoon.

Answering a question from uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party’s MP, Seeng Mmabatho Mokoena, the deputy president clarified the need for ministers to follow proper procedures when identifying issues with legislation, emphasising that the Cabinet holds the authority to approve any changes.

Mashatile stated that any changes to legislation must be presented to Cabinet and then to parliament for approval, as the 30% ownership requirement for licences is enshrined in law.

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“It may well be that as a minister, once you have made your determination, Cabinet may not agree that you are right,” he said.

He added that no minister has the power to change any law through regulations.

“Nothing will be changed unless Cabinet decides it should be so,” the deputy minister said.

Regression of social cohesion

Mashatile was responding to questions about the regression of social cohesion in South Africa, as outlined in the 2024 SA Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report.

The study revealed that South Africa’s overall cohesion level was moderate at 53.3. This reverses a prior decline but with significant provincial and dimensional variations — Limpopo showed the highest provincial cohesion, while KwaZulu-Natal had the lowest.

Chief Whip of the NCOP, Kenneth Mmoiemang, raised concerns about opposition to the government’s efforts to address historical inequalities and promote economic transformation.

Watch Mashatile respond to questions in the NCOP here:

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Mashatile responded by outlining various programmes and measures aimed at advancing transformation, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and the National Development Plan.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing transformative legislation enacted by the previous administration.

“Indeed, if someone wants to make some changes to any of these laws, that must then come to Cabinet and then back to parliament. There will be no shortcut, because laws are made and passed by parliament,” he said.  

‘There will be no shortcut’

EFF MP Mathapelo Siwisa asked the deputy president about efforts to address income inequality since taking office.

Mashatile said that growing the economy and providing opportunities for people to make a living are crucial for social cohesion. He emphasised the need for municipalities and mayors to work together to address local challenges.

Mokoena later inquired about the deputy president’s alleged accusations of corruption. Mashatile emphasised the importance of providing evidence in allegations and noted that courts of law are the appropriate forums for establishing authenticity.

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The deputy president acknowledged the existence of several allegations against him and mentioned the proactive steps he has taken, including presenting himself before the ethics committee in parliament and the ANC’s integrity commission.

“But let me assure you, honourable members of the house, that I will continue to subject myself to the relevant institutions as established through our own constitution,” he said.

There was an allegation that Mashatile did not declare certain things to remain transparent; he said the register in his office will be updated in a timely manner to prevent such issues.

Corruption allegations

He added that his office’s media team is responsible for ensuring prompt responses to press and social media issues.

“I want to conclude by affirming my unwavering commitment to fully cooperate with the ethics and integrity committees of parliament as well as other law enforcement agencies or state institutions that may require clarity on any matter concerning these allegations,” Mashatile said.