Parliament, Wednesday, 1 July 2026 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, has written a letter to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, requesting clarification on allegations contained in recent media reports regarding reported engagements between Resolve Communications, Starlink and the Minister.
The Chairperson's correspondence follows allegations reported by News24 on 28 June 2026 in an interview with then Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, in which claims were made regarding the involvement of Resolve Communications in facilitating engagements between members of the government and private sector clients, including Starlink.
In her letter, Ms Diko notes that the allegations, which remain untested, are of a serious nature, as they raise questions regarding the propriety of engagements between public office bearers and private interests in matters that may relate to policy development, regulatory processes and executive decision-making.
She said: ”At face value, these allegations invoke concerning historical precedents in our country, where private interests sought to direct government policy and executive decisions during the State Capture era.”
The Chairperson emphasises that, while the allegations have not been established as fact, it is incumbent upon the committee, in the execution of its constitutional oversight mandate, to satisfy itself that all engagements involving the government executive are conducted in accordance with the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Accordingly, the Chairperson of the committee has afforded the Minister an opportunity to provide a comprehensive written response to the matters raised in the media reports.
The Chairperson has requested that the Minister submit his detailed written response, together with any supporting documentation, by Monday, 6 July 2026.
Ms Diko reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical governance in the communications and digital technologies sector, saying that the committee will consider the Minister's response in determining any appropriate next steps.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI DIKO.
For media inquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Justice Molafo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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