BREAKING: StarSat’s Desperate Attempt to Claw Its Way Back to Life
In a shocking move, StarSat, the struggling pay-television operator, has vowed to fight on despite the communications regulator Icasa’s order to shut down its operations. The company, which has been struggling to gain traction in the competitive South African market, is using every trick in the book to try and stay afloat.
In a defiant press conference, StarSat’s head of strategy and public affairs, Pule Mabe, a former ANC politician, claimed that the company is not operating illegally and wants to save the business from collapse. "We will use every legitimate and legal means" to ensure StarSat’s survival, Mabe said, without elaborating.
But is StarSat’s fight against Icasa’s decision just a desperate attempt to cling to life, or is there more to it? The company’s refusal to disclose its shareholding structure has raised suspicions, and its alleged failure to renew its broadcasting licence has led to concerns about its financial stability.
Meanwhile, Icasa has given StarSat until September 18 to cease operations, but the company is refusing to comply, citing the impact on its employees and subscribers. The regulator has accused StarSat of failing to submit its licence renewal application on time, and has given it multiple opportunities to wind down its affairs.
But StarSat is not going down without a fight. In a bizarre move, the company has reached out to Khusela Sangoni, chair of parliament’s portfolio committee on communications & digital technologies, seeking mediation and a platform for constructive engagement with the regulator. It has also asked for an inquiry into the subscription television broadcasting landscape in the country, without elaborating.
As the battle between StarSat and Icasa continues, one thing is clear: the fate of the company hangs in the balance. Will it be able to find a way to stay afloat, or will it be forced to shut down, leaving hundreds of employees and contractors without jobs? Only time will tell.
