New Communications Minister Malatsi wants to 'engage with everyone' before 'imposing ideas'

CAPE TOWN - New Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said that he wanted to first meet with everyone before "imposing" any of his ideas.

Malatsi was sworn in as the communications and digital technologies minister on Wednesday, officially joining President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet as one of six Democratic Alliance ministers.

He said that his priorities would include meeting with his deputy minister, Mondli Gungubele, and addressing challenges facing struggling entities like the SABC.

Malatsi, a seasoned communicator having served as the DA's national spokesperson, has his sights set on restoring the likes of the SABC to its former glory.

He is also quite familiar with his new portfolio, having served in the communications oversight committee in Parliament.

But he will be doing more listening and less talking, as he takes up his new role in Cabinet.

"One of the things that I've been very adamant on, I'm going to be engaging with everyone before setting out a vision, because it's important in these early days to listen and discover before imposing ideas that might not be suitable to the environment."

Malatsi said that radio frequency spectrum was another key area of focus and he would also meet with the SABC before deciding on a plan of action.