Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi met with Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Melnakagawa, and Vukani Mngxati, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft South Africa, to discuss a deepened partnership. As part of their commitment, Microsoft plans to invest R1.32 billion over the next 10 years into developing South African SMMEs in both tech and non-tech sectors, demonstrating how equity-equivalent investment programmes can deliver meaningful impact.
They also agreed to expand digital-skills training across the country, with a special emphasis on sustainability. The goal is to help more South Africans actively participate in the digital economy.
Who is Solly Malatsi?
Solly Malatsi has been a Member of Parliament since 2014 and currently serves as Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. He previously held roles as national spokesperson and Shadow Minister in the Democratic Alliance. Malatsi holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Limpopo and an Honours degree in Political Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Why this matters
The R1.32 billion investment is a major boost for local entrepreneurship, especially in under-resourced communities. By focusing on digital skills and sustainability, the partnership builds both technological capacity and long-term resilience. For the South African government, this reflects a strategy that leverages private sector collaboration to close digital divides and promote inclusive growth.
Minister Malatsi’s engagement with Microsoft reinforces his priorities of improving connectivity, lowering data and device costs, and ensuring digital transformation supports economic development.
