Questions around political influence, lobbying and access to power are once again taking centre stage following allegations involving government ministers, a prominent public affairs firm and one of the world's most talked-about technology companies. Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, is now
demanding answers from communications minister Solly Malatsi over claims that representatives linked to Starlink sought access to government through politically connected channels. The
controversy emerged after former DA leader John Steenhuisen alleged that a public affairs firm linked to former DA leader Tony Leon attempted to facilitate meetings between ministers and private clients, including Starlink representatives. While the claims have been strongly denied, the allegations have reignited concerns around transparency, accountability and whether private interests may be exerting influence over public decision-making. Tonight, we unpack the allegations, the denials and whether this represents routine lobbying or raises deeper questions about how business gains access to political power.

Questions around political influence, lobbying and access to&nbsp;power are once again taking centre stage following allegations&nbsp;involving government ministers, a prominent public affairs firm&nbsp;and one of the world's most talked-about technology companies.&nbsp;Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital&nbsp;Technologies chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, is now demanding answers from communications minister Solly Malatsi&nbsp;over claims that representatives linked to Starlink sought access&nbsp;to government through politically connected channels. The controversy emerged after former DA leader John Steenhuisen&nbsp;alleged that a public affairs firm linked to former DA leader Tony&nbsp;Leon attempted to facilitate meetings between ministers and&nbsp;private clients, including Starlink representatives. While the claims&nbsp;have been strongly denied, the allegations have reignited&nbsp;concerns around transparency, accountability and whether private&nbsp;interests may be exerting influence over public decision-making.&nbsp;Tonight, we unpack the allegations, the denials and whether this&nbsp;represents routine lobbying or raises deeper questions about how&nbsp;business gains access to political power.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope