South Africa is not among the 37 African countries where SpaceX's Starlink aims to roll out in the next two years. The satellite Internet service now has widespread availability across several European countries, North and South America, and Australasia.

South African retailer Mr Price Group is rolling out backup power to all its stores, as the company's chairman called the country's current electricity shortage untenable.

MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita said the strategic rationale for consolidation between MTN and Telkom remains, but would not comment on starting discussions with Telkom again.