Millions of South Africans depend on Huawei to stay connected through its mobile network equipment, like base stations and fibre optic cables. But the United States insists the company will spy for the Chinese government. On 28 February 2020, the US – itself notorious for conducting electronic espionage on a global scale – passed the so-called ‘rip and replace’ bill, which provides for a fund to replace Huawei equipment in American networks. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly backs the Chinese giant. Should ordinary South Africans trust them? In this two-part analysis, Daily Maverick finds out.