Issued by Ministry of Public Enterprise
6 January 1999 The Ministry of Public Enterprises has announced that a series of roadshows is to be held throughout South Africa to publicise the privatisation of Connex, the state-owned travel agency.
Once associated almost exclusively with government travel business, Connex is today a competitive organisation with six branches in South Africa and a British operation. It is a subsidiary of the giant parastatal, Transnet.
Stella Sigcau, the Minister of Public Enterprises, says the purpose of the roadshows is to attract and inform potential investors. "Connex's privatisation is in line with government policy and decision to privatise Transnet's non-core subsidiaries within 18 months," she said.
"Connex is an attractive business proposition and the Ministry is aware that several potential purchasers have expressed interest in acquiring it.
It is a part of my ministry's mandate to ensure that Connex's privatisation is widely publicised to ensure that all potential bidders are aware of the opportunity."
Mr Kananelo Makhetha, Connex's managing director, says that he believes the privatisation of the company will be a great success. "Connex has the right mix of clients, the right mix of products and services and the right attitude to become a significant roleplayer in the travel and tourism market. The company is small enough to focus on the personal touch and big enough to negotiate real value in a highly competitive industry."
Potential investors need to complete pre-qualification documents which will be available from January 11, 1999. Closing date for the submission of pre-qualification documentation is January 28, 1999.
The necessary documents may be obtained at the roadshows or from the offices of Gobodo Corporate Finance (GCF) at 1st floor Block B, Empire Park, 55 Empire Road, Parktown, Johannesburg.
And
Office for Public Enterprises - Directorate: Privatisation Pretoria: Suite 401, Infotech Building, 1090 Arcadia Street. Telephone (012) 342 7111 Cape Town: Room 1523, 120 Plein Street. Telephone (021) 461 1469
GCF, assisted by HSBC Simpson McKie (Pty) Ltd., has been appointed by the government as overall transaction advisor on the privatisation of Connex.
Roadshows will be held at the following venues on the dates listed.
Gauteng: Sandton Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Grayston Drive, Sandton on Monday January 11, 1999 from 09h00 until 11h00.
Western Cape: Cape Town Holiday Inn Garden Court, De Waal Drive, Mill Street Gardens on Tuesday January 12, 1999 between 12h30 and 14h30.
North West: Mmabatho Sun, Mmabatho on Wednesday January 13, 1999 between 10h00 and 12h00.
Northern Province: The Huisman Guesthouse, Pietersburg on Thursday January 14, 1999 from 10h00 to 12h00.
Mpumulanga: The Best Western Premier Lodge, Nelspruit Cnr Pretoria And Graniet Road, on Friday January 15 1999 between 10h00 and 12h00.
KwaZulu Natal: Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Snell Parade, Durban on Monday January 18, 1999 between 12h00 and 14h00.
Eastern Cape: Amatola Sun, Bisho on Wednesday January 20, 1999 from 11h30 to 13h30.
Free State: The President Hotel, Bloemfontein on Thursday January 21, 1999 between 10h00 and 12h00.
Northern Cape: Savoy Hotel, Kimberley on Thursday January 21, 1999 between 15h00 and 17h00.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
JOE MTHIMUNYE ON 011 482 2510
OR LINDA CONSIDINE ON 011 784-1299