APRON SERVICES TO FOLLOW COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

PRESS STATEMENT

Cape Town, Thursday, 14 October 1999

Following consensus reached between the various role-players and the withdrawal of litigation, it was agreed earlier today that when Apron Services is disposed it will proceed via a competitive tender process.

The agreement facilitated by the Department of Public Enterprises between Transnet and Equity Alliance confirms the following:

1. That the Department of Public Enterprises will interact with Transnet to ensure that the Merchant Bankers AMB, reactivate the sale process of Apron Services.
2. The Department of Public Enterprises will interact with Transnet, ACSA and the Department of Transport, as a matter of urgency with a view to resolving the license issue, pertaining to Apron Services.
3. The Department of Public Enterprises will afford access to designated representatives of Equity Alliance, of the status of the bid process. This opportunity will be afforded to all parties interested in the bid process.

"I am delighted that we have been able to move forward positively on this matter. I am confident that in accordance with our mandate to accelerate the process of restructuring state-owned enterprises, the Inter Ministerial Cabinet Committee(IMCC) on Restructuring of State Assets will pronounce on a bid timetable in the shortest possible time," said Minister of Public Enterprises, Jeff Radebe.

For further info contact: Zaid Nordien 082 453 6224