Johannesburg 23 June 2000
Communications Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has expressed shocked and surprise by the new allegations on the third cellular licence process.
"I view this with great concern, in particular in the context of foreign and local direct investment, black economic empowerment and the sector as a whole, " she said.
Dr Matsepe-Casaburri: "Newspaper reports are suggesting that Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein (GTKF) appointed by SATRA to review business plans of bidders and assess consultants is alleged to have conflict of interest. This is a great concern not only to me but to the investor community in general."
"This alleged act is happening at the time when we are establishing a credible regulator namely ICASA. ICASA will have a task of looking into issues of convergence, multimedia and regulations that cut across a variety of sectors."
Dr Matsepe-Casaburri said Ministry of Communications would have "no choice but to look into this matter closely and with the speed that it requires".
She added: "In particular that it is occurring at the time of transition from SATRA/IBA to ICASA. If the alleged conflict of interest is true, we will have no choice but to consider legal action.
"After consulting with my colleagues and my legal advisors, I will consider the best option to end this impasse in this third cellular license process and I will soon be communicating and consulting with the industry in order to stabilise the situation."
Issued by: GCIS
ISSUED: BRIAN SOKUTU
MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON
CELL: 083-327-3229