MINISTER CHALLENGES VALIDITY AND UNFACTUAL REPORTING IN THE MAIL AND GUARDIAN ON THE THIRD CELLULAR LICENCE

7 July 2000

Issued by Ministry of Communication

Communications Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has today challenged what she called "malicious and irresponsible reporting" by the Mail & Guardian newspaper on the third cellular licence process.

In pointing to several untruths carried by the newspaper, the Minister said it was:

• Incorrect to allege that Government had announced that the country's third cellular licence was given to Cell C. Addressing a press conference at the Gallagher Estate last Friday, the Minister announced having received final recommendations from the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA), which recommended Cell C. She told journalists that she would apply her mind on the recommendations. Subsequent to this week the Minister listed three options open to her. These were that she could go by Satra's decision, choose another bidder or stop the process.
• Incorrect to say Satra's final recommendations were merely supported by three councillors when - in fact all councillors endorsed the recommendations.
• Incorrect to say the decision to "push through Cell C" was taken by Cabinet. The process of recommending Cell C was independently done by Satra. Satra is by law, an independent authority operating on its own without interference by Government.
• Incorrect to say Cabinet ministers were divided over the issue. The Minister is not aware of this. Cabinet meetings are confidential . The author of the article will have to say who his real source of information is.

Issued: Brian Sokutu
Ministry Spokesperson
Cell: 083-327-3229