3 October 2002
Honourable Ministers,
Premiers,
Fellow Directors-General,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Mine is probably the easiest task of all today: to welcome you to this, the launch of the public education campaign in support of the Telkom IPO. In doing so, I'd like to thank you for your attendance -- and at the same time promise, in advance, that you will find your journey here has been worthwhile.
What you are about to witness is the launch of an intensive communications campaign to take information about the Telkom IPO to the farthest corners of our country. It involves every possible communication channel, with a particular emphasis on media for the historically-disadvantaged.
Some of you may be wondering: why do we need such a campaign? Why is it necessary to go to such lengths to attract investors?
The answer is fairly simple: For us in Government it is critical that the maximum number of South Africans is made aware of the opportunities presented by the Telkom listing, and is equipped to take advantage of these opportunities. This applies particularly to non-traditional investors, whether they be individuals or in groups such as stokvels.
So what we are launching is essentially a financial literacy campaign to explain - particularly to these non-traditional investors -- concepts such as share purchasing and trading. This is being done in advance of the registration and offer phases of the IPO, to ensure our people are fully informed when we enter the registration and offer phases.
You will be hearing more on this from the Ministers and the Chairperson of Telkom.
We in DPE are extremely excited about the campaign and see it as part of a broader process of financial literacy education. By the time this event is over, we trust you will share our excitement and become personal advocates for the messages we are putting across.
Thank you.