Telkom has won its court case against president Cyril Ramaphosa over his directive that authorised a wide-ranging probe of possible maladministration in the disposal of Telkom’s assets – iWayAfrica, Africa Online Mauritius and Multi-Links Telecoms – during the telco’s sojourn in Africa.gave the Special Investigating Unit authority to investigate possible maladministration in the sale of these assets, which resulted in the telephony company losing millions of rands.
In a statement today, the telco says the Pretoria High Court has set aside Proclamation 49 issued by the president of South Africa on 25 January 2022, giving the authority to investigate Telkom.Approaching the courts, it adds, Telkom confirmed its commitment to good governance. In delivering the judgement, it note, Judge J Thlapi found the decision to issue the proclamation to be unconstitutional, invalid and of no force or effect.
The telecommunications company bought 75% of the CDMA operator for $280 million in March 2007, and almost two years later, bought out the balance for another $130 million. It subsequently wrote down the unit for more than its initial investments before selling it. iWayAfrica was formed as the result of the amalgamation of MWeb Africa and Africa Online in 2007, when MWeb Africa was purchased by Telkom.