Tuesday, 03 December 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, for interfering in the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block the Vodacom and Remgro’s Maziv fibre merger through an appeal. This interference is a clear attempt to protect the Rupert family, the interests of the white capitalist elites, and entrench the duopoly of Vodacom and MTN in South Africa’s telecommunications industry. We also condemn the media’s coordinated attacks on the Commissioner of the Competition Commission, aimed at undermining their credibility and threatening the very foundation of South Africa’s democracy.

The coordinated character assassination of the Commissioner of the Competition Commission is a direct attack on South Africa’s democratic values and the gains made since the end of apartheid. By discrediting key independent institutions and their leaders, these actions set a dangerous precedent. If such behaviour is not challenged, it will embolden the Rupert-controlled media and its allies to target democratically elected political parties, members of the judiciary, and other critical institutions, reversing the hard-won achievements of our democracy.

The Competition Tribunal rightly prohibited this merger on the grounds that it would create a monopolistic stronghold in the fibre market, further entrenching the existing duopoly of Vodacom and MTN. These telecommunications giants have long dominated the sector, stifling competition and making it nearly impossible for emerging players to thrive, creating a consumer-exploitative environment where the price of data and other products remains extremely high compared to other similar economies. Allowing this merger to proceed would consolidate power in the hands of a few, driving up costs for consumers and reinforcing the stranglehold of white capital over the economy.

Maziv, owned by Remgro, which is controlled by the Rupert family, epitomises white monopoly capital’s grip on South Africa’s economic landscape. The Ruperts and their cronies have now even weaponised the media to attack the Competition Tribunal and its leadership, portraying the Tribunal’s decisions as “irrational” and questioning its mandate. This is a classic tactic of white capital—when their interests are threatened, they deploy their media machinery to undermine independent institutions and vilify individuals like Commissioner Doris Tshepe, who are committed to upholding economic justice. The accusations of mismanagement against Tshepe are nothing more than thinly-veiled racist attacks, intended to discredit those who challenge the status quo.

The EFF rejects the notion that the Competition Commission and Tribunal are pursuing an “ideological agenda.” These bodies are fulfilling their mandate to prevent anti-competitive practices and protect the public interest. It is Minister Tau, acting on behalf of the Rupert family and white monopoly capital, who is undermining these institutions by attempting to overturn a well-founded decision. This intervention exposes the sinister agenda of the ruling elite: to safeguard the profits of a privileged few while the majority of South Africans continue to suffer under the weight of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

To ensure accountability, the EFF will demand that the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition holds a hearing to review this matter. The Committee must invite submissions from all relevant stakeholders while ensuring that its oversight does not interfere with the Competition Tribunal’s independent work. This will uphold the principles of transparency and democratic governance.

The argument that this merger would “boost investment and create jobs” is a smokescreen designed to deceive the public. History has shown that monopolies and corporate mergers benefit only the wealthy, while the poor and working-class are left to bear the brunt of inflated prices and limited choices. True economic growth and job creation can only be achieved through the dismantling of monopolies and the promotion of a genuinely competitive market that empowers new entrants, particularly Black-owned enterprises.

The EFF will follow the appeal and we will not hesitate to mobilise against any attempts to undermine our democratic institutions. Minister Tau’s involvement is neither necessary nor in the interest of ordinary South Africans. His actions must be called out and resisted to protect the country’s democratic values and economic justice for all.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572