caroper
29-09-2004, 10:13 AM
Minister agrees to suspend SNO licensing
September 29, 2004
Pretoria - Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri will not grant a licence to stakeholders in the second network operator (SNO) until at least October 29, pending negotiations with shareholder Nexus Connexion.
Nexus yesterday launched an urgent high court application to stop Matsepe-Casaburri from implementing a decision taken in August that awarded shares to two foreign-led groups, Communitel and Two Consortium, giving them "significant participation" and allowing an unidentified financial investor to control the SNO.
Nexus, which has a 19 percent stake in the SNO, sought an interim order to stop the minister from proceeding with the licensing process, pending the outcome of review proceedings to set aside her decisions regarding the operator.
A settlement was reached when Matsepe-Casaburri agreed not to proceed with the process because of the negotiations with Nexus. The application will go to the high court on October 26 if the matter is not settled.
Review proceedings to set aside earlier decisions regarding the second network operator are still pending.
Nexus chairman Xolisa Memani has accused the minister of overstepping her powers.
September 29, 2004
Pretoria - Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri will not grant a licence to stakeholders in the second network operator (SNO) until at least October 29, pending negotiations with shareholder Nexus Connexion.
Nexus yesterday launched an urgent high court application to stop Matsepe-Casaburri from implementing a decision taken in August that awarded shares to two foreign-led groups, Communitel and Two Consortium, giving them "significant participation" and allowing an unidentified financial investor to control the SNO.
Nexus, which has a 19 percent stake in the SNO, sought an interim order to stop the minister from proceeding with the licensing process, pending the outcome of review proceedings to set aside her decisions regarding the operator.
A settlement was reached when Matsepe-Casaburri agreed not to proceed with the process because of the negotiations with Nexus. The application will go to the high court on October 26 if the matter is not settled.
Review proceedings to set aside earlier decisions regarding the second network operator are still pending.
Nexus chairman Xolisa Memani has accused the minister of overstepping her powers.