Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau has announced plans to appeal the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block Vodacom’s proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in Maziv, a fibre business owned by Remgro.
The Tribunal’s ruling had halted a deal that would have created South Africa’s largest fibre network, a move that took many by surprise, especially since competition authorities operate under the Minister’s department.
Vodacom and Maziv have also filed notices to appeal the decision, signaling a continued push for the merger.
Commenting on the development, Competition Commission spokesperson Siyabulela Makunga said, “The Commission notes the appeal by Vodacom as well as the honorable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. At this stage, we are not able to comment further as we have not yet reviewed the substantive issues raised by the appellants.”
The outcome of these appeals could significantly impact the country’s fibre market and broader telecommunications landscape.