and Communications Technology (ICT) Broadband Infrastructure Network is African
led not a South African initiative
2 March 2007
Since my last appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Communications in
Parliament on the 20 February 2007, there has been misrepresentation and/or
lack of understanding of several important issues by various media. The media
interpretations are developing a life of their own. Corrections of these
inaccuracies are necessary and critical especially because the NEPAD Project is
an African initiative and not just a South African one.
The NEPAD Broadband Network is not South African led. It is co-ordinated by
the e-Africa Commission and all participants in it are equal.
The project does not exclude foreigners as is purported. It is, in line with
NEPAD principles: predominately African owned and led. Foreigners will be
accommodated as minority shareholders in one of the Special Purpose Vehicles
namely the Hybrid Special Purpose Vehicle.
Governments will not lead the Special Purpose Vehicles. These will be led by
an enterprise which is comprised of companies identified by their respective
countries and which are shareholders in the Vehicles as designated by signatory
countries.
The project will be run on business principles of viability, sustainability,
efficiency, effectiveness, etc. but in the context of NEPAD principles of
regional integration.
Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, MP
For media enquiries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Issued by: Ministry of Communications
2 March 2007
