EFF condemns minister for interference in Vodacom-Maziv merger case

Accuses Parks Tau of attempting to overturn the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block the merger.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a strong statement condemning Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau for his alleged interference in the proposed fibre merger between Vodacom and Remgro’s Maziv.

The party accuses Tau of attempting to overturn the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block the merger through an appeal.

ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW Listen/read: Tribunal’s Maziv decision ‘a travesty for SA’ – Vodacom boss

The EFF claims this interference is a calculated effort to protect the Rupert family and “other white capitalist elites”, further entrenching the duopoly of Vodacom and MTN in South Africa’s telecommunications industry.

The party also criticised what it called coordinated media attacks on the commissioner of the Competition Commission, describing them as attempts to undermine their credibility and democracy itself.

A ‘direct threat to democracy’

The EFF has labelled the alleged attacks on the commissioner as part of a broader assault on democratic values in South Africa, warning that discrediting independent institutions could set a dangerous precedent.

It argues that such actions embolden those media aligned with corporate interests to undermine democratically elected leaders, the judiciary, and other critical institutions.

Read: Minister appeals block of R13.2bn Vodacom deal

Concerns over monopolistic practices

The EFF has praised the Competition Tribunal’s decision to prohibit the merger, asserting that it would have created a monopolistic stronghold in the fibre market, further stifling competition and harming consumers.

The party believes the merger would consolidate power in the hands of a few, driving up costs and reinforcing what it terms the “stranglehold of white capital” over South Africa’s economy.

Maziv, which is owned by Remgro and linked to the Rupert family, has been singled out as an example of monopolistic practices. The EFF accuses its supporters of using media campaigns to discredit the tribunal and the commissioner, dismissing their criticisms as baseless and racially charged attacks aimed at preserving the status quo.

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Listen/read: Tribunal’s Maziv decision ‘a travesty for SA’ – Vodacom boss

Safeguarding democracy and transparency

The EFF says it rejects the notion that the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal are pursuing ideological agendas, emphasising that their role is to prevent anti-competitive practices and protect the public interest.

The party asserts that Tau’s alleged actions undermine this mandate and serve only the interests of corporate elites.

The EFF has called for the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition to hold a hearing on the matter, inviting input from all stakeholders. It stresses the need for the committee to respect the independence of the tribunal while upholding democratic principles.

The EFF has dismissed claims that the merger would “boost investment and create jobs”, describing them as smokescreens designed to deceive the public. The party argues that historical trends show that monopolies primarily benefit the wealthy, leaving ordinary South Africans to shoulder the burden of inflated prices and limited choices.

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