Numsa fears job losses if MTN takes control of Telkom
The
National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa says it's convinced there will
be job losses if MTN's takeover bid of Telkom is successful.
The telecoms firms have been holding talks with the mobile phone operator hoping to acquire the service provider's entire issued share capital.
The government owns 50% of Telkom. Numsa's Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says they're concerned about the impact this deal will have on workers.
"If you look at Eskom for example, Eskom management has confirmed to Nersa that part of the reason we are paying so much for electricity is because of the highly-priced IPPs which are privately owned.
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“The cost of IPP is passed on to the consumer. Privatisation will mean that outlined areas and rural areas will not be serviced. MTN and Vodacom do not care about ensuring quality networks in rural areas but Telkom which is state-owned has to care. Such a move will result in more job losses and stifle economic growth any further.”
