SAPO, MTN boss face off

Johannesburg, 12 Feb 2008

MTN SA's ex-MD Maanda Manyatshe and the SA Post Office (SAPO) appear today before judge Brian Southwood, in the Pretoria Motions Court.

The hearing is based on Manyatshe's R274 million defamation lawsuit against SAPO.

The action follows allegations of fraud made by SAPO's axed CEO, Khutso Mampeule, in 2006, against Manyatshe, which ultimately led to criminal charges being brought against the then MTN SA MD.

It also takes into account an interview given by Mampeule to newspaper Mail & Guardian. Manyatshe failed in his court application to have the article suppressed and it was published under the headline: MTN boss faces charges.

These actions ultimately led to Manyatshe's 'resignation' from the top spot at MTN's local operations.

Seeking justice

Manyatshe's consultant in the matter, Bart Henderson, says today will mark the drawing of the "battle lines" between SAPO and Manyatshe.

"SAPO are not arguing that the accusations of fraud were accurate. Instead, they are arguing technicalities. They say the board had no duty to contradict its CEO [Mampeule]. Manyatshe is arguing that Mampeule, as CEO, acted as a board member and, therefore, needs to take responsibility for the damage done to his person," he explains.

Manyatshe has steadfastly maintained he was not involved in any tender irregularities during his term at SAPO. Mampeule was subsequently fired from the Post Office by communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.

The hearing, originally scheduled for noon, started at 10am this morning. Advocate Gilbert Markus is appearing for SAPO, while Manyatshe is represented by advocate Paul Kennedy.

At the time of publication, ITWeb had not received comment from SAPO.