Thu May 23 10:36:14 SAST 2013
Thu May 23 10:36:14 SAST 2013

Plea over BEE shares

Aug 8, 2012 | Ido Lekota | 6 comments

THE government must intervene to ensure that the R2,2-billion worth of soon-to-be-sold-off 3.9% black economic empowerment stake in Absa remains in the hands of BEE shareholders.

Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale

 We are calling for the government's intervention to ensure there is no setback when it comes to the drive for transformation 

This is the view of the HBR (Hola Bon Renaissance) Foundation, a civil society organisation promoting BEE and effective public governance.

HBR wants the government to acquire the shares through any of the public-owned financial entities, including the Public Investment Commission, the Industrial Development Corporation and the National Empowerment Fund and "warehouse them until another BEE consortium interested in investing in the banking sector is identified".

The foundation says the identified public financial institutions could buy the shares at an agreed or market-related price and then be warehoused for 12 months while suitable BEE entities are sought.

The foundation's call follows the revelation that black shareholders in Absa, who were part of the Batho Bonke scheme initiated by Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale through his company Mvelaphanda, are about to sell their stake in the bank. Mvelaphanda holds a 2.28% stake in Absa through its 47% stake in Batho Bonke.

Other shareholders include ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa, political analyst Xolela Mangcu and SABC journalist Sophie Mokoena.

Sexwale is believed to be contesting for the ANC's presidency. Commentators have argued that the cashing-in could boost his war chest ahead of the ANC's elective conference in Mangaung in December.

Yesterday, HBR chairman Bontshitswe Mothopeng said while it made sense for Batho Bonke to sell off its stake, there was a need for a succession plan that would ensure that the consortium's previous contribution to BEE was not undermined.

"We are calling for the government's intervention to ensure there is no setback when it comes to the drive for transformation," he said.

Comments

Thu May 23 10:36:14 SAST 2013 ::
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Aug 8, 2012

Chipopi

Tokyo for president
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Aug 8, 2012

LeparaThePresident

They should let the public aquire those shares through the schemes we saw from telkom.vadcom.mtn.
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Aug 8, 2012

Vhamsanda

Mvela selling their shares in ABSA , immediately after the Barclays scandal ?
Ho nkga lefotha mona .
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Aug 8, 2012

sgubhusenkwishi

Yeah, Sexwale for retirement now. We are tired of your ins and outs in politics. If you cant manage your business how can you be trusted to manage this country? If people are voting you to power that will be a clear vote to promote corruption.
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Aug 9, 2012

WarrenG

BEE is racist. I'd like to have equal opportunities to get some shares, but I'm being discriminated against.
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Aug 9, 2012

amaNtuli

Who will be the next ANC leader??
You can vote here: www.faceof.it !!!!!
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