MTN has announced that it has contributed over R2,1 million in cash and in kind to support the South African Red Cross Society (Red Cross) in their efforts to help those affected by the violent attacks on foreign nationals and some South Africans in parts of the country.

MTN has handed over a cheque for R1,5 million to the Red Cross and made an in kind contribution valued at over R670 000, including clothing and other items as well as airtime and SIM cards for use by Red Cross volunteers. ZTE Corporation South Africa, the manufacturer and solution provider for wireless base stations, terminals and networking products and supplier to MTN, has contributed the handsets to be used by the volunteers.

During weekends, MTN employees have been voluntarily helping the Red Cross and they are continuously collecting food, clothing and other supplies for the displaced foreign nationals and others.

MTN Group President and CEO, Phuthuma Nhleko, says: “As a South African company with operations in Africa and the Middle East, we are very concerned by the spate of violent attacks against foreign nationals. We wish to send our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these attacks and express our sympathies to those who are affected. MTN has therefore aligned itself and engaged with the Red Cross to support their efforts to bring relief.”

Says ZTE's Deputy CEO, Tumi Magasa: “The recent events in which some foreign nationals and some South Africans have been attacked, displaced and/or lost their lives are unfortunate. To demonstrate our concern and show that we care, we decided to collaborate with MTN and the Red Cross in their efforts to assist those in need. We are proud to be part of this noble cause.”

The Red Cross has been providing emergency relief to affected people since the first attacks against foreigners took place in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, on 12 May 2008. The emergency relief items that the Red Cross is distributing include blankets, food, baby kits and kitchen sets. The Red Cross, which has reached over 20 000 beneficiaries since the start of the crisis, has become a lifeline for the displaced.

Incoming Secretary General of the Red Cross, Ms Mandisa Kalako-Williams said the Red Cross has been alleviating the suffering of victims made vulnerable by natural disasters, violence and internal displacement since its inception in 1896.

“Our association with MTN will ensure that the role of the Red Cross Movement in disaster management (pre, during and post the disaster) is enhanced and strengthened, allowing us to serve our mandate of upholding human dignity irrespective of race, colour, creed or religion as prescribed by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement,” said Kalako-Williams.

“We are proud of the support of individuals and companies, such as MTN, who care enough to make the link towards working together for humanity. Humanitarian interventions, such as the current situation with internally displaced foreign nationals, cannot succeed without your generosity,” Kalako-Williams concluded.

Telkom South Africa has received a new takeover approach and a separate offer to buy part of its 50% stake in the country's largest cellular operator, Vodacom. The full takeover offer has come from a consortium headed by South African businessman and politician, Tokyo Sexwale and his firm Mvelaphanda Holdings. The offer is conditional upon Telkom agreeing to spin off its Vodacom stake.

Meanwhile, the UK's Vodafone Group has offered to acquire part of Telkom's half-share in Vodacom on the condition that the remainder is sold to shareholders. Telkom says it began negotiations with Vodafone on 14 May.

Telkom released a statement which read: 'The board of Telkom, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, will evaluate all bona fide offers with a view to maximizing shareholder value. No transaction will be entered into without requisite shareholder approvals.'

Earlier this year Telkom turned down a takeover offer from Dubai-based telecoms investment group Saudi Oger. The South African government is Telkom's largest shareholder, with a 38.9% direct stake and a 15.3% interest held via Public Investment Corp.

Algeria's telecoms regulator, the Regulation Authority of Post and Telecommunications, has said that more than three million unregistered SIM cards have been deactivated to help prevent terrorists using mobile phones to remotely detonate bombs.

Recent explosions claimed by al-Qaeda in North Africa have been set off using unregistered pre-paid mobile phones, Reuters reports. New regulations have been introduced in Algeria which require ID cards to be shown when buying a new mobile handset. The country is home to more than 20 million mobile users.