South Africa: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition submitted appeal against ruling prohibiting the proposed merger between Vodacom and Maziv

On 27 November 2024, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) of South Africa submitted an appeal to the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) against the Competition Tribunal’s decision to prohibit the proposed Vodacom/Maziv merger. The appeal concerns the merger between Vodacom (Pty) Ltd and Maziv (Pty) Ltd, which aimed to expand fibre and mobile connectivity in underserved areas. The DTIC lodged the appeal to comply with statutory deadlines under the Competition Act 89 of 1998, as amended, despite the Tribunal’s detailed reasons for prohibition not yet being available. The appeal focused on public interest grounds, highlighting the merger’s potential to boost investment, create jobs, and improve digital infrastructure.