ICT businessman Robert Gumede has accused the Mail & Guardian (M&G) of a harassment campaign, after the newspaper ran a story claiming he had bribed a former Telkom executive.
The investigative paper this morning reported that Gumede instructed his ex-wife to pay a former Telkom executive, Thapelo Petje, R100 000 to secure a tender. Gumede is the founder and chairman of JSE-listed Gijima.
According to the M&G, the money was transferred in October 2004, which was two years after Gumede's company, Gijima Afrika Smart Technologies (GAST), was awarded a Telkom tender, believed to be worth millions, to manufacture smart cards.
Gumede's ex-wife, Zongi Gumede, told the publication that she transferred money to a company owned by Petje's wife.
Not surprised
This morning, Gumede said in a statement he expected the “M&G's campaign of harassment to continue”.
Gumede's complaint to the press ombudsman alleges he is the victim of a “biased and vindictive campaign”. He filed it after receiving questions around payments that his ex-wife had made.
However, Gumede says the complaint was being prepared weeks before the M&G sent him its questions, and that it “is not linked to the questions received from the M&G, on 25 October”.
Sole denies the paper is harassing Gumede. Sole says the paper will continue to write stories that are justified by news value and public interest, in line with the normal news process.
Telkom has confirmed Petje worked for the company, but says he left five years ago.
The telco says its tender processes are “extremely stringent” and the procurements processes that are followed make it “extremely difficult” for policy breaches to occur.
Related story:
M&G hits back at Gumede
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