MTN GROUP LIMITED 
By |
Johannesburg - Recent events have focused
international attention on Iran, and on MTN's
operations there, through its stake in Irancell. MTN
operates in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Our vision is to be the leading telecommunications
provider in emerging markets. Our mission is to speed up the progress of the
emerging world by enriching the lives of the people
within it. Our non-controlling shareholding in
Irancell, which we have held since 2005, has been an
important part of this strategy. As a multinational telecommunications company
operating in emerging markets, MTN has a unique
opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to social
development in the countries where we operate. As of 30
September 2011, MTN recorded 158 million subscribers
across its operations in the region, of which over 33
million are customers of Irancell. Our success in
widening access to mobile technology has been, and
continues to be, a liberating force for Iranians,
whatever their political allegiances. Mobile technology
has brought communities together, empowered individuals
and helped raise living standards for millions in the
developing world. MTN is proud of this legacy. South Africa does not maintain any sanctions
against any country in which MTN operates. MTN is fully
aware of the international sanctions regimes against
Iran. We plan and carry out our operations in
compliance with applicable sanctions regulations and
law. Whilst telecommunications companies in Iran have
not been the subject of specific sanctions, we remain
responsive to the views of our investors and other
stakeholders. We retain international legal counsel to
advise us on the scope of UN, US, EU and other relevant
sanctions to assist us in remaining compliant with
applicable sanctions. On human rights, the group takes direction from
and adheres to the policies of both the South African
government and the United Nations. South Africa is a
member of the United Nations and has human rights
enshrined as fundamental principles within its
Constitution. Given South Africa's own recent
history and its struggle against apartheid, we are
particularly conscious of our moral obligations and of
civil rights. MTN seeks to ensure that our corporate
values of respect for human rights are reflected in the
way we do business and we expect all our partners to
adhere to these fundamental principles. MTN is of course conscious of the ethical issues
that face any telecommunications company in relation to
the privacy rights of our customers. As is the case
with telecommunications providers operating anywhere in
the world, we are subject to local legal requirements
in respect of intercept and government access to data.
Technological advances and the growth of social media
have thrown up new ethical dilemmas for companies such
as MTN. These are fast moving developments we all need
to understand and adapt to. We believe there is a role
for international bodies in drawing up suitable codes
for engagement with governments, and MTN is keen to
draw on the expertise of third party organizations in
relation to our internal ethical frameworks and
management practices. ENDS - Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs About the MTN Group Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN." As of 30 September 2011, MTN recorded 158 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit us at www.mtn.com and www.mtnfootball.com For more information, please contact:
Xolisa Vapi on +27 83 200 4363 or vapi_xo@mtn.co.za |
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