Babalo Ndenze2 October 2024 | 12:03

Comms Minister seeks Treasury's help to find private partners for struggling SA Post Office

Solly Malatsi said they want Treasury's support in forming a task team to find 'private financial and operational partners' to help the struggling entity.

Comms Minister seeks Treasury's help to find private partners for struggling SA Post Office

The South African Post Office. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp

CAPE TOWN - Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has asked for National Treasury's support to find private partners for the South African Post Office (SAPO).

Malatsi said they want Treasury's support to form a task team and find "private financial and operational partners" to help the struggling entity.

SAPO will need a R3.8 billion cash injection by October.

“I have sought Treasury’s support in forming a task team to pursue private financial and operational partners for the South African Post Office. This will enable serious consideration of privatisation scenarios as a preferential option to further funding from the fiscus.”

The minister said these private partners would bring the SAPO up to modern standards, adding that this also comes at a time when postal services around the world are transitioning away from monopolies.

“The goal is to modernise SAPO’s operations, drive innovation, and increase its competitiveness.”