Press Releases

MTN pays out R500000 for goals scored at 2010 and Afcon qualifiers

The MTN Group is pleased to announce that it is donating R250 000 each to the Salvation Army and to Doctors without Borders as a result of the goals scored last weekend at the Africa qualifiers for the FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa™ and the Africa Cup of Nations.

This follows MTN’s pledge of up to R3 million for goals scored during the Africa qualifiers from 31 May to 22 June 2008. The money will be donated to organisations supporting those displaced and affected by recent attacks on foreign nationals and some South Africans. This is in addition to over R2,1 million in cash and in kind MTN has contributed to the Red Cross in their efforts to assist victims of attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

MTN Group Executive, Corporate Affairs, Ms Nozipho January-Bardill, says: “As South Africa begins the process to reintegrate those displaced by the recent unfortunate events, we are pleased about this positive start to our campaign to donate R10 000 for every goal scored at the qualifiers. It gives MTN the opportunity to extend its support for those displaced and affected by the unfortunate events in South Africa recently. While we understand some of the underlying reasons that may have led to these attacks, we wish to reiterate that these do not reflect MTN’s, South Africa’s or Africa’s values.”

“As the global sponsor of the FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa™ and an established partner of football, we are confident that South Africa and the continent will host a spectacular and successful event that will leave a lasting, positive legacy for Africa.”

MTN’s commitment and passion for football is further demonstrated through other football properties such as the MTN CAF Champions League and the MTN Africa Cup of Nations. MTN also sponsors various football clubs in its countries of operation. The commitment also includes innovations such as MTNfootball.com which enables football fans to view live matches and get updated information about the game.

MTN’s status as a multinational and leading provider of telecommunications in emerging markets has enabled the company to draw individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience towards a common goal of making a difference in all countries in which the company operates. This status has made football the natural medium for MTN to channel its contribution as a unifying force.

The FIFA World Cup™ is indisputably one of the most popular sporting events in the world and hosting it in Africa is a strong signal of the confidence and expectation the world has of Africa and its people.