/ 19 January 2010

Knott-Craig denies any wrongdoing at Vodacom

Former Vodacom CEO Alan Knott-Craig defended himself in the media on Tuesday against allegations of nepotism.

He told Business Day newspaper that he had supported a KPMG investigation into the allegations but that he “was not provided with an official copy of the report and thus cannot comment on its findings”.

However, Knott-Craig added: “According to correspondence in my possession I, and other employees against whom allegations were made, were exonerated by Vodacom shareholders and the board”.

His reaction comes after the Sunday Times reported at the weekend that a KPMG forensic audit report was compiled after two former Vodacom employees accused Knott-Craig of exploiting company resources for the benefit of family members.

The independent report was commissioned by Vodacom shareholders in 2008, said company spokesperson Richard Boorman.

“All 18 allegations were examined closely and two were deemed worthy of more detailed review,” said Boorman.

Through this independent process, both of these cases were reviewed to the satisfaction of Vodacom’s shareholders and in neither case was it deemed necessary to take any action against any individuals.”

According to the Sunday Times, the allegations claim Knott-Craig helped his son with business ventures using Vodacom resources. He also allegedly awarded a multi-million-rand contract to a marketing and advertising company run by family members. — Sapa