"The move is aimed at enabling Telkom to achieve its business objectives … secure its sustainability by balancing its workforce in line with its strategies," the company said on Monday.
Telkom has a workforce of around 21 000 employees. The move follows consultation with all parties, including the unions.
The company said the decision to apply for a package was at the sole discretion of every employee.
"However, Telkom also has the sole discretion to accept or decline the application based on the business requirements."
After the packages window period closed, Telkom might embark on retrenchments if the process had not achieved the desired result.
"Future retrenchment processes and severance packages will be done in accordance with the Labour Relations Act," Telkom said.
Trade union Solidarity said it was concerned about the offering of packages to employees.
"The trade union is already in discussions with Telkom about this matter and more detail will be announced as it becomes available," the union said. – Sapa