Zimbabwe raises red flag over software firm

The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Courier and Postal Services has raised security concerns over the use of a sole software supplier to implement the e-Government programmes in light of recent reports that the company, Twenty Third Century Systems, was recently acquired by a foreign-owned firm.

Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed EOH recently announced it would buy between 49 percent and 80 percent of Twenty Third Century Systems and its subsidiaries for an undisclosed amount.

The South African government, through the Public Investments Corporation, is the largest institutional shareholder while its chief executive, Asher Bohbot - an Israeli - is the single largest individual shareholder with about 5 percent of the group.

ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira yesterday raised security concerns in light of the new shareholding structure as well as pricing of the SAP.