The proposed merger, which promised to establish the country's most extensive fibre network, was halted by the tribunal, sparking a wave of surprise as the competition authorities operate under the Minister's own department.

Both Vodacom and Maziv have signalled their intention to challenge the tribunal's ruling. The Competition Commission has refrained from commenting on the ongoing proceedings.

"At this stage, we are not in a position to comment further as we have not yet reviewed the substantive issues raised by the appellants," stated Siyabulela Makunga, the spokesperson for the commission.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--