Billy Rautenbach Positive About Involvement in SA Business

JOHANNESBURG -

Commenting on the successful conclusion to the plea bargain agreement between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), S.A. Botswana Hauliers (Pty) Limited and its company representative and director, Billy Rautenbach, who said that he is overjoyed to be able to enter South Africa once again.

“It’s always been my goal to return to South Africa to pursue potential business opportunities here once my name was cleared,” says Rautenbach. “It’s been a frustrating time of exile for me having to watch the evolution of business in South Africa and being unable to make my contribution.”

During his 10-year exile, Rautenbach continued to support the South African economy with a procurement spend of over US50-million (approximately US$1 million per week over a year) through his mining activities.

In 2006 Central African Mining & Exploration Company plc (CAMEC), an AIM listed company, acquired various mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which were developed by Rautenbach.

During this time SABOT, a transportation and logistics company associated with CAMEC, also placed Africa’s largest trucking and trailer order valued at over US$58 million with various Johannesburg-based suppliers.

CAMEC was also responsible for spending over US$250-million in the DRC, which included millions of dollars on corporate social investment activities to uplift the communities surrounding its operations. The company also created employment for over 5,000 people at its Luita plant. At an average of 5 people per household, 25,000 people are being sustained as a result of this operation.

“Business has a major role to play in the developing countries of Africa,” adds Rautenbach. “The developments in the DRC have been very rewarding and I’m particularly excited and optimistic about the recent changes in Zimbabwe. Together with many other business people, and South African companies who will be pivotal to this process, I look forward to helping to create new networks within the South African business community to pursue opportunities in the emerging ‘new Zimbabwe’.”

Rautenbach, representing S.A. Botswana Hauliers, reached a plea bargain agreement with the NPA on 18 September 2009. It is believed that following careful analysis and consideration it was concluded that the alleged offences, related directly to the company and not to Rautenbach personally. All criminal charges against him have been withdrawn and he is at liberty to enter the Republic of South Africa, subject to the compliance with normal immigration and custom formalities.

JOHANNESBURG, September 23 /PRNewswire/ –

Source: PR Worx

Issued by : Madelain Roscher, PR Worx, +27(0)83-468-6819, +27(0)11-896-1818, madelain at prworx.co.za; On behalf of : Billy Rautenbach