Faizel Patel – 07/01/2021

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has condemned the torching of three 5G towers owned by both Vodacom and MTN after remarks made by government official claiming that COVID-19 is a hoax and that 5G is making people sick.

The destruction of the cellphone towers follows a resurgence in conspiracy theories which link the emergence of the Coronavirus to 5G.

Nadabeni-Abrahams has described the misinformation campaign as a threat to investments made telecoms network infrastructure.

“The destruction of network towers comprises multi-pronged efforts and initiatives to stem the spread of the virus. We therefore urge the police to arrest anyone who is threatening of removing infrastructure network stations or towers.”

Nadabeni-Abrahams says since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been several social media campaigns linking 5G networks to the virus.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dispelled such myths. In their recent statement on this matter, the WHO said to date and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies. The WHO statement was also echoed by South Africas Department of Health, which also described such assertions as unfounded.”

Nadabeni-Abrahams says her department is finalising a draft policy for the rollout go 5G networks, adding that the process will be subjected to public consultation.