Both the Wacs and Sat-3/Wasc cables providing international connectivity from South Africa to international markets were knocked out on Thursday, causing slow connections for some consumer and business users.

Communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said on Thursday that she will meet urgently with Telkom management to discuss the company’s plan to let go of as many as 3 000 employees.

Trade union Solidarity has slammed Telkom over its plan to cut up to 3 000 jobs, or 20% of its 15 000-strong workforce, describing the move as “reckless” and “merciless”.

JSE-listed telecommunications specialist Huge Group plans to buy back its own shares, it said in a statement to investors on Wednesday.

Telkom shares jumped on Thursday after it emerged on Wednesday evening that the company plans a major retrenchment round that could see up to a fifth of its workforce let go.

It’s turning out to be a bleak start to the new year for employees at the partially state-owned telecommunications operator Telkom, with as many as 3 000 jobs on the line.