Telecel to comply with indigenisation

Published: 09 October 2013

Local mobile phone service provider, Telecel Zimbabwe Limited says it will comply with the indigenisation and economic empowerment broad-based model in the procurement and provision of supplies and ancillary services.

Telecel made the commitment after meeting with the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) National Executive Council.

Contacted to shed light on the meeting with the AAG, Telecel General Manager, Angeline Vera told reporters to direct all questions to the AAG.

The empowerment lobby group's President, Dr Keith Guzah confirmed the development.

Guzah said the AAG is happy with the progress made as they have come to an arrangement to include locals in the supply and procurement of Telecel Zimbabwe's requirements.

"We are happy with the inroads we have made and Telecel. We are going to look at the suppliers list as to who is supplying what and how? We are calling on the generality of Zimbabweans to come and be part and parcel of the indigenisation of Telecel. The management has been very clear, we are only waiting for our quarter," said Dr Guzah.

On the issue of shareholding, the AAG said a meeting will be held next week following the company's submission of its proposals to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board (NIEEB).

"They have an arrangement with NIEEB and as part of the council which is also involved in the compliance, we are happy that Telecel has submitted a proposal and we will know next week," Dr Guzah added.

Telecel Zimbabwe was issued a national telecommunications licence on the 31st of May by telecommunications regulatory board, POTRAZ, following its submission of commitment to conform to the indigenisation laws.

The mobile phone service provider has 40 percent local shareholding while 60 percent is held by Telecel International.
- zbc