Telecel has just released an official statement in response to the shut-down operation order that was given by the Zimbabwean Government as reported yesterday.
In their response, Telecel told the government not to overlook the legal agreement they have with its officials (POTRAZ) just because the officers were said to have overstepped legal mandate. The government, in turn, argued that POTRAZ has been heavily compromised, so agreement has likely been revoked.
Here’s the full statement:
“Telecel Zimbabwe has taken the government’s recent announcement on its licensing and shareholding non-compliance, very seriously. Our shareholders are engaging with relevant stakeholders and are working closely and tirelessly with all key authorities to find a lasting solution to the issue.
We remain fully committed to Zimbabwe and to working with the government in order to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements within the agreed time frame. Telecel Zimbabwe takes very seriously its legal, financial, operational and social responsibilities.
Telecel serves over 2 million customers in Zimbabwe and is a fully paid-up abiding tax contributor. We have invested an estimated $237 million into the country’s mobile infrastructure since inception in 1998. Currently, we employ over 1,000 permanent and contract employees.
In addition, Telecel contributes $700,000 annually through its on-going CSR program, which is aimed at making a difference in the lives of various Zimbabwean communities. We have been, and remain, supportive to the continued development of the country, including ensuring the universal access to mobile communications services by all people at affordable prices.
Telecel would like to thank our valued customers, business partners, stakeholders, employees and the Zimbabwean public in general for their continued support.”
Professor Jonathan Moyo, a Zimbabwean politician, tweeted earlier today that Telecel “has not been shut down as such” and that this is a way to make them comply.
@morrisAmaru Telecel has not been shut down as such. It’s about finding business ways for the company to be in compliance with the law.
— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) March 13, 2015
As of the time of writing this post, Telecel is still fully operational.
