Online Reporter
In a demonstration of leadership and innovation, Powertel Communications has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Director of the Year Award for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Parastatals at the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe (IoDZ) Director of the Year Awards (DOYA).
This recognition not only bears testament to Powertel’s business performance but also to its commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
In the past year alone, Powertel says it has managed to build on a culture of exceptional customer experience, driven by adopting “sustainable business practices such as integrating renewable energy within its network backup systems”.
According to the company, this has led to a significant reduction in network downtimes whilst improving fault resolution timeframes, with resolution rates ranging from 91 percent to 97 percent for faults cleared within 24 hours and 72 hours respectively.
The company is currently invested in expanding its fibre backbone infrastructure, in an effort to enhance service delivery, and adopting new technologies to better serve its clients.
Powertel has embarked on a comprehensive network upgrade and expansion, deploying All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Fibre along the national power grid infrastructure in a bid to deliver limitless high-speed bandwidth to local communities, businesses, and educational institutions.
As part of the notable network upgrades, Powertel says it is transitioning to Software Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) technology, which will significantly increase capacity and meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth.
This transformation will not only enhance organisational flexibility and agility—allowing businesses to scale bandwidth on demand—but also ensure reduced latency, improved service quality, and enhanced network security.
The deployment of high-tech IoT solutions such as the Transformer Anti-Intruder Systems (TAIS) on behalf of the power utility ZESA, has “positioned Powertel as a leader in the telecommunications sector”.
Initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in underserved rural areas demonstrate the company’s commitment to contributing to the Government of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of building a Digital Economy, by providing universal access to data, thus aligning with the broader objectives of national development.
The 2024 awards saw a diverse range of nominees and recipients across various categories. Notably, the recognition of Powertel among other leading entities emphasises the growing focus on governance and performance in Zimbabwe’s corporate landscape.
The awards also highlight a trend towards recognising organisations that not only excel in financial metrics but also demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership, innovation, and sustainability.
“As Powertel celebrates this significant achievement, the award serves as a testament to its dedication to excellence in ethical governance, innovation, and strategic leadership in navigating today’s complex business environment,” the company says.
