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of the interview.
HB: There are conflicting reports regarding how former Telecel CEO Mr Francis Mawindi left the company. Can you open up on this issue?
JM: Mr Francis Mawindi and Telecel have separated. Our relationship was guided by a private and personal employment contract and we intend to keep this confidential.
HB: We also understand that Mr Mawindi is now demanding a US$1 million golden handshake, any chance that he may be paid the sum or Telecel will consider re-engaging him?
JM: As indicated above, the employment contract between Telecel Zimbabwe and the former CEO is now terminated. The matter is currently before a labour officer for conciliation.
HB: Telecel has had brushes with the law regards its shareholding structure; when and how do you intend to address the shareholding structure?
JM: A lot is happening behind the scenes to resolve this and an announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
HB: What has been the response from your major shareholder(s) on the shareholding issue?
JM: All Telecel shareholders agree that there is need to comply with the laws of the land and will do everything possible to meet the requirements.
HB: How far true are claims that any purchases of US$25 000 are sent for approval to Egypt, where Telecel’s headquarters are based?
HB: Telecel Zimbabwe has an internal Procurement Committee that sits every week to evaluate POs (procurement orders) and this body is the one that makes such decisions. Of course, there are cases where because of the nature of the equipment being procured, Telecel might need to consult Cairo (Egypt) especially if the supplier is an international one who has a supply agreement at group level. Such cases are treated as an exception rather than as a norm.
HB: Telecel has been the fastest growing mobile phone operator in the country since 2009, what’s been driving the growth?
JM: We have built our offers around the need to provide best-value-for-money and given the current economic hardships in the country, this has resonated very well with most people seeking value for their money. We have also put the customer at the centre of our service delivery and this is reflected in the numerous awards for customer care we have been given over the recent past.
HB: How do you react to analysts’ claims that this is the appropriate time for Telecel to broaden its scope by listing on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange?
JM: It is an option that will be decided on by the shareholders when the time is right.
HB: Any chance that you might list on the ZSE before year end?
JM: No.
HB: Potraz is urging mobile phone operators to share infrastructure. What is your take on this and have you been in talks with other players for possible sharing?
JM: We have always supported this initiative even before it was proposed by the regulator. For us it makes sense to cut costs by sharing infrastructure and passing any savings back to the subscriber through lower tariffs for services. This sits very well with our brand value for providing value for money for our customers.
HB: We understand there is a bitter war among mobile phone operators over interconnection fees. How bad is it and how have you been affected?
JM: Some payments have not been made for traffic from other networks and this matter is being handled by the regulator. This obviously affects us from a cash flow perspective but we believe it will be sorted out amicably.
HB: Tell us Telecel’s game plan going forward given the cut-throat competition in the sector?
JM: We will continue to revise our internal operations to cut on waste and manage our operating costs in order to maintain reasonably low tariffs for our subscribers. We believe it is difficult to argue against clear value being provided by any service provider.
HB: How far true are claims that you are seriously considering coming back home to pursue your business interests?
JM: It is an option that is always available to me as a citizen of this country.
HB: If you could be on your way back home, when should the country’s business landscape expect you?
JM: You will know when the time is right.
Online Reporter