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And the rate at which staff at Telecel Zimbabwe are hired and fired is breathtaking.
While Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) has only known Mr Douglas Mboweni as its CEO since starting operations in July 1998, and NetOne has only known Mr Reward Kangai; those who have been appointed to head Telecel Zimbabwe have found out that superintending over the mobile telephone company is like riding a rodeo bull — you will fall off sooner rather than later.
A number of bosses have been sacked under unclear circumstances. First through the revolving door was MD Mr Jim Galan. In March 2013, Telecel Zimbabwe CEO Mr Francis Mawindi was elbowed out nine months into a three-year deal.
Though it was announced that Mr Mawindi had “decided to pursue other opportunities outside the group”, sources claimed that there were shareholders who were pressuring Mr Mahwindi to siphon funds from the firm. A few days after his departure Mr Mawindi was in the Labour Court claiming US$1 million for unlawful dismissal in lieu of reinstatement.
Mr Mawindi had taken over from Mr John Swaim, who also had a short flirtation with the top post. Mr John Swaim had himself replaced the controversial Mr Aimable Mpore. It reads like a Hollywood blockbuster: Mr Mpore had been deported from Zimbabwe in 2010 before being allowed back, a fate also suffered by Mr Swaim.
In February 2009, Mr Mpore had similarly been deported from Cote d’Ivoire on charges of “discrediting” then Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo by allegedly giving him a 100 000 euro (US$125 000) donation. In 2013 Mr Swaim was running the company’s affairs from a foreign base after being denied a work permit.
Last year, the company’s chief operating officer Mr Ashraf Elguindy also resigned in huff under unclear circumstances. Ms Angeline Vere is currently the managing director. Other senior executives in and out of Telecel Zimbabwe include Mr Antony Carter and Mr Rex Chibesa.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter