EMBATTLED mobile phone company, Telecel Zimbabwe, has said it will continue to operate normally after the granting of a court order against the cancellation of their operating licence.
by SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
Telecel public relations and sponsorship manager Francis Chimanda said it was business as usual at the company following the High Court order against the cancellation of its licence by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).
“Telecel Zimbabwe would like assure all its subscribers, airtime distributors, dealers and vendors, various business partners and other important stakeholders that it continues to operate as normal. This follows the recent granting of the court order against the cancellation of its licence by Potraz,” Chimanda said in a statement.
“The process of legal engagement has been initiated and we have full confidence that the Government of Zimbabwe will resolve these open issues in the interest of the Zimbabwean people — in a fair and transparent manner.”
Telecel has been embroiled in a battle with the government over alleged non-compliance with Potraz rules and regulations, resulting in the cancellation of its operating licence.
The move, if the government’s wish prevails, will throw over 1 000 workers into the already suffocated job market and affect thousands more in the downstream.
Telecel’s licence was cancelled in April after alleged non-compliance with the shareholding structure that requires that local indigenous people be majority owners of all companies.
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The company is owned by Amsterdam-based Vimpelcom with a 60% stake, while locals have the minority 40% through the James Makamba-led Empowerment Corporation.
Government requires that foreigners own 49% shareholding while localcs hold 51%.
Besides the composition of shareholders, Telecel has allegedly failed to pay $137 million for the 20-year licence.
