ZIMBABWE’S Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has expressed grave concern over continuous appointments of foreigners as top managers and decision makers at Telecel Zimbabwe as something “unacceptable”.
Concerns were raised barely a couple of weeks ago when Telecel Zimbabwe’s Managing Director, Aimable Mpore, who is a foreigner had his work permit cancelled.
Mpore, formerly MTN Ivory Coast director replaced another foreigner, Rex Chibesa, who was Telecel Zimbabwe’s managing.
The AAG President for Harare Province, Mr Charles Nyachowe, described the developments at Telecel Zimbabwe as “genocidal” to the country’s empowerment drive following a decision by the company to give top managerial positions to foreigners.
The AAG boss claimed that his organisation has made numerous attempts to address the issue with the Telecel board but could not be accorded an opportunity.
“Zimbabwe is not short of local talent such that we have to consult foreign personnel, what we need is capital injection for our local businesses.
“Telecoms is a state security interest, we cannot continue in a state of uncertainty of ownership.
“We will make noise about it, if they granted him a permit. We find that
unnecessary, Zimbabwe does not have a skills shortage. Telecel should sort out their shareholding hangover within a period of two years. If they don’t, we will call for the regulator to get involved,” said Nyachowe.
He also called upon local mobile operators to employ Zimbabweans for top managerial positions arguing that there was enough talent and skill in the country.
