MDC Statement on Proposed Closure of Telecel

The MDC finds the continued determination by government, through Potraz to shut down Telecel, the third largest telecommunications operator in the country shocking and ill -advised.
With the economy at its knees and with industrial capacity utilisation lower than 30% and unemployment rate exceeding 80 per cent of the population, it then boggles the mind, how a supposed pro -people Government can make such a ruthless, selfish and insensitive decision.

We are well aware that there are a number of Zanu PF vultures who are waiting to grab ownership of the company as soon as the rightful owners are ‘conveniently' out of the way. While we are told the decision has been arrived at due to failure by Telecel to fulfil the country's indigenization laws and renew its license, the truth in our view is that the failure to get the license, if indeed it is true has been due to some individuals in Zanu –PF who have been trying to take over the lucrative company under the banner of indigenisation. This continued abuse of the indigenization policy is a threat to business operations and scaring off current and potential investors in the country. We urge government to practice fairness and transparency for once and leave business to do business while it focuses on running the country.

The closure of this company will not only affect its hundreds of employees but will inconvenience hundreds of thousands of subscribers due to the collapse of voice calls, mobile internet and Telecash platform and will also negatively affect other businesses that are depended on Telecel as well as revenue collection by the cash strapped government.
It is for this reason that we welcome the decision by the High Court to suspend the cancellation of the Telecel's operating license, pending finalization of its legal battle with Potraz. The MDC believes that we have to break down the Berlin wall that separates those who are included in the economy and those who are not.