I wish to duly acknowdge the probity with which CAZ and MTN (Z) have handled my concern (The Post 30/11/09). Mr. Lotty Kakubo, Director Public Relations & Consumer Affairs personally wrote to me through The Post to explain what they had, or intended to do in that respect, and this was on 05/12/09.
As if this was not enough, Mr. Ernst Fonternel, MTN (Z) Chief Marketing Officer also responded through The Post (19/12/09). MTN (Z) has since revised the tariff and even promised to reimburse the tariff charge.
I would to unfeignedly congrate CAZ and MTN (Z) for being prudent in handling this matter.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Open Letter to CAZ & MTN Zambia
It is a well known and established fact that every business entity is set up with the sole purpose of making a profit. Now, in the realization of this profit, a number of very cardinal players are involved.
My immediate concern is how some businesses disregard certain degrees of morality, taking off a human face, all for the sake of money. A lot of foreign firms come into Zambia, make their money and off they go. The biggest casualty in this pursuit for money is the customer - the financially hard hit and struggling Zambian.
The Communications Authority of Zambia (CAZ) has to a large extent failed the consumer. A lot of products and promotions are launched and it is clear for anyone to see that the consumer is the sacrificial lamb. The current promo of Boostele by MTN Zambia is a case in point. Why should tarrif changes be forced on us? I say so because I have personally been frequently informed that am now in the 'bronze, silver or gold per minute tarrif'. I for one, prefers a 'per second tarrif'. This means that I have to be changing my tarrif week in, week out. At a charge of course! Why can't they make it free of charge if at all they want to do 'boostele'? It is these imposed tarrifs and charges that I find unfair. Can CAZ move in to protect the consumer before things get worse.
Furthermore, it hurts me to note that this MTN Zambia, plus a horde of other foreign firms especially from South Africa have exhibited very selfish traits. Their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is non-existent. What has MTN Zambia done to support the community they operate in? Save for a meagre kit sponsorship to Diggers Rugby Club. It's not because they are unable to, they have simply elected not to. My basis? Because this same MTN is doing very credible work in South Africa. They are currently sponsoring two big teams in the PSL and the Wafa Wafa Top 8 Cup which is the richest in RSA now. They are in fact official sponsors of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Even the products and services offered in RSA are far much better than those offered in Zambia. Why the imbalance?
MTN alone gave Mamelodi Sundowns a 3 year deal of about K3.0 billion back and also gave Free State Stars about K750.0 million in 2005.
In conclusion, it's not MTN Zambia alone. Other multinational firms/brands doing better outside of Zambia include SABMiller (Castle/Coca Cola), ABSA (Barclays), Multichoice (DStv), BP, Total (Oil), Shoprite, etc.
Doesn't Zambia deserve better? Let CAZ, Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Ministry of Commerce Trade & Industry and any other relevant body up their stakes and set things right.
Disgruntled Zambian Subscriber,
Percy Mwale
My immediate concern is how some businesses disregard certain degrees of morality, taking off a human face, all for the sake of money. A lot of foreign firms come into Zambia, make their money and off they go. The biggest casualty in this pursuit for money is the customer - the financially hard hit and struggling Zambian.
The Communications Authority of Zambia (CAZ) has to a large extent failed the consumer. A lot of products and promotions are launched and it is clear for anyone to see that the consumer is the sacrificial lamb. The current promo of Boostele by MTN Zambia is a case in point. Why should tarrif changes be forced on us? I say so because I have personally been frequently informed that am now in the 'bronze, silver or gold per minute tarrif'. I for one, prefers a 'per second tarrif'. This means that I have to be changing my tarrif week in, week out. At a charge of course! Why can't they make it free of charge if at all they want to do 'boostele'? It is these imposed tarrifs and charges that I find unfair. Can CAZ move in to protect the consumer before things get worse.
Furthermore, it hurts me to note that this MTN Zambia, plus a horde of other foreign firms especially from South Africa have exhibited very selfish traits. Their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is non-existent. What has MTN Zambia done to support the community they operate in? Save for a meagre kit sponsorship to Diggers Rugby Club. It's not because they are unable to, they have simply elected not to. My basis? Because this same MTN is doing very credible work in South Africa. They are currently sponsoring two big teams in the PSL and the Wafa Wafa Top 8 Cup which is the richest in RSA now. They are in fact official sponsors of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Even the products and services offered in RSA are far much better than those offered in Zambia. Why the imbalance?
MTN alone gave Mamelodi Sundowns a 3 year deal of about K3.0 billion back and also gave Free State Stars about K750.0 million in 2005.
In conclusion, it's not MTN Zambia alone. Other multinational firms/brands doing better outside of Zambia include SABMiller (Castle/Coca Cola), ABSA (Barclays), Multichoice (DStv), BP, Total (Oil), Shoprite, etc.
Doesn't Zambia deserve better? Let CAZ, Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Ministry of Commerce Trade & Industry and any other relevant body up their stakes and set things right.
Disgruntled Zambian Subscriber,
Percy Mwale
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Of Alliances and Pacts: A Lesson from Kasama and Solwezi
It must be common sense that a rope with many strands is not easily broken. There's power and strength in unity of purpose. Do we want to remain weak and isolated because of selfish interests or become strong and united because of selflessness?
Can we get any pre-indications of our political landscape in Zambia by the close of 2011?
What can we deduce from the happenings in Kasama last month and Solwezi yesterday?
Can we get any pre-indications of our political landscape in Zambia by the close of 2011?
What can we deduce from the happenings in Kasama last month and Solwezi yesterday?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What Serves? Politics or NGOs?
In all fairness, service to your people is a very noble and diligent calling which we all, must aspire for.
How best can one save his people in Africa and Zambia in particular? It's either you join politics or an NGO. Not the GNGO, the type of NGO that is sponsored by a government.
But is it true that is more effective to serve in those two entities?
Let's be realistic! The ratio of the good:bad people in politics and NGOs is quite at variance. It may actually 1:6. Astounded?
Most people are there for their personal good. They end-up raising their personal G.D.P to astronomical levels. Far much more than the people they claim to serve. I know, you've got practical examples of such individuals.
Time and chance, happens to us all!
How best can one save his people in Africa and Zambia in particular? It's either you join politics or an NGO. Not the GNGO, the type of NGO that is sponsored by a government.
But is it true that is more effective to serve in those two entities?
Let's be realistic! The ratio of the good:bad people in politics and NGOs is quite at variance. It may actually 1:6. Astounded?
Most people are there for their personal good. They end-up raising their personal G.D.P to astronomical levels. Far much more than the people they claim to serve. I know, you've got practical examples of such individuals.
Time and chance, happens to us all!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mayoral Elections in Zambia 2009
What do I think concerning the on-going debate concerning mayoral elections, allow me to add my opinion.
Elections are due in the next month or also because the civic year is almost done and the law as contained in the Local Governent Act. The argument is that mayors have only been office for about 3 months so it would be meaningless to hold fresh elections. Question is why?
This is one of the easiest debates to have around. The whole confusion was a creation of the 'all-knowing and infallible' late Minister of Local Govt & Housing Hon. Benny Tetamashimba, MP. This problem would not have arisen if he had listened to dissenting views. He instead insisted on suspending these elections with considering due repecursions. This is what it means to disregard the law and even the opinions and advice of others. The law must not be twisted and tailored to suit particular individuals or situations.
My opinion however is that the law must be followed at this time regardless of any factor because two wrongs don't make a right. This is the only logical and convinient thing. If the majority of coucillors feel the current mayors should continue, let elections be held but agree to let them pass unopposed.
I rest my case.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Elections are due in the next month or also because the civic year is almost done and the law as contained in the Local Governent Act. The argument is that mayors have only been office for about 3 months so it would be meaningless to hold fresh elections. Question is why?
This is one of the easiest debates to have around. The whole confusion was a creation of the 'all-knowing and infallible' late Minister of Local Govt & Housing Hon. Benny Tetamashimba, MP. This problem would not have arisen if he had listened to dissenting views. He instead insisted on suspending these elections with considering due repecursions. This is what it means to disregard the law and even the opinions and advice of others. The law must not be twisted and tailored to suit particular individuals or situations.
My opinion however is that the law must be followed at this time regardless of any factor because two wrongs don't make a right. This is the only logical and convinient thing. If the majority of coucillors feel the current mayors should continue, let elections be held but agree to let them pass unopposed.
I rest my case.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
The Lotus Plant
In our pursuit for success, human beings tend to do a whole lot of things. We infact equate input with output. Well, we're told 'every action begets equal reaction'. That's very true. You can never expect to reap wheat if you had planted rice. Never! In short, whatever outcome you get today or tomorrow, is as a result of the input you made yesterday or may make today. In very exceptional circumstances, our input is totally different from the output, totally disguised. And this is where we can learn something from the LOTUS. This is a very beautiful plant. Those that have seen it, will agree with me. The strange thing is that it thrives in MUD! Wow!
So don't complain and blame your boss, spouse, parent, friend or neighbour for your misfortune. Simply learn to get adorned even in 'mud'. No matter what others do. No matter what environment they create for you. Make it your aim never to let your environment, circumstance or situation bury you prematurely. Like the lotus, see what benefits you can get by being in the mud.
So don't complain and blame your boss, spouse, parent, friend or neighbour for your misfortune. Simply learn to get adorned even in 'mud'. No matter what others do. No matter what environment they create for you. Make it your aim never to let your environment, circumstance or situation bury you prematurely. Like the lotus, see what benefits you can get by being in the mud.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Barak Hussein Obama
Obama what? Its great a man of colour is in the White House. To be honest, he doesn't a different policy on Africa, Israel, Gaza, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. Reason? He's purely American!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The African Union (AU) on Guinea
It always dismays me at the way we Africans operate based on our flawed perceptions. I also wonder at the double standards displayed by our African leaders. I seem not to be so certain of what surprises are held in store for Africa especially that the African Union (AU).
In Zimbabwe, the AU (and SADC) has been very relaxed and insisting that Mugabe and his people will sort themselves, their own way. My heart bled!
What about our own Zambia? They came during the presidential by-elections and certified them 'free & fair' even before the results were out. My heart bled even more!
What of the civil war in Congo DR? What about the fighting in Kenya?Time can't even allow me to go into details. Details of the challenges Africa has faced and the AU reactions, the openly practised double standards.
My case in point is the Guinea coup. The Guinean people have shown how sick and tired they have been of despotic rule under the late President Lansana Conte. They joyfully celebrated the assumption of power by Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara.
When the late Conte held elections, the opposition always disputed. Did the AU rise to the challenge? No!
Has the AU objectively been involved in trying to help Zimbabwe get out of its current mess? Even Mugabe knows it. No wonder he calls African leaders 'cowards', who can not topple him. I may not even delve into discussing other countries.
But what about here in Zambia? Has the AU tried to find out why Dean Mung'oba (1996), Mazoka, Miyanda, etc (2001) and Sata (2008)petitioned the election results? This should make the so called international community shudder. It should make the AU think twice over its electoral observer standards. We need a continental leadership that is forward looking. Looking forward at what will become of Africa 20 years from now.
Let the AU not just condem Capt. Camara but support him in every way possible. We'll only have the right to condem him if he does not honour his word on holding elections and returning to civilian rule.
Let Africa unite and become objective in handling its affairs.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
In Zimbabwe, the AU (and SADC) has been very relaxed and insisting that Mugabe and his people will sort themselves, their own way. My heart bled!
What about our own Zambia? They came during the presidential by-elections and certified them 'free & fair' even before the results were out. My heart bled even more!
What of the civil war in Congo DR? What about the fighting in Kenya?Time can't even allow me to go into details. Details of the challenges Africa has faced and the AU reactions, the openly practised double standards.
My case in point is the Guinea coup. The Guinean people have shown how sick and tired they have been of despotic rule under the late President Lansana Conte. They joyfully celebrated the assumption of power by Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara.
When the late Conte held elections, the opposition always disputed. Did the AU rise to the challenge? No!
Has the AU objectively been involved in trying to help Zimbabwe get out of its current mess? Even Mugabe knows it. No wonder he calls African leaders 'cowards', who can not topple him. I may not even delve into discussing other countries.
But what about here in Zambia? Has the AU tried to find out why Dean Mung'oba (1996), Mazoka, Miyanda, etc (2001) and Sata (2008)petitioned the election results? This should make the so called international community shudder. It should make the AU think twice over its electoral observer standards. We need a continental leadership that is forward looking. Looking forward at what will become of Africa 20 years from now.
Let the AU not just condem Capt. Camara but support him in every way possible. We'll only have the right to condem him if he does not honour his word on holding elections and returning to civilian rule.
Let Africa unite and become objective in handling its affairs.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
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