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

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?

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!