The group’s executive last week told journalists that they would soon embark on a programme to challenge various “flawed” deals, including those in the telecommunications sector.
“We have realised that there are a lot of flaws in the telecommunications sector whereby mobile service providers are engaging foreigners saying Zimbabweans are incapable,” the group’s deputy finance secretary, Wesley Bvekerwa, said.
He added, “Some are engaging Tanzanian companies to build base stations and these companies come here and engage Zimbabweans to do the job. Some of our members have been affected by this. We also have some companies who employ foreigners in their top positions as if Zimbabweans were incapable.”
Mobile service providers Econet and NetOne have been putting up base stations in various parts of the country.
Telecel Zimbabwe has Aimable Mpore from Rwanda as its chief executive.
However, all telecommunications companies in Zimbabwe are controlled by locals, with minority foreign stakes.
The grouping said it would go to the courts and also approach Parliament on these issues.Alson Darikai, the group’s spokesperson said Upfumi Kuvadiki was going to take some action soon.“In the next few days, you will see us coming up with more challenges to address all deals we feel should be revised,” he said.
“Among other sectors, we are looking at challenging flawed deals in the media, retail, mining and telecommunications sector.”
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After the telecommunications sector, the media would be among the next in line. Bvekerwa said the local media industry was still dominated by South African publications and they would push for reforms in media ownership.
“We want young Zimbabweans to start businesses in this sector,” said Bvekerwa. “Why can’t we have a group of journalists forming a consortium and starting a media house? If there are limiting factors which might be the country’s laws, that should be changed and if it’s lack of resources; that should be looked into and addressed. Government and banks should avail the money because the products to be produced therein will be consumed by Zimbabweans.”
Upfumi Kuvadiki, which is viewed as a Zanu PF project, surfaced early this year when they wrangled with the City of Harare over the EasiPark deal.
The group said their legal team was exploring ways of staging a legal challenge in the Easipark deal, vowing never to rest until it has been terminated or revised.
They also said Chinese, Nigerian and other foreign investors coming into the country in the name of the Look East policy should start businesses in the manufacturing sector and move out of retail sector, which locals are capable of running.
