22 Apr 2019

North West District Council chairperson, Mr Duncan Enga, has commended former Mascom Wireless chief executive officer, Mr Jose Couceiro for investing in compassionate projects.

Mr Enga was speaking at a farewell ceremony for the former Mascom CEO in Maun on April 19.

Mr Enga commended the former CEO for his contribution to the annual Mascom Derby, enabling it to grow from a small event to be the highlight of Easter Holidays.

He also stated that Mascom had dedicated about P5 million annually towards corporate social responsibility, an act he said other private companies must emulate.

Mr Couceiro, he said, was a legend, a caring person and left a legacy of equal responsible leaders he groomed.

Mascom acting CEO, Ms Dzene Makhwade-Seboni said Mr Couceiro was passionate about community uplifting project for children and underprivileged people.

Ms Makhwade-Seboni attributed the company’s success to its former CEO.

She noted other developments such as upgrading from 3G broadband to 4G, coverage of fiber network countrywide and a first addition of fiber to the home for high speed and quality internet.

Again, Ms Makhwade-Seboni said, Mascom thrived and invested in Botswana under Mr Couceiro, saying he ensured development of the state of the art Mascom Centre in Gaborone worth about P200 million as well as Data Centre in Maun.

Furthermore, she commended the former CEO for pioneering the Mascom Derby concept.

She said Mr Couceiro believed in his team and was patient to see the Mascom Derby grow.  Ms Makhwade-Seboni appreciated the former CEO for a smooth transition of office and for his contribution to staff growth.

In his appreciation, Mr Couceiro said his initial contract with Mascom was for two years but had spent 17 years with Mascom with 11 years as CEO.

Mascom, he said, would continue to be a leader in telecommunications, adding the network provider had a major role in influencing transformation in business areas.  He also said a subsidiary on contact centres, which was launched in 2018, would be rolled out countrywide.

Mr Couceiro said Maun had been a special place for him with its hospitable people where he hosted many events such as those for families and meetings with staff.

On one hand, he urged Mascom staff to accord the acting CEO similar support. ENDS