28 Apr 2019

Pioneering telecommunications company, Mascom, has been hailed for its immense contribution to the development of Botswana’s ICT sector.

Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration minister, Mr Nonofo Molefhi made the commendation at a farewell dinner recently hosted in honour of outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Jose Couceiro who served the company for 17 years.

Minister Molefhi said Mascom had, during the years of its existence, made strides in adding on to efforts to develop the ICT sector, citing among what the company had done, the Mascom Kitsong centres and the Mascom Innovation Centre, a P200 million state-of-the-art facility in Phakalane, Gaborone.

“The Mascom Innovation Centre is a bold, solid and resounding statement by Mascom to its commitment to remain in Botswana. It is a clear demonstration of the company’s ambitions to taking a lead as pioneers in developing the ICT sector in Botswana,” he stated.

As for the Kitsong centres, the minister observed that they demonstrated the company’s commitment as a corporate citizen, not only to the development of the ICT industry in Botswana, but also to the drive the company had towards youth empowerment.

“Mascom uses these centres to cultivate entrepreneurship amongst the young people as they are trained and get bestowed upon them, ownership of these businesses,” he said.

Mr Molefhi also commended the company for its contribution to the growth and development of sport in the country, saying Mascom was a great support of not only football but of Botswana’ sports in general.

Further, the minister thanked Mr Couceiro for his love for the company and for Botswana, and for the commitment he had shown during his stay with the company.

Mascom acting CEO, Ms Dzene Makhwade-Seboni similarly commended Mr Couceiro for his contribution to the success of the company.

He said Mascom proudly claimed the number one position in the ICT sector and had attained many compliments over the years because of the outgoing CEO’ stewardship, saying the company had become a corporate giant whose contribution to numerous areas of Botswana’s economy was significant and undeniable.

Ms Makhwade-Seboni said the success of Mascom was therefore inextricably woven with that of Mr Couceiro, whom she said had helped turn the company into a significant player in Botswana’s economy.

The acting CEO also spoke of the company’s corporate social responsibility, which she said was focused on the needs of Batswana, and that this was no wonder as Mr Couceiro was a firm believer in community upliftment.

Mascom Board of Directors chairperson, Mr Tobokani Rari said Mr Couceiro had been an integral part of Mascom during his 17 years with the company, 11 of which was at the helm of the company, during which period the company entrenched itself as the champion of the telecommunications industry of the country.

Mr Rari said during the years of its existence, Mascom had become entrenched in the hearts of Batswana and was thus viewed as a patriot and a true embodiment of the spirit of community as it had a wide range of customers.

Mr Couceiro expressed gratitude for the hospitality that Mascom and the nation of Botswana had extended to him over the past years.

He said he was proud of the successes the company had attained since inception, and expressed optimism that it would continue to register many firsts going forward.

He also expressed confidence that Ms Makhwade-Seboni would propel the company to even greater heights. ENDS