10 Nov 2013

Palapye deputy leader, Kgosi Klaas Motshidisi, has called on Mascom Wireless to take elders on board in the use of internet services.

Speaking during the official opening of Mascom Wireless shop in Palapye on November 8, Kgosi Motshidisi said elders were not aware of these services as such were only limited to calls and text messages even though some of them had cellphones that could provide a wide range of services.

He said as Mascom spread its wings to reach out to customers in rural communities, it should not leave behind some of its customers who did not have the know-how of using other services provided by the cellular network company. He said customers who were technologically challenged, especially elderly people, should be taken on board so that they enjoyed the same benefits as the youth.

“We want to be a part of you,” he said. The MP for Palapye, Mr Moiseraele Goya, thanked Mascom for opening a shop in Palapye, saying that it will help bring services closer to Mascom customers in Palapye and surrounding villages.

He said prior to the opening of this shop, customers in the area travelled long distances to access Mascom services, which was costly and tiresome. He said Mascom did not only contribute in bringing cellphone technology in this country but has gone an extra mile to contribute significantly to the economy of Botswana through the promotion of information, communication and technology.

He said the establishment of Kitsong centres, in particular, had helped alleviate poverty and create employment for the rural communities. He also stated that Kitsong centres will also help diversify the economy and improve access to the internet service.

Mr Goya further said the opening a Mascom shop in Palapye was a welcome development because the village was an area of culture and heritage, technology and innovation as well as business. He urged the Mascom to encourage its staff in Palapye to adhere to the company’s service standards and serve customers with botho, failing which they would be playing second fiddle to competitors.

He pleaded with Mascom to consider establishing Kitsong centres in Palapye for the benefit of the village’s youth. Mascom Wireless Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Onkutule Masima, said the newly opened Mascom shop will not only serve Palapye community but will serve other villages in the periphery.

He said his company was in the plan of establishing two more shops in Mahalapye and Serowe this year. Regarding youth empowerment, he said since 2009 Mascom has established a total of 71 Kitsong centres and is planning to establish 10 more by 2014.

Mr Masima said his company used more than P10m to empower the youth to venture into ICT projects, adding that about 100 youth have so far benefited from this initiative. Ends