Derick Matsengarwodzi Africa’s 2015 top ten ranked most powerful personality and telecommunications mogul, Strive Masiyiwa has alle...
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Derick Matsengarwodzi
Africa’s 2015 top ten ranked most powerful
personality and telecommunications mogul, Strive Masiyiwa has alleged that
Commission Agents (CA) or middlemen are part of an organised crime network.
Writing about his personal encounters on
his Facebook profile, the renowned philanthropist says, “Commission Agents (CA) on public procurement (government
tenders) help to oil a machinery that is at the heart of corruption. My own
personal view is that CA on a public procurement tender should be strictly
regulated…”
The
donkey and the carrot
In one particular incident, he reveals
an encounter with a European businessperson.
“We want you to be our local partner,
you are smart, and you have lots of friends in governments across Africa. When
there's a tender which interests us, we'll call you and we can work on it
together. We will pay you a 10% commission on every deal that we win together.”
His response was revealing: “What
happens if your tender is not the lowest?”
“Then you must do everything to make
sure we (you and us) get it. We make only the best equipment. This Chinese
stuff is rubbish. Ours is the best, but you know it costs a little more, that
is why we need someone like you with a little influence,” mentioned the
director persistently.
Mr Masiyiwa's response was rhetoric.
“You want me to be a Commission Agent?
You are looking for a Commission Agent. I don't do that kind of business
because it means that somewhere along the line I will be required to cut deals
which are corrupt.”
Though the man tried in vain to be
diplomatic, he was outdone in his bid to solicit the entrepreneur’s influence
in the tender processes. He left his office in a huff.
Middlemen
are business enemies
“There are some countries where all business
is done through so-called Commission Agents. This is organised corruption. Do
not admire people who make money as “Commission Agents,” despite the
conspicuous consumption that often follows their way of life – they are not
entrepreneurs. Also be wary about companies that simply want to use you as an
agent and middleman. That is not entrepreneurship,” declares Masiyiwa.
Having encountered a plethora of
corrupt tendencies before he finally won a license to operate his mobile
business in Harare, Masiyiwa has earned respect in various circles around the
globe for his approach.
“The business of “providing access” is
one of the worst forms of corruption. Large international companies that have
so called “local partners” whose role is simply to provide “access to the right
people” are not innocent of corruption, even though their fancy lawyers might say
otherwise.”
And his counsel to Africa is simple.
“Let's play by a different set of
rules. Let's kick corruption and corrupt practices out of Africa.”
His well-received write-ups will
proceed in earnest. – Tinzwei
Derick
Matsengarwodzi is a communication consultant, author – and founder of The Aloe
Media. An ardent researcher plus media devotee – you can interact with him
through Facebook or derickmats@gmail.com. Follow his authoritative,
eloquent, analytical and revealing writing flow on: http://tinzwei.blogspot.com or http://thehealthoracle.blogspot.com.
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