Derick Matsengarwodzi Econet Wireless proprietor, Strive Masiyiwa has vowed not to discuss business with politicians – and more s...
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Derick Matsengarwodzi
Econet Wireless proprietor, Strive
Masiyiwa has vowed not to discuss business with politicians – and more so in
private settings in a bid to eliminate any possible malpractice.
This revelation came in his recorded personal
experiences with corruption personalities around the globe.
The
chilling encounter
“We met in a hotel suite in the
country's capital. The minister was much older than I, but we hit it off
straight away. He was well-educated, sophisticated and had travelled the world.
You’re just the kind of guys we want here. I like the fact that you guys are
African.”
At a convenient moment, the government
official named his prize in order to facilitate a deal.
“Personally, I don't like having
shares. I prefer cash. I think $3 million is okay. I have a good relationship
with the President and I’m allowed to run the show completely. I can get it
done in a matter of weeks,” mentioned the official of the unnamed country.
The two never met, neither did
Masiyiwa return to the state, for years.
“I was angry with myself. What could I have
possibly said in that meeting that could have led that minister to think that I
would accept such an indecent proposal?”
Since then, he has changed his
approach towards influential characters.
The
million-dollar question
“The first question was much more profound –
and led me to change the way I approach my own business dealings and meetings
with powerful officials of this kind. I realised that by agreeing to meet him
quietly outside his office, I may have signalled to a corrupt man that I had
come to do business “his way”. From that day, I was to avoid such meetings,
insisting on formal contacts with other officials present.”
The Forbes magazine 20 most powerful African
businesspeople in 2011 nominee says he only sticks to broader policy issues.
“I see lots of Presidents and
Ministers but I don't discuss with them my personal business interests anymore.
I can discuss broader issues of industry and economic policy. I don't discuss
things that are specific to my company or businesses. If I have a complaint
related to my business, I prefer to send my officials or to put it in writing.”
Two
wrongs never make one right
“Would you go to see President Obama
to discuss setting up a business in America? Of course not! Then why the obsession
to meet African presidents with our personal business interests?
The fact that so
many people do it does not make it right.”
He warns entrepreneurs to have a clear
agenda when meeting politicians.
“This does not mean business leaders
should not meet politicians, but we must be careful about why we go, and the
perception we create. For economies to boom and people to prosper at all
levels, we need consistent, transparent policies that apply fairly to all
engaged in enterprise – including state-owned enterprises. We also need
vigilant citizens who know what those policies are – and do their part to stop
the rot if they see it.” – 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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