Source: Governance storm hits State-owned enterprise -Newsday Zimbabwe
TENSIONS are escalating at Powertel, the State-owned telecommunications firm linked to the national electricity utility, with insiders painting a picture of an organisation plagued by lapses in financial oversight and breaches of procurement regulations.
Sources within the company described a workplace where governance structures are under strain.
The instability, also linked to internal disputes in management, has reportedly trickled down, leaving middle management and operational teams distracted and demoralised.
Powertel acting managing director William Nyagwande dismissed the allegations as false when contacted for comment.
“What are the complaints against me? If you can list them with the allegations so that I review. I have no conflict with anyone, but I only demand results and performance,” he said in response on Tuesday afternoon.
“Without those allegations, I have nothing to comment.”
He later promised that the company will have issued a detailed response by yesterday at 10am.
However, later on Tuesday evening, Nyagwande said he could not comment further.
“I am currently unable to answer any questions to the media.
“This is due to the fact that I now await a due process.”
However, it is understood that an internal review reportedly flagged a prepayment made to a technology supplier that bypassed standard public procurement regulations.
The transaction, which allegedly lacked required advance payment guarantees, reportedly resulted in a financial loss after the supplier failed to deliver the laptops.
In a separate incident, an audit allegedly scrutinised a large payment to a vendor, questioning whether internal controls, including the verification of banking details and supervisory approvals, were employed.
According to insiders, governance questions also surround the company’s use of a “consignment stock” procurement model, where suppliers provide equipment that is only paid for upon use.
While intended to improve efficiency, critics within the broader utility group argued that the system has created significant accounting and co-ordination challenges.
Some allege that the model is being exploited.
An internal audit is reportedly examining whether pricing for the equipment reflects market rates and why several regional units hold outstanding balances for stock supplied since 2024.
Staff morale is also reportedly suffering amid complaints regarding the leadership’s alleged neglect of working conditions.
“Strong governance frameworks are essential in public enterprises,” NewsDay heard.
“Where leadership disputes or procurement concerns arise, transparent oversight from the parent company and regulatory bodies becomes critical to prevent the erosion of public trust.”
