Chipo Mutasa happy to leave a ‘commercially viable’ TelOne

Harare (New Ziana)-The outgoing TelOne managing director Chipo Mutasa says she is happy to leave after transforming the fixed telecommunications company into a commercially viable entity.

Mutasa is set to step down from her post at the end of this month after being at the helm for a decade.

Mutasa leaves TelOne after completing her two five-year terms as is prescribed by the law governing the running of public entities, having joined the telecommunications entity in 2013.

“I am humbled to leave when the company has transformed into a proper commercial entity and that we have a team of capable men and women who can run TelOne regardless of my absence, there is good continuity at TelOne now,” she told New Ziana.

“I am also happy that we managed to deploy some of the projects particularly the fibre project in the country. It is not yet fully done but at least we managed to start on the fibre project,” she said.

Under Mtasa, TelOne shifted its strategy from the loss-making fixed-line business on which it was founded, to becoming a more broadband-focused company.

Asked how it was like to head a parastatal as a woman, Mutasa said it was difficult at the beginning.

“Initially I think there was doubt but after understanding each other, I did not get any challenges but obviously as a female leader, I believe that you need to prove yourself through hard work and competency. I hope I managed to do that,” she said.

On what she intended to pursue next, Mutasa said; “For now I will take a break. I need it to rest and maybe I will figure out in the middle of next year what else I would want to do. Maybe it will be a permanent break, you never know.”

In a public notice, the TelOne board said it was proud of Mutasa’s achievements, which had seen the telecommunications company strategically positioned as a formidable brand, running sustainable business operations, well set for the future.

“The trait of a true leader is in their ability to build an effective and efficient team and pass on the baton. Indeed, Chipo managed to build a strong team and we have confidence in the team that she leaves behind. We wish Chipo the best in her future endeavours,” it said.

New Ziana