Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) would like to clarify an issue that came out in the February 7-13, 2010 issue of the Sunday Standard. The article linked the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer, Thapelo Lippe, to supposed unpaid Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS) bills amounting to P30 million.
The suspension of the BTC CEO is in no way related to any customer account or issue as raised in the article. As the Chairman of the BTC Board Mr Leonard Makwinja has said, the announcement on the matter will be made when it is prudent to do so ÔÇô without prejudicing any on-going investigation.
The amount owed by DIS is not a matter for public discussion ÔÇô just like any other customer account. It is necessary though to clarify that all BTC customers, from the smallest residential customer to the largest corporate client are billed for usage, so at any given time, they may owe BTC. For purposes of clarification, the DIS does not owe BTC P30 million.
It is unfortunate that while BTC has continued to provide relevant information regarding this matter, and has supported media independence, the Sunday Standard has resorted to publishing non-factual statements, which are not only damaging to the Corporation, but also to our customer relations.
The Corporation’s Board of Directors and Management continue to avail themselves to clarify, and corroborate any story that might arise out of the Corporation without prejudicing due process or compromising any client.
It is our hope that as independent and reputable establishments, the various media institutions refrain from publishing hearsay, that has no basis in fact.
For more information please contact:
Anno K. Tshipa
Head of Marketing and Communications
Tel: 395 8973
Fax: 3909599
Cell: 73000 723
Email: [email protected]
