By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has strongly condemned what it describes as false and misleading allegations published by The Zimbabwe Mail on March 31, 2025.
The article in question, titled Chivhayo’s IMC Communications Mobile Licence Sparks Corruption Allegations, has been dismissed by POTRAZ as factually incorrect and deliberately designed to tarnish the reputation of the regulatory body and its leadership.
In a statement, POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift Machengete clarified that all due processes were followed in the licensing of IMC Communications.
He refuted claims that the license was issued irregularly or without proper evaluation, emphasizing that IMC Communications applied for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) National License on May 27, 2024.
The application then underwent a thorough five-month evaluation process before being approved on October 14, 2024. This process included an assessment by an eight-member Licensing Committee and final approval by the seven-member POTRAZ Board of Directors.
“The licensing process at POTRAZ is governed by strict regulations, and all decisions are made collectively by committees, not by any individual,” Dr Machengete stated.
Additionally, POTRAZ dismissed claims that it issued a “data license” to IMC Communications, clarifying that no such category exists. Instead, the company was granted an ISP National License, which costs USD 50,000 for a 10-year period.
This is the smallest public telecommunications license available and is accessible to all applicants who meet the regulatory requirements.
Dr Machengete also denounced allegations that a USD 10 million bribe was paid for a license worth USD 50,000, describing the claim as both illogical and defamatory.
He further criticized The Zimbabwe Mail for falsely stating that the publication had sought comment from POTRAZ.
According to Dr Machengete, neither he nor his office was contacted through any official channels, including email, phone, WhatsApp, or SMS, demonstrating a lack of journalistic integrity on the part of the publication.
POTRAZ reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, accountability, and integrity in regulating Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector.
The Authority urged media houses to uphold ethical journalism by verifying facts before publication rather than spreading unsubstantiated and sensationalized misinformation.
With the matter now in the public domain, POTRAZ has called for responsible reporting to prevent the spread of misleading narratives that could damage the credibility of institutions working to ensure a fair and transparent telecommunications sector in Zimbabwe.
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