Y’ello!

MTN Swaziland No 4 – September 2008

 Contents
Features
Editor’s message ............................................................................ 2
Regulars
Internal News ............................................................................... 50
Y’ello!
MTN Swaziland No 4 – September 2008

CEO’s message ............................................................................... 3 Competition ................................................................................. 52

Feature: MTN and ETopUp partnership .......................... 4 Technology .................................................................................... 53
Regional news: Stylish CallerTunez launch .................. 6
Profiles: Bosco and Wiseman ................................................. 8
Feature: The end of another football season ........... 10
Special 10 year anniversary........................................... 12-43
Be informed .................................................................................. 54
CEO’s message
George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright, once said:
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we

From the editor

grow old because we stop playing.”
As MTN Swaziland celebrates 10 years of
operation, we can all look back proudly over our
achievements and the fun we have had making this
company into the success that it is today.
Since 1998 MTN Swaziland has been a force to be
Y’ello MTNers and welcome to this special 10th Still on the regional news front, we catch up with reckoned with in the telecommunications and business
anniversary issue of MTN Swaziland. two new engineers who’ve just returned from studying sector in the country. We have seen our network grow
In this special anniversary edition, we look back at where in the United Kingdom. Read about it in their profiles on extensively to its current capacity, and our subscriber
we started, where we are and where we’re headed. pages 10 and 11. numbers increase to more than 457,000.
We celebrate 10 years of existence by looking at Ghost Mountain was the venue where and fun and MTN Swaziland has also demonstrated that it has
some of our achievements and successes over the past bonding were the activities when the Customer Service a big heart by giving back to the local community and
10 years. We also catch up with one of our past CEOs, Operation team took time off for a team building establishing itself as a socially responsible brand. It has
Editor: Themba Khumalo, who had a hand in making session. been recognised as a long-term life enhancer and has
Pholile Dlamini, Head of MTN Swaziland what it is today. The evolution of On the sporting front, the MTN Premier League shown great leadership in the support and growth of
Corporate Services MTN Swaziland is interesting as we look at how things season came to an end and MTNers together with local small businesses.
MTN Swaziland have changed over the past 10 years. supporters were there to see the Royal Leopards claim Our success is largely due to the dedicated team
Tel: +268 406 0000 This birthday edition also has MTN Swaziland victory again this year. that works at MTN Swaziland, some of whom have
Email: news that has made headlines in the past few In our brief Be informed section on page 54, read been with us for the full 10 years.
pholiled@mtn.co.sz months. When MTN Swaziland partnered up with about the ever increasing food prices and what is being In this special edition we take a trip down memory
Co-ordinator: ETopUp, the news created such a buzz in the done to curb this problem. lane and review the good work that we have done.
Pumla Motsa business community making this event a sign of how Finally, congratulations to our competition winners. Just as any story has a beginning, middle and end,
Writer: MTN Swaziland is dedicated to developing local I hope you enjoyed your prizes. Look out for our new this is our story and we should make it the never-
Thandiwe Mashinini businesses. competition and the prizes you stand to win in this ending story of innovation and success. I look forward
It was exciting when our Chief Executive Officer edition. to the next 10 years.
Production and Tebogo Mogapi was presented with the Universal
publishing consultants: Service Obligation (USO) Certificate of Compliance for Happy reading and enjoy! Warm regards
www.fox.co.za delivering on service commitments made 10 years ago. Tebogo Mogapi,
An event that had everyone on their feet until the Pholile Dlamini, CEO of MTN Swaziland.
Special thanks to the early hours of the morning was the electrifying Head of Corporate Services, MTN Swaziland.
Times of Swaziland and CallerTunez launch party that took place at the Café
the Swazi Observer Mogambo in Matshapa. Read more about this in our
archive department for regional news section.
their contributions.

2 Editorial CEO’s message 

 Dynamic venture
MTN Swaziland
and ETopUp’s
partnership gives
MTN a controlling
60 percent
stake in the
local airtime
distribution
company.
Tebogo Mogapi, CEO of MTN Swaziland, created a
buzz in the business community when he announced
that after months of discussions between MTN and
ETopUp about a possible partnership, the two have
finally come to an agreement to join forces. This
partnership means that MTN will have representation
on the ETopUp Board and ETopUp will become a
subsidiary company of MTN Swaziland.
ETopUp will continue to operate under its
current name and as a separate entity from Swazi
MTN Ltd.
Rationale
Why would MTN want to take a controlling stake in
ETopUp? Tebogo believes that there are a number of
reasons, but that the most compelling one is being
able to empower a local company that has proven to
4 Feature
ETopUp Director Victor
Gamedze (left) and MTN
Swaziland CEO Tebogo
Mogapi seal the deal.
have a good track record in building a strong
distribution channel for MTN’s services.
“The bonus about the partnership with ETopUp
is that it offered an opportunity for both MTN and
ETopUp to settle our long-standing legal battle,” says
Tebogo. ETopUp Director Victor Gamedze says that
MTN must be commended for having gone through
with this deal and that everyone has always seen MTN
as Goliath fighting ETopUp (the David) and that this
partnership shows MTN’s commitment towards
developing small businesses.
In the new structure, Victor will step aside from
the day-to-day running of ETopUp, but will be part of
the board of directors that will advise management.
“MTN and ETopUp are currently in the process of
recruiting a management team that will take ETopUP
into the future,” says Victor.
Feature 
 CALLERTUNEZ
launches in style
With MTN CallerTunez, your callers can groove to the song of your choice while waiting for you to
answer your mobile.
From left: Swazi Coster, JikaMaJika’s Thembi Seete, DJ Black Coffee and Pumla Motsa.

MTN Swaziland’s launch of CallerTunez was a night

The night was filled with fun and music for all to enjoy.
Express yourself with DJ Black Coffee kept the crowd on their feet throughout
filled with music, dancing and loads of winning!
your CallerTunez the evening.
Café Mogambo in Matshapa was the venue for
• CallerTunez is a service that
the electrifying MTN Swaziland CallerTunez dance
enables you to replace the
party. JikaMaJika host Thembi Seete kept the crowd
“ring ring” sound heard
entertained as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
when your friends call you
All the partying was done to get as many people
with a tune of your choice.
as possible to download CallerTunez on their
• MTN CallerTunez plays
cellphones and, if you wanted to be part of the party,
music to your caller until
you had to download at least three MTN CallerTunez.
you pick up their call. So
Thembi Seete held her own version of
calling you could make
JikaMaJika where contestants danced off against each
their day!
other to different music genres and had the audience
• With a robust range of top
decide the evening’s winner.
of the chart tunes to
Five other dance competitions were held
choose from, your style
throughout the night and winners won cellphones
can truly ring through.
and airtime.
• The service is compatible
Internationally renowned DJ Black Coffee kept
with all handset types.
the crowd on their feet and the event went on till the
early hours of the morning with local DJs Crooks,
Tibza, Wicked and Papz on the decks.

Thembi Seete kept the entertainment fired up at the

MTN CallerTunez launch.

6 Regional news Regional news 


Wiseman Magagula had the
opportunity of studying overseas
and says that the experience
taught him a lot about self-drive
and innovation.
8 Profile
Going for Gold
It is said that travelling and experiencing other countries and cultures not only
makes you appreciate your country and culture but also broadens your horizon.
This was no different for Wiseman Magagula who spent four and a half years in
the United Kingdom (UK).
Wiseman works as a Radio Engineer for MTN Swaziland and he is responsible for
making sure that at least 99 percent of the MTN network is available in various parts
of Swaziland.
Before heading to the UK, Wiseman had already obtained three engineering
diplomas in electrical, electronics and telecommunications with flying colours.
“I got the opportunity of furthering my studies at the University of Birmingham,
which has a top 10 ranking in the UK and top 80 worldwide”, says Wiseman.
Wiseman obtained his BEng Honours in Electronics and Software engineering
during his stay in the UK, also with distinctions.
He describes his experience overseas as amazing and says that the time he
spent in another country taught him a lot and made him realise that learning never
comes to an end.
“I also worked with companies like Vodafone and Cadbury World and this gave
my working experience a boost,” he says.
Wiseman says he loves working for MTN because of the team spirit and the
constant opportunity to challenge his skills. “You always have to try something new
because if you don’t you end up becoming a bit rusty,” says Wiseman.
Wiseman wants to complete his MBA in the near future and also wants to get
married and become a family man.
If the network behaves and he gets some free time, he likes to play lawn tennis
and later paint the town red with his friends.
“I am enthusiastic and passionate about life and strongly believe in brilliant
performance added with enjoyment at work and in life, ”says Wiseman.
His experiences at MTN Swaziland and in the UK has made him learn how to
strategically develop his career successfully.
Proud MTNer
Engineers come in all forms be it agricultural, industrial or nuclear but Bosco Bosco Dludlu had just returned
Dludlu is not only a systems engineer, he is also a proud MTNer!
“I want to see something work now, I don’t want to have to wait for years before from studying in the United
something comes together and this is what drove me to become an engineer,” says Kingdom when he came across
Bosco.
Seeing a motor turn or a message marqueeing across a screen and knowing an MTN job advert. He was
that he was responsible for that gives Bosco a thrill. He says, “It’s the same kind of
satisfaction rooted somewhere in the brains of addicts and gamblers.”
interested, he applied and as the
Bosco had the opportunity of furthering his studies in the United Kingdom (UK), saying goes, the rest is history.
where he was based for six years.“Six years is a long time, but I’m really proud to have
had the opportunity to experience life on another continent where the culture is so
different,” says Bosco.
Bosco believes that his time spent in another country broadened his horizons
and changed the way he views life. The most important thing he took from his
experience is that, “although people are different, we are actually the same in many
ways, and we are all looking for similar things.”
Bosco enjoyed his time away but admits that he was homesick. “Being so far
away from your loved ones can really take its toll on you. But, on the flipside, I’m really
fortunate because I also made a lot of friends.”
Bosco believes that MTN is fast becoming a world-renowned mobile group and
having a role to play in MTN’s growth is a gratifying feeling.
“My experience overseas taught me to be proactive and not to be content
about my position in life at any given time,” says Bosco. He also adds that his
experience has taught him to always seize the opportunities presented to him.
Bosco’s deepest desire is to help people have a positive mindset so that they can
believe in a better life. “Helping others to realise their potential and using it to better
their lives and that of others is something that’s really important to me,” he says.
Bosco is inspired by author Doug Batchelor’s book, The Richest Caveman, which
he says was life changing.“Batchelor’s real life story inspires me because it symbolises
that there is hope for us all.”
Profile 
 Leopards do it again
A leopard never changes its spots and this was apparent when the Royal Leopards were victorious once
more at the end of the MTN Premier League season.
Leopards Coach Manifred Chabinga was chosen as Coach of the Season.

The MTN Premier League season ended on 18 May

2008 with two games played at different stadiums
concurrently. The title-holders for the past two
years, the Royal Leopards, played Mbabane
Highlanders at the Mayaluka, Big Bend.
Royal Leopards and Mbabane Highlanders fought
it out for the title but after 90 minutes of play, the referee
blew the whistle and the Royal Leopards emerged
victorious. The Royal Leopards, also known to their
supporters as the Ingwe Mabalabala, walked away with
E400,000.
After the games, teams and supporters gathered
at the eSibayeni Lodge in Matsapa for the prize giving
ceremony where Vulindlela Kunene, CEO of the Premier
League of Swaziland, was the Master of Ceremonies for
the evening.
The turn out was good considering that this event
was held on the same evening as the UEFA Champions
League Finals.
MTN CEO Tebogo Mogapi thanked and gave praise
to the teams for a good and competitive season.
He also sympathised with the Mbabane
Highlanders, who had been log leaders throughout
the season but didn’t manage to take the title home.
The Royal Leopards will be keeping the trophy
The Champions, Royal Leopards, with MTN CEO Tebogo because they have won the league for three successive
Mogapi, Football Association President Bomber Mthethwa and years. Stanford Ncube with his Player of Year Trophy.
Premier League of Swaziland Chairperson Moses Motsa.

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Celebrating a good 10 years

Welcome to Y’ello! MTN Swaziland’s special 10th birthday edition.
This section looks at our humble beginnings, our successes and growth.

ts ide the
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“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, His Maje wazila
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MTN S Service Cen
tre.
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Mswati II M
achievement, and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin at the Tra
de Air Sh
ow.
I fi r s t MTN opens a state of the art computer lab
at the University of Swaziland called
MTNCyberzone@uniswa worth E750,000.

2 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 

 In the spotlight
MTN Swaziland is no
stranger to the media.
With every deal clinched
or new product launched,
MTN Swaziland has
recieved its fair share
of media coverage.

4 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 


Below: An early sign board
heralding the arrival of
connectivity in the
Mountain Kingdom.
6 0 year anniversary
Y’ello Swaziland
In 8 MTN arrived in Swaziland to help keep families connected and to further
stimulate economic growth.
With the increase in cross border and continental
travel, technology has played a significant role in
helping people to keep in contact with their loved
ones.
And, in the years before email and video calling,
people relied heavily on cellphones to communicate
with their loved ones.
This was no different in Swaziland. People from
the country worked or studied away from their
families and the ability to connect with them using
cellular technology was welcomed with open arms in
Swaziland.
Getting connected
MTN entered into a partnership agreement with the
Swaziland Post and Telecommunication Corporation
MTN Customer Service Charter
(SPTC), the only fixed line operator in Swaziland at the
time, in July.
Two months later, in September, during the
Swazi Independence Day celebrations and on
King Mswati III’s birthday, the King made the first
cellular call in the country.
By December 1998, MTN Swaziland was
commercially operational.
Soon thereafter MTN packages were bought as
gifts by people living in the urban areas for their
families in the rural areas.
Economic success
However, MTN’s arrival in Swaziland wasn’t merely
about keeping people connected. It also marked a
milestone in the infrastructural development of the
country since it obtained independence in 1968.
The launch of cellular showed potential investors
that Swaziland was a good investment choice
because its communication networks were up to
international standards.
Over the years MTN has seen an increase in its
service centres and the majority of its staff are Swazi
nationals. MTN Swaziland provides a universal,
affordable and quality telecommunications network
with a range of state of the art products and services,
accessible to a broad spectrum of the population. It
is also recognised as a responsible corporate citizen,
while maintaining a healthy return on investment for
shareholders.
MTN Swaziland has claimed its place as a leader
in telecommunications in Swaziland.
0 year anniversary 
 10 years later
Michael Ndzimandze, David Mdlovu, Zwelithini Mavuso and Yvonne Capel have been with MTN Swaziland
from the beginning. Y’ello! caught up with them to gain insight into their experiences.
David, Michael, Zweli and Yvonne have been with
MTN Swaziland for 10 years. They look back at their
humble beginnings.
Michael Ndzimandze
Michael Ndzimandze is the Payroll Officer at
MTN Swaziland and has been with MTN since its
arrival in Swaziland.
With three Best Employee Awards under his belt,
Michael only has fond memories of his time with MTN.
“I really like my job at MTN and must say that this
organisation has really been good to me,” he says.
Change is said to be the only constant thing in
life and Michael says that dealing with all the changes
is one of the most challenging aspect of his time at
MTN. “There are always new products on the market
and being part of the communication industry means
that I have to keep up with all the changes and also
accept the changes which can be difficult at times.”
Michael says that Marius Van Wyk is the most
interesting person he has ever met while at MTN.
“Marius would always tell me that there is no
margin for errors in salaries,” says Michael.
For Michael, being part of the MTN family brings
him joy and he has confidence that MTN is bound to
be larger than life in the future.
The one thing that Michael has learnt over the
past 10 years is that dedicating yourself to your work
always comes with rewards.
Michael Ndzimandze.
8 0 year anniversary
Zwelithini Mavuso
Zwelithini Mavuso, also known to his colleagues as
Zweli, has been with MTN Swaziland for 10 years an
experience he says he wouldn’t trade for anything in
the world.
“My time at MTN Swaziland has made me realise
and appreciate my strengths and made me
acknowledge and work on my weaknesses,” he says.
According to Zweli, MTN has taught him to
give through its corporate social responsibility
programmes. “I have learnt that it’s important to give,
not because you have in abundance, but because you
want to help those who are less privileged than
yourself,” says Zweli.
Zweli says he matured with MTN Swaziland and
a lot of his experiences with MTN have influenced him
in a big way.
“When I worked in the Distribution Division, my
boss was Rudi Nagel. This man had a huge impact on
me and he taught me a lot.”
One of the lessons Zweli took from Rudi comes
from a quote Rudi always used. “Rudi would always
say that there are three different kinds of people in the
world. People who make things happen, people who
watch things happen and people who wait for things
to happen. He would turn around and ask me which
group I belong to,” says Zweli.
This helped to turn Zweli into an individual that
makes things happen and one who is always ready to
take on the opportunities presented to him.
“My birthday message to MTN Swaziland would Zwelithini Mavuso.
be to celebrate our success by being even more
successful. Thank you MTN Swaziland for making me
the man that I am today,” he says.
0 year anniversary 
 Yvonne Capel
When MTN arrived in Swaziland 10 years ago,
everyone wanted a job with the network operator. So
did Yvonne Capel, currently a Trade Marketer at
MTN Swaziland.
“I applied for a job and was lucky enough to get
a position with the Credit Control Department within
the Customer Services Operation headed up by
Dieter Thiery,” she says.
Yvonne has fond memories of her first few
months at MTN Swaziland. She says the fact that MTN
staff were the only people with mobile phones gave
her a great feeling.
Yvonne Capel.
20 0 year anniversary
“I would go to the mall and get my colleagues
to call me and everyone’s eyes at the mall would be
on me,” says Yvonne.
10 years later things have changed and almost
everyone in the Kingdom has a mobile phone. “But
we still get to show off the latest technology,” says
Yvonne.
Yvonne describes her career at MTN Swaziland
as exciting because she has had the opportunity to
work in various departments.
“I started off in the Credit Control Department
and I later moved to the Marketing Department
where I worked as a Trade Marketer in 2005,” she says.
Yvonne was given an opportunity to co-ordinate
the company’s events while still keeping her
responsibilities under her marketing portfolio.
Yvonne admits that during her time at
MTN Swaziland she has faced a few challenges but
the spirit of team work, the ability to share
information and the Can-do attitude at
MTN Swaziland made it possible to jump over the
hurdles.
“The implementation of the new billing system
and having to plan the CEO’s Golf Day at a new golf
course which hadn’t been opened to the public were
two of the most difficult things I had to do. I am proud
to say that at the end of it all, there was success.”
Yvonne says that the most inspiring person she’s
met while at MTN Swaziland is MTN Group CEO and
President, Phuthuma Nhleko.
“He has a way with people and has an amazing
presence. I find him inspiring and it is people like him
that make me feel that I can do anything I put my
mind to,” she says.
Her message to MTN Swaziland on reaching 10
successful years of operation is, “Congratulations and
all the best for the next 10 years.”
David Mdlovu
David joined MTN Swaziland as a Service Centre Consultant
and was shortly promoted to Service Centre Controller at
the then Manzini based Service Centre.
His experience with the Service Centres saw him
promoted to being the current Service Centre Manager for
the two service centres in Swaziland.
“I have literally seen MTN grow over the years. There
was a time when everything was done in one place and
over the years this has changed,” says David.
The one memory that sticks out in David’s mind is
owning a cellphone for the very first time.“We were the first
people to know how to operate a cellphone and we had to
teach each customer how make and receive a call and
explain how the handset worked. It was really amazing,” he
says.
David says working at MTN Swaziland has taught him
self-discipline and that in the work place you have to remain
committed to your responsibilities. “I have also learnt to be
a good listener and to listen to everyone with the same
attention regardless of their position,” he adds.
He does mention that there have been some
challenges though.“Being so close to South Africa has given
us some problems because our customers will cross over to
South Africa and see products that MTN Swaziland doesn’t
have. They would then demand the very same products and
this has been a challenge,” says David.
On a positive note, David admits that he has seen a
number of successes that MTN Swaziland has achieved.
“Working my way to my current position was not easy.
I did it through hard work that also involved a lot of
extended working hours but it has paid off in the end.” David Mdlovu.
David is a proud MTNer and would like to encourage
everyone at MTN Swaziland to keep up the hard work
because he believes that success only comes before work in
the dictionary and that in real life, hard work always comes
before success.
0 year anniversary 2
 In the Bull’s Eye
MTN Swaziland
has delivered on
commitments
made 0 years
A gift fit for a King
When MTN was granted its license in 1998, there were
ago and was financial commitments that were made, which would
see MTN spending E34-million in meeting these
awarded a USO commitments. The list of commitments included His Majesty King Mswati III launched the network by making the first call
certificate for full extending network coverage within the four regions
compliance. of the country, making payphones available in rural
during his birthday celebration.
areas and building 17 USO base stations within a time
period of 10 years. A committee was established by
the government to keep an eye on and approve all
projects undertaken to meet these commitments. His Majesty
10 years later, MTN has met the target and King Mswati III.
was awarded a certificate of full compliance. The
USO certificate also ensures that MTN’s network
coverage is extended to areas which under normal In 1998 during celebrations of the King’s birthday and
circumstances would be considered unprofitable. MTN Swaziland CEO Tebogo Mogapi displaying the the Swazi Independence Day, MTN presented the
MTN Swaziland CEO Tebogo Mogapi says,“MTN is USO certificate. King with 10 cellular phones.
honoured to be awarded the certificate. We are The former Tourism Minister Musa Nkambule told
humbled by the fact that we have made our services the King that at that time the phones would only work
accessible to so many people in the county.” along the Manzini and Ngwenya border corridor.
After being shown how to operate the phones, the
King thanked MTN Swaziland and mentioned that the
nation had been waiting to see the MTN project
succeed, noting that communication was vital for the
development of the country.
10 years later, MTN Swaziland’s network has grown
and currently has enough capacity to carry over 600,000
customers. And now the network covers far more than
just Manzini and Ngwenya as it did 10 years ago. Now it
covers 86 percent of the geographical area.

Swazi dignatries were present to witness MTN Swaziland's Both young and old attended the event to celebrate with
service achievement. MTN Swaziland.

22 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 2

 She’s the ‘man’…
MTN Swaziland Chairperson Honourable Senator Winnie Magagula says MTN has far exceeded the expectations it
set 0 years ago and that she is looking forward to being part of the MTN Swaziland family for another 0 years.
Senator Winnie Magagula, MTN Swaziland’s
Chairperson, says she remembers when MTN won
the tender that would allow it to operate in
Swaziland. At that time it was predicted that the
subscriber base would reach 30,000 after 10 years.
But MTN has rewritten the script, and 10 years later
MTN Swaziland has an impressive 450,000
subscribers.
Taking a gamble
According to Winnie, the fact that MTN Swaziland was
a totally new venture was a challenge all on its own.
“The business needed a huge investment in terms of
network and human resources,” she says. It was also a
risk in terms of how it would be accepted by the
Swazi people. “This is why government was advised
by the research analysts it was working with to give
MTN Swaziland 10 years of exclusivity. The whole
project was a real gamble,” says Winnie.
Not easy but worth it
The road that MTN Swaziland has travelled over the
past 10 years has been a long one. “It’s been rough –
the country did not understand how the mobile
phone business operated. There was the issue of price
to contend with – many Swazis felt the services
would be expensive (especially in comparison to
South Africa),” says Winnie.
Additionally, the license did not give
MTN Swaziland the opportunity to respond to the
needs of the people immediately as every new
product on the market had to be authorised by the
ministry.
Another challenge was that some of the base
stations were set up on Swazi Nation Land. Even
24 0 year anniversary
though there was a lot of co-operation from most
chiefs, MTN Swaziland encountered difficulties in
some chiefdoms and this led to development in
those areas being delayed.
On the flip-side people took to the network like
wildfire. “MTN was able to make inroads into terrain
not reachable before. We have also fulfilled our
mandate in terms of the license to provide Universal
Service Obligations (USO). There are 17 sites based in
unprofitable areas. We are now able to cover
86 percent of the geographical area and 91 percent of
the population,” says Winnie.
Giving back
MTN Swaziland is not only a big player in the
corporate world, but it is also a big player when it
comes to being socially responsible. “Our social
mandate has been fulfilled in terms of sports, health
and education. We have also supplied skills to Africa
as many of our MTN Swaziland employees and
engineers have been recruited to South Africa and
the SADC region, Liberia, Uganda, Rwanda and many
other countries. Additionally we have empowered
the local Swazis by giving them the opportunity to
become entrepreneurs by selling airtime and other
MTN products,” she adds.
Happy birthday MTN Swaziland
“Congratulations on reaching 10 years of operation. I know that because of the
great team spirit and the positive attitudes of MTNers at our Swaziland operation,
the next 10 years are bound to bring more success.” – MTN Swaziland Honourable
Senator Winnie Magagula.
0 year anniversary 2
 Remember
We have all seen an MTN advert that has provoked
some kind of emotion in us, be it laughter, joy or
confusion. Y’ello! takes a trip down the ‘MTN Print
Advert’ memory lane.
this?

26 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 2

 Then and now MTNers displaying the first trophy at the start of the MTN Premier
league 2002/3 season.
Displaying the most recent trophy during the launch of the 2007/8
MTN Premier League season.

0 years ago things were different world-wide. People were sporting different hair styles and
clothing and even the kind of music people listened to was different. Here’s how some people
and things have changed over the years at MTN Swaziland.
When MTN began its operation in Swaziland,
the company had a staff compliment of just over
30 people – permanent and temporary staff
Then
combined. And most of them were employed on
a contract basis.
By 1999, MTN Swaziland's staff compliment
had increased to 61 staff members with women
accounting for 24 percent of this figure. Currently,
the MTN Swaziland team consists of over 108 staff
members and 51.5 percent of the contract and
permanent staff are women.

Number crunching MTN Swaziland Corporate Social Investment 1998 and 2008.
Coronation Nxumalo. Ntokozo Mngomezulu. Zanele Twala. Prisca Shiba. Killy Dlamini. 1998 30 employees
1999 58 employees
2000 61 employees
2001 74 employees
2002 86 employees
2003 91 employees
2005 93 employees
2007 98 employees
2008 108 employees

Now

28 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 2


Themba Khumalo always
took the lead and this made
him a great team player.
0 0 year anniversary
A proud member of
the founding team
Y’ello! Swaziland caught up with Themba Khumalo, a former MTN Swaziland CEO, to remi-
nisce about his time at the company and to find out why he believes it has been so successful.
A good leader makes people feel that they’re at
the very heart of things, not at the periphery.
They make everyone feel that they make a differ-
ence to the success of the organisation. When
this happens people feel centered and that gives
their work meaning. Themba Khumalo, a former
CEO of MTN Swaziland, is one such leader.
Looking back
Themba joined MTN Swaziland soon after its birth
when the network was relatively small. “Through the
experience I gained working at MTN South Africa, I
believed that we could do a whole lot more in
Swaziland as long as we removed the perception that
rural areas were not commercially viable,” he says.
According to Themba, communications is a basic
service for all people at all levels of society. And today,
MTN is in almost every corner of the Kingdom and the
services it provides have become an integral part of
the lives of many Swazis.
“As you drive around the country today it is not
uncommon to find even a very old person garbed in
traditional attire with a cellphone attached to his
waist,” says Themba.
As Themba looks back at his time with
MTN Swaziland he recalls many moments where he
felt proud to be part of the company. “One such
moment was when a rural businessman who was
running a small fleet of mini buses came up to one of
the future site locations and shared with me that he
comes up to the same hill many times a day to call his
Themba Khumalo taking
time off during a function
to enjoy his exotic beverage.
drivers and business associates. With the installation
of a base station on the same hill, MTN enhanced his
life because he was then able to call them from the
comfort of his home,” says Themba.
Looking forward
According to Themba MTN Swaziland has a great
future ahead and the ability to be the best and most
reliable operator in the Kingdom.
“It will take a committed and unselfish team to
make this a reality. I am confident that the team that
is in place has the capability to make this dream come
true,” he says.
Happy birthday
Themba says that he is especially proud to have
been part of the MTN Swaziland family.
“Many great people have helped to
contribute to the success of MTN Swaziland. I am
proud that you have reached this stage and wish
you even better times ahead. Remember your
pioneers and build on that strong base of
goodwill ambassadors, once an MTNer, forever
one – everywhere you go.” – Themba Khumalo.
Themba Khumalo.
0 year anniversary 
 Base Stations make network
coverage available to MTN
subscribers across the Networking 101
Kingdom.
The MTN Network department is responsible for the operations and maintenance of
all the company’s network systems. Over the past 0 years E0-million has been
invested into the network infrastructure.
For the past 10 years, the MTN network in Swaziland
has expanded in terms of both capacity and
coverage.
According to MTN Swaziland Chief Technical
Officer Francis Dlamini, “The network currently
has enough capacity to carry more than 600,000
customers and covers over 86 percent of the
geographical area of Swaziland.”
All in a day’s work
On a daily basis, the network department is involved in
assessing the network status and deploying engineers
to attend to any network-related problems. The team
also performs routine maintenance actions on elements
The Network Department is responsible for:
• Management and implementation of all major
network projects
• Planning, co-ordinating, controlling and implementing
all network rollout projects
• Updating the technology roadmap for the core
network, radio subsystems and VAS platforms
• Planning of the appropriate upgrade path for both the
hardware and software elements of the system
• Supporting the process of the introduction of new
products and services by selecting appropriate
technical solutions.
2 0 year anniversary
MTN – everywhere you go
The Distribution Division at MTN Swaziland has the important task of making sure that
MTN subscribers and vendors have access to airtime with as little hassle as possible.
Over the past few years MTN Swaziland’s distribution With the introduction of the V-Recharge voucher,
methods have evolved. According to Linda Nxumalo, where a person can buy airtime and distribute it via their
of the network and supervises all contractors working
who heads up the Distribution Division, in 2003 cellphone, the number of vendors distributing airtime
on network projects.
MTN Swaziland had 300 distribution points.“With the soared from 50 to 5,000 countrywide.
“The introduction of infrastructure to support
change of our distribution structure in 2004, With the evolution of recharge vouchers, there was
all the new services and products being offered to
distribution touch points increased to over 1,000,” also the evolution of MTN as a brand. In 2002,
our customers, such as the provision of ringtones,
says Linda. MTN Connect Stores, where airtime is distributed, were
logos, data services, MMS and Access for Life, has
Initially MTN Swaziland used recharge voucher renovated to be in line with the new MTN look and feel.
been one of the highlights over the past 10 years,”
cards that people could purchase at various outlets. In the future, the distribution division would like to
says Francis.
Thereafter logical airtime (where users got a pin number establish a database of all channels, create brand
An additional Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)
on a purchase slip) was introduced. visibility and sales support at all points of distribution. Linda Nxumalo.
and a Base Station Controller (BSC) have been built
to provide some network redundancy and resilience
as part of MTN’s disaster recovery initiatives.
Ensuring enough capacity to carry the traffic
being generated by customers as well as ensuring
network availability has been a challenge for the
Milestone Moments
network department. “Another challenge we face is
• In 2004, the division changed its distribution
having staff within the department looking after a
structure which saw sales being increased. In the
large number of different systems which sometimes
same year, the Logical Voucher was introduced and
compromises their ability to become highly proficient
made airtime available even in rural areas.
on specific systems,” comments Francis.
• Virtual Voucher distribution saw a phenomenal
increase in sales and also meant that in 2008,
Leaping into the future
MTN Swaziland would distribute 80 percent of its
A lot of change is in store for the network
airtime vouchers virtually.
department of MTN Swaziland. “We plan to change
• In 2008, MTN Swaziland and ETopUp partnered. This
the network from the traditional circuit switched
strategic alliance will help to counter competition
monolithic architecture to the packet switched (IP)
while empowering a local business.
next generation network architecture,” says Francis.
This evolution means that staff members will
also have to get used to things being done
differently.
According to Francis, the department will
continue to grow in terms of staff, especially with the
introduction of new technologies and systems, to MTN Connect Store at Bhunu Mall in Manzini.
support the move towards fully converged networks
and services.
0 year anniversary 
 2004 2008
I MTN launches the SMS I MTN Swaziland opens a state of the art

Sweet success
Information Service in June. computer lab at the University of Swaziland
I Swazi MTN becomes the first called MTNCyberzone@uniswa worth E750,000.
company to host the Swazi
Monarch in the greens in
2006
I MTN Launches Access 90 (giving subscribers up
September.
to 90 days free access).
I MTN brings Abdullah Ibrahim to Swaziland in
0 years ago MTN planted a seed in Swaziland and now Swazi MTN is reaping the sweet fruits of success.
June.
I MTN launches virtual recharge.
1998 I Launch of call back service in November.
I MTN Swaziland becomes the first cellular Company 2002
I In August MTN Swaziland signs a three year
I MTN launches Sihlangu (national football
2000
I MTN opens another service
in the Kingdom in July.
sponsorship deal with the Premier League of
team) sponsorship worth E9-million spread
centre in Manzini in March. Swaziland worth E1.1-million.
I In April, MTN service fees
over three years in February.
I MTN launches E8.4-Million Premier League of
are reduced by 32 percent
Swaziland football sponsorship spread over
decreasing fees from E110
three years.
to E75.
I MTN increases coverage
from 40 to 65 percent in
November.
I MTN launches short
message service (SMS) in
August.

I In September, MTN presents the King with

10 cellular phones and His Majesty King Mswati III
officially launches the network operator by making
the first call on a cellular phone.
I MTN sets up a multimillion Elangeni main switch
2003 2007
I MTN launches fax mail in March. I MTN introduces ‘keeping it in the family’(cheaper MTN to MTN regional calls).
appliance at SPTC in November.
I Themba Khumalo steps in as Chief 2005 I Tebogo Mogapi steps in as the new MTN Swaziland CEO on 1 April.
2001 I MTN renews soccer sponsor- I MTN launches Y’ello Wellness Programme for staff.
I In February, MTN Swaziland
Executive Officer in July and Swazi MTN
becomes the first multinational company in ship and package stands at a I MTN launches Call per second (per second billing) in March.
I MTN reduces starter pack price by more that 50 percent (from E65 to E30).
cellular coverage increased staggering E3-million.
I MTN launches Directory Inquiry
the Kingdom to appoint a Swazi national to
I MTN launches ME2U airtime transfer.
to 75 percent.
I MTN Swaziland earns
the most senior position as CEO.
I MVTel seals a multi-million Emalangeni deal Services. I MTN becomes the first operator to
E71-million in revenue.
with MTN in December and MTN I MTN CEO Themba Khumalo launch dynamic tarrifing (MTN Zone
1999
I MTN launched a E4-million voicemail system and
launches GPRS in August.
I MTN launches Booster Cards
introduces SMS to email. @ 60 percent discount max).
meets its 12 months coverage obligations nine I MTN becomes the first operator to
(Pay as you go plan and plus). launch a tourist starter pack.
I MTN Swaziland recieves USO
months ahead of schedule in August.

certificate for Full Compliance.

4 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 

 The yellow team
Meet the team that keeps MTN Swaziland at the top of its game.
Internal Auditing
Department
Head: Khulile N Dlamini
• Mbongeni Mkoko
• Tebogo Mogapi, CEO of
MTN Swaziland
• Lusha Ntshangase (PA to CEO)
Information Systems
Department
Head: Shaka
Human Resources Ndlangamandla
Department
• Debbie Carmichael
Head: Coronation • Ceeno Dlamini
Nxumalo • Ayanda Dlamini
• Ntombifuthi Dlamini • Ntokozo Mngomezulu
• Muzikayise Mthembu • Mxolisi Dlamini
• Khetsiwe Khumalo
• Mduduzi Dlamini
• Siphamandla Dlamini
• Sibusiso Dlamini
• Lee Roberts
• Abigail Nxumalo
• Mtfokotisi Maseko
6 0 year anniversary
Customer Services
Operation (CSO) Department
Head: Killy Dlamini
• Welile Simelane
• Sam Shongwe
• Arnold Gama
• Lesedi Mofokeng
Sales and Marketing
Department
Acting head: Killy Dlamini
• Swazi Coster
• David Mdlovu
• Khulile Dlamini
• Pumla Motsa
• Sive Manana
• Pumzile Simone
• Mfanzile Mdluli
• Samkeliso Dlamini
• Linda Nxumalo
• Vusi Sibanyoni • Stanley Dlamini
• Patrick Simelani
• Mpumi Lukhele • Mlungisi Cebe
• Mhlaba Dlamini • Lungile Nduli
• Cyprian Lukhele • Yvonne Capel
• Nhlanhla Mngomezulu • Mbuso Mbanjwa
• Ayanda Khoza • Nothando Hadebe
• Phile Dlamini • Zanele Mavuso
• Monalisa Seabra Corporate Services
• Thandiwe Mashinini
• Sifiso Dlamini Department
• Nonhlanhla Satekge • Mhlaba Manzini Head: Pholile Dlamini
• Sabelo Dube • Poyo Mabuza • Mpumelelo Makhubu
• Cebile Fakudze • Wandile Nxumalo
• Nomfundo Nkambule
• Linda Mavuso
Network Finance Department
Department Head: Thokozile
Head: Francis Dlamini Vilakati-Jele
• Phumelele Hadebe • Welile Simelane
• Makhosini Shongwe
• Kingsley Zulu
• Thandie Kunene
• Sunday Ginindza • Sipho Mbethe
• Musa Maseko • Thabo Tsabedze
• Ndumiso Khumalo • Tengetile Maseko
• Wandie Mntjali • Michael Ndzimandze
• Wiseman Magagula • Phikisile Mamba
• Njabulo Dvuba • Pinkie Ndzimandze
• Sonke Kuhlase • Selborne Tsabedze
• Zwelithini Mavuso
• Lindani Dlamini
• Emmanuel Dladla
• Busi Mamba • Bagcinile Dlamini
• Mcebo Shabangu • Prisca Shiba
• Isiah Nkambule • Miliswa Mamba
• Bosco Dludlu
0 year anniversary 
 A jack of all trades
MTN Swaziland MTN Swaziland’s sponsorship strategy focuses on clubs run tournaments on the first, second and third golf players from the Southern African region take part
football, golf and music. Saturday of each month. in this tournament. MTN Swaziland CEO, Tebogo
is present on the
The first sponsorship that MTN engaged in was a high People are encouraged to register for these Mogapi, is also a passionate golfer. He hosts the CEO’s
football fields, school football tournament and over the years, MTN’s tournaments through weekly adverts that are run in Golf Day, which invites players to compete for the
at music contribution to sport has quadrupled from E2,000 to the media. trophy.
festivals and on millions. MTN is also the main sponsor of the King’s Cup Golf Above: The MTN Premiership season is the biggest football event in Swaziland.
Tournament, an annual event held at the Royal Swazi Music
golf courses MTN Premiership Sun Country Club. Professional and non-professional The Bush Fire Arts Festival is an annual music event Below: People come out in large numbers to enjoy music, art and poetry at the MTN Bush Fire Arts Festival.
thanks to its The MTN Premiership season runs from September to sponsored by MTN which showcases the talents of a
commitment to May every year and sees 12 elite teams compete for the number of local and international artists.
title. The two teams that come in at the bottom of the
the upliftment of list are relegated to the first division. This year’s festival saw local and regional art lovers
these activities in enjoy poetry, traditional, reggae and a host of other
the country. MTN First Division range of musical genres.
The MTN First Division was recently adopted by MTN
after another sponsor withdrew its sponsorship. A total
of 12 teams compete for the title and the first two
teams that claim victory play in the Premiership League.

National Team
The Swazi National Team, Sihlangu Semnikati, is
managed by the National Football Association (NFAS)
and this is the team every Swazi is passionate about.
MTN extended a sponsorship of E9-million at a time
when the team was experiencing a losing streak. This
raised a few eyebrows but in no time, the team’s
fortune was reversed when it beat Togo during the
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The National
Team draws players from both the Premiership and First
Division pools.

Golf His Majesty King Mswati III during

MTN is also passionate about golf and it sponsors the the King’s Cup Golf Tournament. Jazz singer Sibongile Khumalo during one of her performances
Mbabane, Manzini and the Nkoyeni Golf Clubs. These at the MTN Bush Fire Arts Festival.

8 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 


MTN is for the people
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communications Senator Thandi
Shongwe shares her experiences of MTN Swaziland.
It has been exactly 10 years since Swaziland was
introduced to the phenomenal and innovative
world of mobile telecommunications thanks to MTN.
“Ten years ago the Kingdom, through His Majesty’s
government, paved way for this amazing form of
technology,” says Senator Thandi Shongwe, the Minister
of Tourism, Environment and Communications.“At first,
technology seemed to be a tool reserved for the rich,
the middle class or working class.
“In the 10 years since the company commenced
its operations, we have noted a great shift in who uses
it, the affordability of the products and the accessibility
of the network,” she says.
During the earliest days of operation the handsets
alone cost an arm and a leg, maintaining the number
was exorbitant, as was servicing it.
However as the years have passed the high costs
have dropped drastically to the point where every Swazi
– even school going children – can afford to own a
cellular phone and make calls from as little as E5.
10 years of success
“We commend MTN Swaziland for its efforts in assisting government in all these areas
over the years. We are grateful to have a company that also gives back to society. On
behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I would like to congratulate MTN Swaziland for the
tremendous change it has brought about in the country and for the impressive
improvements it has made over the years to accommodate every Swazi in this amazing
world of technology.
As government we look forward to better days ahead and wish the company a healthy
and sustainable future. We hope to see the company engaging more in the alleviation
of poverty, support of local talent, education improvement and many other areas that
need assistance for instance in the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic.We hope you
will continue to paint our country yellow in the years to come.” – The Honourable
Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communications, Senator Thandi Shongwe.
40 0 year anniversary
A productive partnership
MTN Swaziland’s success would not have been
possible without the co-operation of MTN, the Swazi
government and the people of Swaziland.
The relationship, which was forged from the outset,
focused on providing a service that would be attractive
and accessible to all.
“The Government of Swaziland’s role and mandate
since the commencement of MTN’s operations in the
country has been to ensure that communication
services are evenly distributed throughout the country.
It also remains Government’s responsibility to ensure
that such services become affordable to every Swazi
citizen and, most importantly, accessible despite
geographic setting,” says Senator Thandi.
It is for this reason that Government set up a
committee called the Universal Service Obligations
Committee (USO).Through this committee Government
wanted to ensure that MTN provided services to
customers who may not otherwise be served.
“By working hand in hand with this committee
MTN Swaziland has set up a host of Base Transceiver
Stations (BTS) to ensure that even Swazis living
in remote areas also have access to mobile
communications.”
The USO conditions in the Swazi MTN license
agreement ensured that MTN Swaziland did not
concentrate its efforts only in areas with high returns,
but also provided services in areas with low financial
gains so that the economic activity in these remote
areas could be imporved. “As a result of the cellphone
network, most communities in the country are able to
Did you know?
• Over the past 10 years MTN, through its engagement of local contractors, has
established 114 BTSes (Base Transceiver Stations) countrywide.
• 14 new BTS sites were built and commissioned since 2007 extending Network
coverage to 86 percent of the country and 92 percent of the population.
• New BTS Sites commissioned since July 2007 are in the following areas; Royal
Swazi Sun, Matsapha Airport, Lushikishini, Makhungutsha, Mnyokane, Oshoek,
Mbikwakhe, Tambuti, Tsambokhulu, Nkonyeni, Estel House, Dzabe, B6 Forest
and Shewula.
order materials for their shops, are able to call their
relatives, call the police and ambulances and find out if
materials are available in shops in the major cities before
taking a bus to that city,” says the Senator.
Real solutions for the community
According to Senator Thandi, the country’s topography
has always posed a major problem when it comes to
network coverage. Nonetheless one of the obligations
that MTN had was to provide BTSes in deserving areas
and to ensure that most of the rural communities
around the country benefitted from MTN Swaziland’s
operations.
In addition to these BTSes, MTN also installed
payphones in strategic areas where people who cannot
afford mobile phones would be able to make calls using
a coin box.
Local entrepreneurs have been empowered by the
company too, by distributing MTN products and
services – specifically airtime, SIM cards and handsets.
This has resulted in the creation of employment for a
large number of Swazis who sell airtime at every corner
of the country and earn healthy commissions by doing
so.
Senator Thandi says, “Anything that reduces the
burden on the rural poor in developing countries
should be considered a good thing. Rural poverty is
probably not going away on its own anytime soon and
stimulating sustainable economic growth through
micro enterprises and information technology is a better
solution than direct aid.”
The Honourable Minister of
Tourism, Environment and
Communications, Senator
Thandi Shongwe.
0 year anniversary 4
 Yellow style
As part of MTN Swaziland’s 10th anniversary celebrations, MTNers
Happy Birthday to you
pulled out all the stops and came to work dressed in yellow. MTN Swaziland wishes His Majesty King Mswati III and the entire Swazi nation a happy 40th anniversary.

In 1968, two important events took place in the born. 40 years later, MTN Swaziland wishes the
Kingdom of Swaziland. The Kingdom gained its King a happy birthday and also celebrates the 40th
independence and His Majesty King Mswati III was anniversary of Swaziland’s independence.

42 0 year anniversary 0 year anniversary 4

 Reaching out –
21 Days of Y’ello Care
MTNers took time out to give back to the community as part of the 2 Days of Y’ello Care Programme.
Barbara Bush once said that giving frees us from the
familiar territory of our own needs, by opening our
minds to the unexplained worlds occupied by the
needs of others. During the 2008 edition of the 21
Days of Y’ello Care, MTN Swaziland employees
learnt just how satisfying giving to others can be.
Giving hope
Hope House, a centre which takes care of those living
with HIV/Aids and terminally ill people, received a
boost from MTNers in the form of an upgrade.
Through donations that the centre received, 11
new units were built, significantly increasing the
number of people that could be cared for. However,
the units were in need of furnishing and MTN helped
to ensure that each unit had bedding, blankets,
MTNers cleaning up the playground at Hope House as part of
the 21 Days of Y’ello Care Programme.
44 2 Days of Y’ello Care
curtains, a stove and an electric kettle.
Sister Elsa Joseph of Hope House thanked MTN
for the donation that will make Hope House residents
more comfortable. “Thank you for your gracious
presence and hard work and for making the units so
beautiful and comfortable,” she said.
As part of the 21 Days of Y'ello
Care, MTN Swaziland supplied
Hope House with much needed
curtains.
MTNers got their hands dirty and started a community gardening MTNers gave SWAAGA a facelift to make the environment more
project that will help feed children in Swaziland. welcoming.
2 Days of Y’ello Care 4
 Cyprian Lukhele fixing the

Reaching out – fence at SWAAGA.

21 Days of Y’ello Care

During the 2008 edition of the 2 Days of
Y’ello Care Programme MTN Swaziland
focused its efforts on children in need.
The 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme seeks to
encourage staff at MTN Swaziland and across its
global operations to become personally involved in
community-development projects outside the scope
of the MTN Foundation and other MTN Corporate MTN Swaziland CEO Tebogo Mogapi putting his football skills
to work at the football match at the end of the 21 Days of Y'ello
Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Care.

never owned a toothbrush before. This encouraged

MTNers gave school children tips on how to keep fit, healthy and strong.
Thanks to the 21 Days of Y’ello Care Programme,
Hope House now has a total of 25 fully furnished units.
Out and about during the 21 Days of Y’ello
Care
MTN employees also took part in a host of other
activities during the 21 Days of Y’ello Care:
• It sponsored the “End hunger, walk the world” walk,
the proceeds from which will help to feed more than
2,000 children for a year.
• MTNers held Y’ello Career Guidance Days and
participated in the Y’ello School Health Days. Many
MTNers who attended the Y’ello Health School Days
MTN Swaziland's 21 Days of Y'ello Care focused on children in need. were amazed and humbled to learn that some of
the children presented with health hampers had
even more participation of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care
events, especially where children were concerned.
• MTNers donated medical equipment, baby cots and
clothes and assisted with the refurbishment of the
Mawelawela Female Prison’s Child Day Care Centre –
which supports children living in prison with their
incarcerated mothers.
• Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAAGA)
child counseling room received a makeover to make
the area more calming and welcoming.
• A website created by MTNers was donated to
Emmaunuel Khayalethu (a home that takes care of
abused children).
• In partnership with the Esicojeni Foundation and the
World Food Programme, MTN started a garden
project and provided a borehole to the Ngculwini
community. This will help to provide water and food
to orphaned children.
• MTN also held a charity football match and
donated the E20,000 raised to four charities. Both the young and the old enjoyed and benefited from the activities that took place during the 21 Days
of Y'ello Care Programme.

46 2 Days of Y’ello Care 2 Days of Y’ello Care 4

 University of Swaziland
gets Cyberwise
The Faculty of The University of Swaziland (UNISWA) recently
received a boost in the technology race, thanks to a
Agriculture at new high-tech laboratory worth E750,000
the University of compliments of MTN Swaziland.
Swaziland has a The lab was officially handed over by
MTN Swaziland Board Chairperson Honourable Senator
brand new
Winnie Magagula on 11 March 2008 at the Luyengo
high-tech Campus.
computer The contribution was facilitated through a
laboratory that partnership between MTN and the UNISWA Foundation.
The guest list for the launch included dignitaries
will help it keep such as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of
up with Swaziland, Professor Cisco Magagula and members
technological of the Board of Trustees of the University of Swaziland.
“The country’s ability to achieve and maintain a
advances. high standard of living and remain internationally
competitive depends on the extent to which it can
harness science and technology,” said Senator
The lab is equipped with 42 Lenovo flat screen computers, custom designed workstations,
air-conditioning and a cutting edge projection system.
48 Feature
Magagula when handing over the state of the art facility.
Chairperson of the UNISWA Foundation, Dr Vincent
Mhlanga, said, “The UNISWA Foundation aims to assist
the University to achieve its objective of attaining
institutional advancements. By ensuring its ICT
infrastructure is of world-class standards, the institution
aims to transform itself into an information powerhouse
and knowledge generating hub in Swaziland.”
In a highly competitive global economy, it is
important for the university to reap the full benefits
represented by the technology evolution. It is also
important that the university overcomes the digital
divide and takes its rightful place in the international
community of higher learning institutions. This new lab
will assist to do just that.
The lab will also enable students to gain
competence and to build the skills essential to succeed
in an increasingly dynamic labour market.
MTN Swaziland CEO Tebogo Mogapi in the high-tech MTN Swaziland, the UNISWA Board of Trustees and other invited dignitaries were all there to
laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University witness the handing over of the new computer laboratory at the University of Swaziland.
of Swaziland.
Feature 4
 Fun at Ghost Mountain Inn
MTN’s Customer The MTN Swaziland Customer Services Operation
Services team headed to the Ghost Mountain Inn, Kwa-Zulu
Natal for its team building retreat. The group was
Operations split into five teams – Thathazonke, Siyavena, The
Team took time Pink Lions, Big Ten and Y’ello Zone.
The weekend retreat was filled with fun and
out from the games and also provided the group with a chance to
office for a bit of forge even closer relationships with one another.
fun and in the Team Thathazonke (taking it all), lived up to its
name and came out the big winner for the weekend.
process came
back a much Here’s what some of the participants had to
say about the experience:
stronger team. “This team building exercise was out of this world! I
enjoyed everything about it – the coach ride, the
Customer Services Operations Team having a good time during a boat ride at Jozini Dam.
0 Internal news
The award goes to ...
The Customer Services Department Team attended the Launch Awards evening where
games, the dancing and all the other activities. The they were rewarded for their outstanding work.
boat ride at Jozini Dam was the cherry on top! We got
to know each other a little better and it gave us a
chance to bond with the new members of the team. In April 2008, the Customer Services Charter The Awards event was attended by the CEO
We are all looking forward to working better as a was launched at the Boma Restuarant in Ezulwini. Tebogo Mogapi, Heads of Departments, Channel
team.” – Mzwandile Lukhele
“This whole exercise was really productive. The
Creating the innovate charter was no easy task. Out Partners, and the Client Relations Team. Tebogo Mogapi,
of the 96 participants trained in January under the Thokozile Vilakati-Jele and Directors of Connect Stores
food, games and other activities were great. A big new charter, 65 of them excelled and were each awarded prizes to those who excelled.
‘thank you’to those who were in the organising team, awarded a Certificate in Customer Service and GSM.
as well as Swazi Trails, for a job well done. We really
enjoyed those wonderful moments together as we The following people scooped first prize:
bonded with our co-workers. It is true that there is • Shabangu Thandeka Nkosana Investments
power in collectivity. We built a strong Y’ello Team!” • Baartjies Marcia Manzini Service Centre
– Thulasizwe Mbhamali • Nxumalo Phetsile MV Tel
• Mavuso Zanele Mbabane Service Centre
• Zwane Mlamuli MAXI
• Mbhamali Thulasizwe Call Centre
The second prize went to …
• Ndzinisa Ncamsile Nkosana Investments
• Nkhambule Nomfundo Manzini Service Centre
• Lapidos Happiness MV Tel
• Nduli Lungile Mbabane Service Centre
• Nxumalo Nosipho MAXI
The Customer Service Charter Awards ceremony was • Nkhambule Sebenele Call Centre
enjoyed by all who attended.
Kieren Thurgood receiving his prize from MTN CEO One of the winners gets her prize from MTN CEO.
Tebogo Mogapi.
Internal news 

Competition
Answer the following eight easy questions and stand a chance to win a Spar
grocery voucher to the value of E500, E400 or E300.
It’s easy! Answers to all the questions can be found in this issue of MTN Swaziland
Y’ello! Submit your entries via email to yelloswazi@fox.co.za
1) What is the name of the Director of ETopUp?
2) Where was the MTN CallerTunez launch party held?
3) Name any one of the engineers that studied in the UK and is now part of the
MTN Swaziland family.
4) In 1998, during the King’s Birthday and Swazi Independence Day celebrations,
what was MTN’s gift to the King?
5) Name the three MTNers who have been with MTN since its arrival in Swaziland
10 years ago.
6) Who heads up the Distribution Department at MTN Swaziland?
7) How many new computers does the University of Swaziland have because of
the MTN Swaziland sponsorship towards the new technology lab?
8) Name the community that MTNers in conjuction with The World Food
Programme donated a borehole to and started a food garden for.
Competition winners for MTN Swaziland
Y’ello issue 3/2007
Well done to:
1st Prize – Zodwa Ncongwane
2nd Prize – Nombulelo Dlamini
2 Competition
Get on your bike
When we think of public transport, images of crowded
buses and cramped minibuses come to mind. And,
even though the public transit systems are better for the
environment than everyone driving, they still produce
emissions. However, a new design may change the way
the world looks at public transportation.
The system, which hasn’t been named yet, uses a
rack of aluminum-framed bicycles that are docked at a
solar powered station. Whenever you need a bike, you
can either pay with cash or a credit card to hire one. A
radio frequency identification unit is installed on each
bike so if anyone decides to keep it as a souvenir, it can
be tracked and returned. As an added bonus, if you
need to go across town to work and then back again at
the end of the day, the bikes can be returned to any
available docking station.
The concept originates from Montreal and there
are plans afoot to make the system more widely
available in the future.
Tastier greeting cards So stylish
There’s a new line of toast cards from a San Francisco-based company known to the
free world as Chewing The Cud.
The toast card permits the user to fill in a unique toast, whether it is about
graduation, a fallen soufflé, engagement or any other celebratory moment. If you get
a little hungry while attempting to be creative with your toast card, close your eyes
Recycling is, it seems, the new black. Selling under the
name re:vision a new line of bracelets handcrafted
from discarded camera components are all the rage.
re:vision is the product of Craig Arnold’s passion
for cameras, recycling and polishing. Handmade
and consider that this toast stationery uses soy-based inks (burnt orange and espresso). in Adelaide Australia, from discarded camera
This toast greeting card is printed on 100 percent tree-free heavy weight paper components and reshaped with love, re:vision brings
and comes in pearly white. old school cameras into an entirely new focus.
Whatever you do, don’t get crumbs on your new toast card. It could ruin
everything!
Walking on water
Swimming is a great all round form of exercise. But a
new product, water joggers, will combine being in
the water with jogging. The water jogger is designed
to suspend the body in the water at shoulder-level
allowing for freedom and security to perform a variety
of workouts in deep and shallow water. It wraps
around the waist for a comfortable fit below the ribs.
This equipment is great for strengthening the
abdominal and lower back muscles. The resilient, soft,
closed-cell foam is comfortable and flexible.
Painless dentist visits
Dentists are synonymous with pain for most of us, but luckily this may soon be a
thing of the past. A new laser called Waterlase could help to take a great deal of
the pain away. Novocaine could be virtually eliminated because the treatment
would remove a wide range of tissues and decay with no heat, pressure or dis-
comfort. Waterlase uses a technology called HydroPhotonics, which combines
YSGG (Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet) laser energy and a spray of water. The
laser is able to remove tooth enamel decay, the hardest substance in the body,
while leaving surrounding areas unaffected. The Waterlase laser can also be used
to eliminate cold sores – often within 24 hours.
Technology 
 The silent tsunami
As the world’s population grows so too does the need for sustainable food sources. In Swaziland, recent
droughts have resulted in severe food scarcity, an increase in food prices and the spread of hunger and
poverty from rural areas into cities. Millions more of the world’s most vulnerable people are facing
starvation as food shortages loom and crop prices spiral ever upwards.
The drought that hit Swaziland last year was historic,
causing up to 80 percent of crop failure in areas that
were formerly productive, leaving the hardest hit areas
with no harvests. Similarly the drying up of dams and
rivers not only caused crops to fail, but also threatened
livestock.
This led to many families becoming dependent on
buying grain in the marketplace. Due to the grain
shortages throughout the region, the market price of
maize has soared, pricing the staple food out of range for
most families. As a result, many households are reportedly
employing short-term, and often unsustainable, strategies
to survive. In particularly vulnerable households, children
are being pulled out of school, productive assets are
being sold to purchase food and household consumption
is often limited to one meal a day.
The international community stepped in a few
Learners from the Dvumane
Primary School in Siteki.
4 Be informed
months ago when the United Nations World Food
Programme (WFP) had projected that 407,000 people
would need food aid by this time. Rains since the start of
the planting season in November had even raised hopes
of fewer dependents. For a country with an estimated 80
percent of the population living as subsistence farmers,
lack of rain means that people will require food aid to
avoid starvation.
Time for action
Various organisations worldwide have stepped in, in an
attempt to curb the hunger crisis in Swaziland.
Esicotjeni Foundation and the World Food
Programme (WFP) has called for a holistic approach to
tackle food insecurity in Swaziland after years of drought.
According to the WFP, the hunger crisis is not just
about the lack of rainfall but also about the
appropriateness of crops. A suggestion to educate
farmers on better seeds and cropping techniques has
also been mentioned as a possible solution moving
forward. Various organisations
Closer to home, MTNers, in conjunction with worldwide have stepped in,
Esicojeni and WFP, recently started a food garden project in an attempt to curb the
and also donated a borehole to the Ngculwini
community with the aim of providing food and water to hunger crisis in Swaziland.
orphaned children.
Be informed 
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