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services are procured from locally
based suppliers.
Engaging this group of stakeholders
also provides a platform for product
innovation, as well as line of sight into
indicative market supply and demand
trends.
Existing trading relationships with the
network operators afford the Group
a clear line of sight into cross- and
up-selling opportunities.
Method of engagement
Written distributor and/or dealer
agreements.
Formal and informal meetings.
Site visits are held on request.
Supplier relationships may transform
into customer service arrangements.
A future focus area will be in ensuring
that constructive relationships are
maintained with the main network
operators, following the Group’s
acquisition of a 45% stake in Cell C
in August 2017.
Dialogue process and outcomes
We recognise the need to work
co-operatively in order to ensure
quality and value for money in
products and services. Adherence
to contract terms and conditions and
full payment for goods delivered
and services rendered, are key to
maintaining sound relationships with
this stakeholder group. Matters raised
pertain mostly to technical and
operational issues, which are resolved
timeously thereby ensuring a smooth
service delivery.
Supplier relationships may transform
into customer service arrangements.
During the year a number of meetings
were held with network operators in
advising each of the rationale for and
progress on Blue Label’s acquisition of
a 45% stake in Cell C.
Stakeholder group
Communities, educational
institutions and research
organisations
f
participating with leaders in the
communities in which we operate.
Nature of engagement
By deepening our understanding of
the interests of the communities in
which we operate, we enhance trust
and strengthen relationships.
The TPC community channel specialises
in the development and empowerment
of broad-based communities through
the deployment of mobile technology
and products. The community channel
aims to distribute the Group’s products
more widely, to create job opportunities
for members of the communities and
to share a portion of the revenue with
them.
Senior Management, such as the
Group Head of Human Resources and
the Head of Investor and Media
Relations, also engage regularly with
the business community, professional
associations and research
organisations across various levels.
The Joint CEOs and Senior
Management are involved in
collaborative projects and workshops
with local and international business
and secondary schools.
Management also takes cognisance
of the published works of Financial
Technology Partners LP, Frost and
Sullivan and the Institute for Futures
Research at the University of
Stellenbosch. The outputs of relevant
print, electronic and social media
monitoring services are also noted.
A Group CSI Manager was recently
appointed, who actively engages
with those in charitable organisations
aligned with Group strategy regarding
youth development, with a view to
improving service delivery and securing
a satisfactory return on investment.
The Joint CEOs are regularly
recognised for their contributions
to entrepreneurialism, business
development and the community at
large, if not as award recipients, then
as judges. Some accolades are listed in
each of their biographies on page 16.
Method of engagement
Formal and informal meetings and
forums.
Training and workshops. Outreach
programmes, as requested.
Presentation at conferences,
participation in panel and roundtable
discussions.
Addressing public conferences,
roundtable sessions on best practices,
governance and sustainability.
Frequent engagement with lecturers,
students and scholars at formal and
informal settings. Case studies assist
the Group and the community in
gaining a better understanding of
developments, challenges,
achievements and failures.
The Group, represented by Executive
Directors or Senior Management,
frequently participates in group
discussions with the community on
business entrepreneurialism and
administration.
Future focus areas will be driven by
the recently appointed Group CSI
Manager.
Dialogue process and outcomes
The Group supports making
responsible contributions to broader
societal issues, be it through its
charitable donations, CSI spend or in
developing our business model among
communities. See page 83 for more
detail.
The communities in which the TPC
community channel operates mainly
focuses on the upliftment of their
Stakeholder relations
continued
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