Posts
MTN Group today invited its
over 219 million customers across Africa and the Middle East to join
hands with the company in a 3-month campaign, starting 1
December, to
raise funds for a “United Against Ebola” initiative.
In response an appeal from
the African Union (AU), MTN and other leading companies in Africa
committed logistical support and in kind contributions as part of the
first wave of pledges at a recent Africa Business Roundtable hosted
by the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The companies also agreed to
leverage their resources and capacity to help galvanise citizen
action around a “United Against Ebola” campaign, and to provide
individuals across Africa and globally with an opportunity to
contribute.
As part of its pledge, MTN
has committed US$10 million and is now inviting customers to
participate in an SMS campaign to donate a minimum of US$1. MTN is
also working with some of Africa’s most celebrated musicians to
produce an inspirational song for digital download on its MTN Play
store. All proceeds from sales, post publishing rights and
subscription payments, will be donated to the AU campaign.
MTN has been an integral
part of efforts to tackle the spread of Ebola in countries where the
company operates, with special emphasis on Guinea-Conakry and
Liberia.
“MTN is supporting this
campaign to give further impetus to concerted efforts aimed at
combating the Ebola epidemic and saving lives. As MTN, we believe the
only way to start reversing the devastating effects of the outbreak
is to come together to tackle the spread of the disease, and ease the
suffering it continues to inflict on families and communities,”
says Sifiso Dabengwa, MTN Group President and CEO.
In affected countries where
MTN operates such as Guinea Conakry and Liberia, MTN is working
closely with authorities to curb the spread of the disease. MTN has
set up a number of interventions to assist staff, their families and
communities.
Some of the measures include
distributing information about the disease, its transmission and
preventative measures. Working with International SOS, MTN has set up
a website where staff can access up-to-date information on the
disease and its management. As part of this partnership, a medical
response team has been set up to offer advice and referral to medical
care, if required.
In Liberia, for example, MTN
has implemented a robust business continuity programme to, among
other things, keep the network operational. Health measures taken
include enhanced cleaning of office premises, with particular focus
on bathrooms and toilets. MTN is also issuing personal protective
equipment and clothing to employees who are either field or frontline
staff, such as those in stores and service centres.
Other measures include the
sanitisation of vehicles and establishment of a work from home
solution for staff whose jobs permit. MTN has also advanced salaries
to employees, so that they can stock up on supplies. MTN has also
established an SMS short code to facilitate enhanced internal
communication with personnel.
MTN Liberia staff also has
access to two dedicated medical doctors and medical facilities. And
in line with an intervention aimed at helping local communities, MTN
has established a crisis call centre with authorities on the ground,
as part of a collaborative response with the Liberian government to
help minimise the impact of the disease.
About the MTN Group
Launched
in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator,
connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle
East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South
Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2014, MTN
recorded 219,2
million subscribers
across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote
d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran,
Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Rwanda,
South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and
Zambia. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com,
www.mtn.com
and www.mtnmmo.com
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
