The Strive Masiyiwa Story: The court decision that changed my life… Forever (Part 4)

By Strive Masiyiwa

It was January 1994, I was in South Africa on one of my “spy missions” watching MTN and Vodacom roll out the first GSM networks in South Africa when I received the phone call from Zimbabwe.

It was Antony Eastwood, “The High Court, has declared that PTC does not have a monopoly over cell phones. They have ordered that they should give you the frequencies immediately and you can begin your business. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE WON!”

Yes, I could roll out a cell phone network in Zimbabwe! However, within two weeks the PTC appealed to the Zimbabwe Supreme Court. I was stopped from proceeding until this apex court could hear the case and give its ruling. Six more months.

Nigeria had been doing really well in the World Cup in June 1994, and I was an avid supporter of the Green Eagles. I was watching them play Argentina when a call came that I had to be at the Supreme Court to hear the verdict on PTC’s appeal the following day.

The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe ruled against us and said that the monopoly of the PTC extended to cell phones. They overturned the earlier decision of the lower court. It was over!
We had lost….and there was NO appeal possible!

This LOSS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER!!!

…and now my testimony begins…