Posted in News on Feb 01, 2005.
Monday, 31 January 2005
KAIZER MOTAUNG SPEECH
(All protocol observed) Good morning.
Today is a great day. We are witnessing the formation of a historical alliance between four powerful entities in South Africa. This alliance has embarked on a collaborative business venture, now known as ZOK.
ZOK Cellular is the ZCC, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs together with Blue Label Investments, the largest pre-paid airtime distributor, without whom this venture would not have materialised. ZOK is powered by Vodacom. It provides cellular airtime and other related products to all consumers, but most importantly to the consumers in the rural and informal sectors.
This market is largely under serviced, and ZOK was established to distribute the best quality cellular products and services at discount prices to the majority of the South African market utlising the vast networks of its primary shareholders.
ZOK Cellular will provide more than just products and services. It will provide opportunity for those seeking jobs and entrepreneurial ventures regionally and at community level. By just purchasing ZOK products, all people will benefit from discount airtime and a host of value added benefits through the loyalty programme.
Kaizer Chiefs is motivated by the fact that our fans will have real BEE opportunities through Kaizer Chiefs Supporters’ Clubs, which form a significant link in the distribution chain. Our games, events, and retail relationships will also form vital links in the chain. Even fans that are with other cellular service providers will be able to support Kaizer Chiefs and ZOK with the advent of number portability. The more the supporters of all these organizations use ZOK products, the more they identify with their brands, support the individual initiatives, and receive direct benefits.
Purchases can be made electronically and at retail outlets. Consumers will receive upfront benefits in the form of savings on recharge vouchers and other products. The loyalty programme is Rand-based, and not point-based, which means members of the programme will accumulate money and not points for future transactions and/or savings in their bank accounts. Supporters will benefit their church or club with each transaction without having to spend additional money.
ZOK is providing even more on a deeper level. The ZCC, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs have been given the opportunity to build relationships and engage in business through two national passions, religion and soccer. ZOK is an example of seemingly different forces aligning themselves for greater good.
Kaizer Chiefs is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year 2005! It is a year that will be filled with many celebrations and recognitions to mark the achievement, and I must say that I am very pleased that this launch of ZOK Cellular is distinguished as one of our first milestones in this era.
I want to thank my partners, His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, and Dr. Irvin Khoza for our partnership. I want to thank Mark and Brett Levy and their associates at Blue Label Investments for their vision and experience, and Alan Knott-Craig and his management and staff at Vodacom for their tremendous support.
I must express special thanks to the Kaizer Chiefs Board of Directors for agreeing with me on this important venture, to my management, and in particular my Marketing Manager, Jessica Motaung, for working hard behind the scenes in pursuit of this opportunity, and last but in reality first, to the Kaizer Chiefs family of supporters and fans, thank you for your love and support, loyalty and passion, and for being our foundation as we build Kaizer Chiefs to new heights with ZOK Cellular. Khosi for Life!