Niël Terblanché
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Namibia’s leading mobile service provider, has become the first company in Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to simultaneously secure certification for six different excellence standards.
This noteworthy accomplishment also positions MTC as the first organisation in Africa to achieve certification for its Integrated Management System (IMS) under the 2022 version of ISO 27001 Information Security.
The certification ceremony, held on 7 June, was attended by MTC’s managing director, Licky Erastus, and other key members of the company’s executive committee.
Erastus, while receiving the certification, said the milestone emphasises MTC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, service, and operational excellence.
ISO, the International Organisation for Standardisation, is a globally recognised body that sets benchmarks for quality across various industries.
ISO certification, with a legacy dating back to the mid-20th century and over 22, 000 standards published across 164 countries, is a prestigious testament to a company’s adherence to the highest levels of quality assurance.
According to Erastus, MTC Namibia’s journey with ISO began in 2009 when it achieved the ISO 9001:2008 Compliance Certificate.
Over the years, MTC has diligently worked towards expanding its scope of certifications, culminating in this historic moment where the company proudly implements six key ISO standards: Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015); Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018); Environment Management (ISO 14001:2015); Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Privacy Protection Management (ISO 27001:2022); Business Continuity, Security, and Resilience Management (ISO 22301:2019); and Information Technology Service Management (ISO 20000-1:2018)
Erastus stressed the significance of this achievement, noting that the certification not only enhances MTC’s competitive edge but also signifies a commitment to meticulous planning, risk assessment, and operational efficiency.
“We are the first in Namibia and in SADC to achieve certification for six standards at the same time, as well as the first in Africa to achieve certification of our Integrated Management System (IMS) with version 2022 of ISO 27001 Information Security. For an organisation like MTC, it is critical to remain competitive. One may have processes, policies, and procedures, but efficiency is the winning component. It is the absence of mistakes, detailed planning, and proactive risk assessment that give organisations their cutting edge,” he said.
He added that achieving full ISO certification is not merely a badge of honour; it has tangible business implications.
“Many public and private sector entities now require ISO certification as a prerequisite for conducting business, making MTC’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy,” he said.
According to Erastus, this certification signals to clients and stakeholders that MTC is committed to maintaining the highest service, security, and operational integrity standards.
Furthermore, anti-corruption practices underpin the certification process, ensuring fair conduct and enhancing the company’s reputation. MTC’s internal auditors have already completed their first round of training under the guidance of an experienced ISO auditor, further solidifying the company’s commitment to maintaining these rigorous standards.
“MTC’s ISO sets a new standard for excellence and serves as a model for other organisations striving for international recognition and competitive advantage,” he said.
The achievement also stresses MTC’s role in enhancing the telecommunications industry’s welfare, safety, and security, both in Namibia and beyond.
As Namibia’s premier mobile service provider, MTC continues to lead by example, showcasing the importance of quality management, environmental stewardship, and information security.
