Generally, what people hear or read from Cameroon these days are often its corruptions, its democracy that is in a state of eternal experimentations and other negative things. It is true that, her economy has nose dive compared to what she was in 70s & 80s. But she is still struggling and it is not yet an apocalypse as it is often presented. The key to Cameroon’s economic and political revival are Cameroonians and not external forces, no mater how brilliance and generous they may be. And how Cameroonians steer their country economically and politically presently, will determine her future. Even though the focus is often political, it is well known that, a country with poor economic base can’t produce a successful democracy. But how can the government and Cameroonians succeed to create a solid economic base? One solution will be to open up for foreign investments.

The other is an honest fight against corruption. But foreign investments alone won’t revive or give the country a strong economic tissue or absorb her spiraling unemployment. Unemployment is another problem facing Cameroon and most African countries currently. How can it be solved? Some claim, it is through government economic policies, while others put forward the idea of self employment. This last point might seem far-flung, but it is working. There are many Cameroonians, who tired of waiting for an elusive employment with the government or the miniature private sector, have decided to create their own businesses. One such example of such self-employment success is Munakwa Focham Mardochee, who runs a consultancy in Safety Management in the city of Douala. Douala is the commercial capital of Cameroon. I had a chat with him recently and I asked him the following questions:

1)     Elie B. Smith: Why did you decide to venture into self employment and how long have you been in your business?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: I went into what you classify as a venture or adventure, if I may be permitted to add anything, simply because of lack of stable employment in Cameroon and the unwillingness of some employers to pay what is agreed on employment contracts. My revolt came when a construction Manager requested that I go down on my knees to beg him after an altercation of which he was the cause. So I decided from that period that I will start my own business and thus become self employed. I have been in the business for close to three years now.

2)     Elie B. Smith: Concerning the business that you are currently in, could you please explain to those who like to read your experience the kind of business you are really in?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: The business that I am in is called Corporate Quality Environment Health and Safety Solutions (CQEHSS). To be more explicit, I run a consultancy offering specific OSHE trainings, advises, audits, Inspections of work equipments’ and work places and follow ups .

3)     Elie B. Smith: Do you have clients? If yes, how do you get them?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: Well, I don’t want to be rude with you. If I hadn’t have clients, you won’t have been interviewing me today. To answer your question: Yes, I do have some clients, even though not as many as I would have wanted. But, let me tell you that, I do manage to put bread and butter on the table and also help my immediate, as well as extended families. The other aspect of your question was: how do I get my clients. Well, I get them through prospecting, bids and via recommendations from others for whom I have worked.

4)     Elie B. Smith: Who are precisely your kinds of clients?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: They are mainly small and Medium Size Enterprises involved in construction and other industrial activities.

5)     Elie B. Smith: Cameroon is not in short supply of bright and enterprising hands like you. But one deterrent for others to venture into self employed businesses in your country have been taxes and corruption. What was or is your own experience?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: I spent over CFA franc 100 000 to register the company or should I say my consultancy, whereas, the official amount is CFA franc 54 000, the tax relating to my class of registration is CFA franc 5000 / term, but the first payment was CFA franc 20000, every day, a minimum of 20 tax inspectors pass by the offices and each one asks for something or an imaginary new…

6)     Elie B. Smith: Is the government of any help to you?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: No, the government has not as yet been of any help. But we don’t need to be expecting the government to help. Remember, this country is in economic crisis and crisis is now compounded by the high commodity prices. For example, the price of fuel is high and our country produces very little oil, our government therefore has to import fuel and it is straining the already tight finance of the country. Even though it is not easy for us, I don’t think it is easier to those governing us. What I think is that, we need to help the country and government instead of criticizing. If I need or needed or even were to suggest any thing help to or from the government, I will ask them to see that, its laws are respected. Any other help is always welcomed.

7)     Elie B. Smith: You also seem to be interested in sustainable development or are already operating in that field. How can businesses such as the one you are in, be compatible with sustainable development?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: Well, everything is possible and OSHE practices in companies are very compatible with sustainable development. For it keeps businesses alive and make workers enjoy their job, increasing profits and above all assures wellbeing of our environment.

8)     Elie B. Smith: If you were to be offered any specific help from Cameroon and beyond, what sorts of help will you need?

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: The sort of help that I will need or is need must be related to obtaining work equipments like:

-         Computers (2 Lap tops and 3Desk tops)

-         Printers (1)

-         Cable and meter detectors (1 each)

-         Noise rate detectors (1each)

-         Test tubes for environmental assessments (A full pairs)

-         Video projectors ((1 portable and 1fixed)

-         Training videos on fire safety and others related issues

-         Equipments for cardiopulmonary and first aid training (Complete package)

-         Video camera (1)

-         Photo cameras digital (2)

-         CO2 meter (gas detector) (1)

-         Flipchart

-         Further training like taking the Nebosh National Diploma

-         Registration in associations like the IOSH and the BCSP.

Elie B. Smith: thank you very much for accepting to share your experience.

Munakwa Focham Mardochee: You are welcomed.

He can be reached at the following contacts:

Munakwa Focham Mardochee

International General OS&H Practitioner

OS&H Training Advisor

PO Box: 3238 Douala Cameroon

00237 99 29 62 17

75 12 49 76

33 03 38 12 Home

Alternative e-mails: munakwa@hotmail.com

Robot  # 1 | 19.04.2008 15:47

Generally, what people hear or read from Cameroon these days are often its corruptions, its demo...Read the full article.