Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe

The Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe (COMSA) was formed to bring together organisations that supply ICT products and services to the public at large. The aims of the association are to introduce, promote the use of ICT in the development of the country by supplying and maintaining internationally recognised products that are current and relevant.
The objectives of the Association are amongst others
• To be the national representative organization of commercial suppliers in Zimbabwe of Information and Communications Technology (hereinafter referred to as “ICT”) equipment, products and services, and to act in the common interest of its members in all matters affecting the activities of such suppliers of ICT equipment, products and services in Zimbabwe.
• To consider any matters connected directly or indirectly with the supply and maintenance of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis insofar as such matters affect the common interests of the members of the Association.
• To maintain contact with the Government of Zimbabwe and lobby appropriate Government bodies where necessary on all matters affecting the common interest of the members of the Association.
• To co-operate with other interested parties on matters affecting training and educational programmes for ICT technicians and other ICT personnel in Zimbabwe and to advise educational and training bodies where necessary on curricula and standards.
• To consider national, local or other legislation or proposed legislation affecting or likely to affect either directly or indirectly the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency, or dealership basis, and to take such steps in regard thereto as it may deem fit.
• To express and publish its opinions on any matters directly or indirectly connected with the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis.
• To make representations to any Minister, Government official, any public authority or to any other person relative to the necessity for the enactment of new legislation or the issue, repeal or amendment of regulations, by-laws or rules in any way connected with or incidental to the objects of the Association.
• To promote high ethical standards in the conduct of business and excellence of work of the Members of the Association.
• To protect and further the interests of Members of the Association both collectively and individually and in particular without derogating from the aforesaid to provide support to Members of the Association where it is deemed that unreasonable demands or constraints are placed on tenderers in any tender.
In order to carry some of its objectives the association has a number of activities that are beneficial to the public, its show case is the running of IT Africa an annual exhibition of what is available and world trends in the ICT arena. This event has in the past attracted as many as 200 stands where suppliers displayed their products. Recently due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe the show has been a smaller affair but they are looking f or an increase in the numbers for this years show due to be held in September.
COMSA keeps touch with world trends by its membership of WITSA a worldwide Association of IT suppliers, and any trends that are being used elsewhere are available to its members for consideration and adoption.
Government Liaison
COMSA was part of the NECF which formulated the national ICT policy launched by the President in 2007 and has continued to be involved in the steps that are being taken to put this policy into practice. With the formation of the Ministry of ICT it is hoped that the interaction between government and COMSA’s members will be strengthened and a strong practical relationship is established to use IT as a tool for the development and improvement of standards in Zimbabwe.
COMSA’s role as representing employers in the ICT sector is also important and setting standards and recommendations to its members is an ongoing activity, they were instrumental in introducing relevant courses for technicians at selected institutions and have participated in appraisal of industry needs. The members participate in student placements from Universities and colleges giving students practical experience before graduating.
Ethics
The Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe has, as one of its prime objectives, the promotion of consistent standards of professionalism and service in the information technology industry. Specifically, all members of the Association are committed to acting in a professional manner in their relationships with their customers, their employees, fellow members and the public.
Members of COMSA undertake that they will abide by the associations’ code of ethics specifically In respect of their CUSTOMERS
o At all times conduct business professionally and ethically and fulfil all agreements in good faith.
o Accurately represent their experience and capabilities and those of their employees or agents.
o Accept responsibility for assisting customers to effective information technology solutions.
o Express clear and precise information in advertisements and statements issued to the media, and in agreements avoid terms which may be misleading or misunderstood.
o Disclose to prospective customers any particular interest which they may have in goods or services which they recommend.
o Treat as confidential all information learned about the business of a customer and to provide security for confidential information, records, documents and programs.

o Comply with all applicable laws, copyrights, legislation and regulations in Zimbabwe.

In addition they are required to promote and monitor their employees to ensure they deliver services professionally, and in respect of the PUBLIC they should promote the effective use of information technology as an instrument for social and economic good.
This undertaking is central to the operation of the association thereby giving the public a means to differentiate between organisations who will deliver professional services and are accountable to the association for doing so and perhaps those that are not accountable. The public may ask the association to mediate in any dispute between a member and themselves.
COMSA is run by an executive committee comprising of senior representatives from active member organisations who voluntarily give their time to maintain the integrity of the industry and ensuring that members are committed to the principles that COMSA stands for.
Membership of COMSA is strictly controlled to ensure that the members can meet the standards previously described with the prerequisite experience and resources to carry out their obligations to their customers. The public may seek information from COMSA as to its membership thereby ensuring that they are dealing with organisations who are professional in their approach, and if they feel that any COMSA member as failed to perform according to the ethical code they may raise the matter with the Association who will investigate the incident and mediate in getting a satisfactory result for all concerned