OIDUS FOCUS Registered at GPO as a Newspaper | P8.00 (Including VAT)
BOTSWANA’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT NEWSPAPER
www.boidus.co.bw |
| Volume 4, Issue 6 | JULY 2014
investment future imagined: Green the 17 Understanding 02 Botswana 06 AEconomy property continues deliverables Legal and Regulatory to perform well
attained in the era of sustainability
framework for PPPs in Botswana
BOIDUS FEATURE >
Unlocking Investment Opportunities Gaborone, F/Town and Selibe Phikwe
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
Boidus Focus profiles three of Botswana’s largest urban centres to explore their strategies for attracting investment by Kibo Ngowi
Foreign Financing for Property Development The Good, The Bad & The Risky
by Othata Batsetswe: Finance, Investment & Risk Management Specialist Botswana’s financial sector is now warming up to the needs of the economy, especially with regards to asset financing. For several years most financial institutions were focused on unsecured
lending in the form of personal loans while providing few options for asset finance. The change is highly welcome and has come at a much needed time. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 05
HOW SPEDU PLANS TO REVIVE THE SELEBI PHIKWE REGION Selibe Phikwe is synonymous with mining, but mineral wealth cannot last forever, so developing strategies to diversify the areas away from its dependence on mining activities has been a national priority for nearly three decades. We interview Selibe Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) acting Coordinator, Mr Pako Kedisitse to learn more about the organisation ambitions to develop the region.
GCC ESTABLISHES GABS MANAGEMENT COMPANY Gaborone City Council has established a private management company to oversee the commercialisation of activities under the Council’s mandate. We speak to GCC Principal Economist, Tebogo Tshoswane to find out the Company’s ambitions.
INSIDE F/TOWN’S AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Botswana’s second largest city is widely considered the ‘capital of the north’ but slump in developments in recent years has forced city leadership to formulate a plan to reposition the city as a vibrant metropolis. >>> CONTINUED PAGES 03, 04
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 04, 08
How BIUST Plans to Drive Botswana’s Knowledge Economy by Kibo Ngowi
The Government has embarked on a mission to make Botswana a centre of innovation. The nation of only two million people has enjoyed rapid development in the past half century that has been mainly due to revenue gen-
erated from minerals that may soon be depleted, so the call for diversification has become almost a cliché. As the lustre of the diamonds fades innovation is being touted as one of the sectors Bo>>> CONTINUED PAGE 15
Local News Page 2
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
PPADB To Audit Past Infrastructure Public Projects by Boidus Admin
lighted that this information will be used primarily to identify gaps and find ways of mitigating risks of project failure going forward.
GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME TO PUBLIC SERVANTS AND MORE by Keeletsang P. Dipheko ing Agency (SHHA) but below the threshold to qualify for mortgages through financial institutions. Sebina says that the Department of Housing is now at work developing the affordable housing scheme they hope to be able to roll out to the public in the near future.
Infrastructure development in Botswana has been hampered by numerous challenges including none completion of projects, allegations of corruption and over dominance of the industry by few contractors. The PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND ASSET DISPOSAL BOARD (PPADB) announced that it is preparing to engage an independent party to conduct an audit of infrastructure projects undertaken in the past ten years to establish value for money and determine their condition.
The objective of the workshop was to empower parastatals officers involved in public procurement to detect and prevent bid rigging in tenders. Ms. Bridget John highlighted amongst other things that; ‘Bid rigging is harmful to the economy, agency inviting bids, and to the public
This was announced at the recently held training workshop held by Competition Authority on Bid Rigging for Parastatals held at Fairgrounds. Giving her welcome remarks, the Executive Chairperson, Bridget John high-
that ultimately has to bear the cost as taxpayers and consumers. It can take many forms, all of which impede the efforts of purchasers such as Government entities and parastatals to obtain goods and services at the best possible prices, and terms’.
Sebina mentioned that one method that the Department of Housing are currently exploring for the implementation of the scheme is to partner with financial institutions in developing a product that would allow these citizens to access funding for housing. He also mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of partnering with private sector entities in the development of infrastructure as the servicing of land is always a crucial obstacle to be overcome in the provision of housing. The Government of Botswana through the Directorate of Public Service Management has adopted plans to create an affordable housing scheme for public servants that may be extended to the wider public in the near future. In an interview with Boidus Focus, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands & Housing Maotoanong Sebina explained that Government has long wanted to create an affordable housing scheme that can benefit citizens earning above the threshold for the Self Help Hous-
When questioned on the performance of SHHA Sebina said that though it has not performed to the level they had wanted due to limited funding they are pleased with how many citizens it has benefitted. The SHHA scheme operates by absorbing the interest on housing loans in order to make housing more affordable for lowincome groups. The new scheme that has already been approved for public servants will see those earning at the D4 scale and below being eligible for assistance in acquiring housing.
Botswana investment property continues to perform well by Sally Hooker, Media Centre, IPD
Gaborone, 24 June 2014: IPD has released the third Botswana Annual Property Consultative Index today in Gaborone. The Index for the year to December 2013 produced a total return of 21.4% which is an improvement from 18.1% recorded for 2012, and comprised a 9.9% income return, coupled with 10.5% capital growth for the year. Headline inflation in Botswana for 2013, was 5.7%, down from 7.5% in 2012 – translating into an even greater improvement in total returns to investors and owners when viewed in real, inflation adjusted terms. The top performing sector for 2013 was industrial property, followed by residential and retail. The industrial sector outperformed as a result of superior income return and a solid capital growth of 13.5%. The residential market had an outstanding year, mainly in terms of capital growth and delivered a total return of 24.4%, although the income return of 4.1%
was relatively low. The office sector underperformed relative to the other sectors, largely as a result of vacancy rates increasing from 1.9% to 5.9%. Rental growth was low at 4.3% and capital growth also underperformed at 5.6%. That said, the office market still delivered a reasonable total return of 16.5% for 2013. The consultative index is drawn from the complete portfolio records of local property investors and this index release was sponsored by Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM), who are also the founding sponsors of the report. The results were launched at an event today in Gaborone, addressed by Mr Outule Bale, CEO, Khumo Property Asset as well as by guest speaker, Mr Monnane M. Monnane of the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), an independent trust that
monitors the performance of the Botswana economy and the management of public policy implementation. Launched in 2012, the IPD Botswana Annual Property Consultative Index measures ungeared total returns to directly held standing property investments from one open market valuation to the next. The figures represent the combined holdings of six leading local property investment portfolios: Botswana Insurance Fund Management Property Portfolio, Debswana Pension Fund, Letlole La Rona Limited, Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, Primetime Property Holdings Limited, and Turnstar Holdings Limited. “We have moved into the third annual cycle of IPD returns reported for this vibrant market and are beginning to see definable trends as the sector grows. The sample has increased by almost BWP 1bn since the index was first released, with a combined value of BWP 3.3 bn spanning over 380,000 sq m recorded as of
December 2013.” says Stan Garrun, Executive Director and Head of IPD South Africa. “Much as expected, the office sector lagged the rest of the market with vacancies increasing threefold to 5.9%. Sub-inflation rental growth and capital growth was recorded. Retails were quite flat but stellar performance in the industrial and residential sector propelled the overall return to 21.4%. “It will be crucial in the next year for more major players to participate in this process to further improve the index; which at these levels of performance, will help pave the way for opening up Botswana’s property investment sector to a range of new buyers, and provide important diagnostic tools for the local industry. “Analysts and investors both in Botswana and abroad increasingly expect better data and more transparency and comparability” adds Garrun.
MalawiÕ s
Encounter Life and Sport
Independence
Quest for African Pride
Venue: Date: Time:
No.
Advertise in The Business Weekly & Review Classified section for the following adverts and size: • • • • • •
Cars pictures (5x2) House rental / For Sale (5x2) Obituary (5x2) Jobs announcement (5x2) Property for sale or need (5x2) Business Cards (5x2)
No.
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Boidus Feature Page 3
Unlocking Investment Opportunities Gaborone, F/Town and Selibe Phikwe by Kibo Ngowi
CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
GCC ESTABLISHES GABORONE MANAGEMENT COMPANY ‘CIVIC CENTRE HOLDINGS’ ment of these open spaces in a mutually beneficial manner.” This subsidiary would also take over management of the existing properties in GCC’s portfolio that are not being run profitably. Tshoswane highlights the example of the five community halls Council owns within Gaborone that nobody seems keen on using because they have become run down due to neglect. GCC is eager to improve their management of these facilities in order to provide a service effectively while also generating an income.
Gaborone is the Capital and largest city of Botswana but despite its history of close to a century as a town and about three decades as a city, this southern metropolis is still lagging behind many other major cities in the region. In an effort to overcome the myriad problems holding the city back from achieving its potential, the Gaborone City Council has established a private management company that will oversee the commercialisation of activities under the Council’s mandate. Boidus Focus spoke with Gaborone City Council (GCC) Principal Economist Tebogo Tshoswane to find out how this new company is envisioned to revolutionise Botswana’s most important urban centre. As far back as 2011 when we interviewed His Worship The Mayor Haskins Nkaigwa in the run up to Gaborone’s Diamond Jubilee, Nkaigwa declared that his Council would strive to become more involved in the private sector for the future growth of the city.
to handle all the ventures Council plans to undertake in the commercial sector, plans which Tshoswane says range from: • waste collection • property management • Parking management • Advertising, amongst other things. The holdings company will have subsidiaries with specific mandates under its authority, each independently responsible for their own specialised set of issues. The idea is for each subsidiary to have a start-up budget and then for them to generate their own income thereafter but GCC is still figuring out how to capitalise them before rolling them out. Property Management Subsidiary One subsidiary is planned to take on the timely issue of profitably managing the Council’s property portfolio. “We have since realised that property is one of the major income earners but we are not participating in it as a Council,” says Tshoswane. “Our level of participation is limited to small
“When I took over the Gaborone leadership I made it categorically clear that I would be pursuing a privatesector-centred development for Gaborone,” Nkagiwa told us in an interview in which he lamented GCC’s financial reliance on Central Government and insisted that private sector partnerships were crucial to generating a sustainable source of financing for ongoing and future development projects. Three years later and it seems the rhetoric may finally be put into action. GCC has registered a holding company called ‘Civic Centre Holdings’
projects like pay toilets but we want to go big into property. We have around 400 open spaces in this city of which we are still awaiting the title deeds to confirm our ownership of them through the Ministry of Lands and Housing. Once the title deeds have been procured then GCC will be able to engage in whatever meaningful enterprise we decide on. Outsourcing guidelines have been drafted for the Council to outsource the manage-
throughout the year,” says Tshoswane. “Issues involving strategy and capital injection, when necessary, will be referred to the board. The company will deliver regular reports which will be checked to ensure that the strategies of each subsidiary, the overall company and the Council are all in line.” Investment Opportunities When we questioned Tshoswane on what investment opportunities will be made available through the company he shared a few ideas with us: Firstly, there’s the parks.
“There was a time when Gaborone City Hall used to host events such as Miss Botswana and gala dinners. It costs less than P200 to use this hall for a day but somebody would rather pay P2000 to use Boipuso Hall for the same time.... “These are the issues we are grappling with; we have these halls but we can’t maintain them properly because the way our budget currently works is such that if government doesn’t have money then we don’t have money so the value of our facilities goes down.” Organisational Structure ‘Civic Centre Holdings’ In developing an organisational structure for the company, GCC is benchmarking on the model of BR Properties, a property management company responsible for managing the property assets of Botswana Railways which in turn falls under the authority of the Ministry of Transport and Communication. There is a BR Properties board and the Chairman of this board, along with two executives, reports to a Ministerial board. GCC also sent a delegation to the Johannesburg and Tshwane municipalities of South Africa last year in order to learn from their operations. According to Tshoswane, what they found was more or less the same in terms of structure and framework. For instance, the Johannesburg Property Company has its own board with a certain level of autonomy but the Chairperson of this board and the company CEO report to a Mayoral Committee that is made of the Mayor, some Council representatives and relevant directors within the Municipality such as those of physical planning. “At the end of the day Council will be the majority shareholder but then we don’t want to be meddling in the daily operations of the board so they will be reporting on an agreed schedule
• “Basically we have open spaces whose general purpose is to be the lungs of the city but you can’t go to relax in a bush that’s purported to be a park so we need to improve them.” • Another issue is advertising. Advertising, specifically through billboards, in Gaborone is limited to a few people because GCC currently has a moratorium on advertising that has been in effect for two years and what this means is that they are not allowing any new entrants to submit applications for advertising until they finish their own internal processes for developing guidelines. • Another issue is that of illegal traders. “We have quite a number of illegal traders in Gaborone but we don’t want to call them illegal anymore. We want to call them informal traders because they’re not paying tax but they should be based somewhere. We want investors who will come in and make provisions, whether in the existing facilities or in new facilities that will be provided for the informal traders so that we can also charge them for using the facilities and monitor the whereabouts of their business activities. And once we’ve established that, anyone trading outside of those facilities will be purely illegal and liable for a penalty.” • The company will also look into paid parking. Tshoswane says GCC is in talks with the same company that built the paid underground parking structure at Masa Centre and Council is especially eager to pilot something similar in the Main Mall precinct. Tshoswane says that if all things go accordingly the company will be up and running from early next year. For now they are doing the feasibility on how to run such a company, who should be in the company, and the capital required to start such a company. They are also developing a catalogue of activities that will be the responsibility of the company which they will run concurrently and cede to the company once it is operational. “Recently, through the office of his Lordship Worship the Mayor, we have been calling on people to be alive to the fact that we are in the process of commercialising. So we want to engage with the private sector in a mutually beneficial way. We will soon be sending out expressions of interest for people with relevant knowledge and capacity who will be advising us on our strategy and the requirements of undertaking such an endeavour. They say it takes a thief to catch a thief so we need people experienced in the management of such companies to run it.”
Boidus Feature Page 4
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Unlocking Investment Opportunities Gaborone, F/Town and Selibe Phikwe by Kibo Ngowi
CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
INSIDE FRANCISTOWN’S AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLAN A crucial factor that Francistown can leverage is its geographical location which could make it an ideal hub to service countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia and Toteng agrees that a major aspect of their efforts should be to improve transport infrastructure and form strategic partnerships with neighbouring countries: “The city of Francistown local authority has signed twinning arrangements with Bulawayo in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia in the past, and through this initiative there are plans for the investment company to renew these agreements to allow for their active operation and allow their transportation players to take advantage of Francistown’s location.”
Francistown is one of the oldest towns in Botswana, with a history stretching back for over a century, and is widely considered the ‘Capital of the North’. Despite its status as a city, the place affectionately known to its citizens as ‘Ghetto’ has experienced a slump in developments in recent years, forcing city leadership to take stock of the situation and formulate a plan to reposition Francistown as a vibrant metropolis. Boidus Focus sat down for an exclusive interview with Francistown Investment Unit Project Coordinator Mr. Sylvester Toteng to gain some insight on his department’s plans for the future. At the heart of efforts to revitalise Francistown is Vision 2022, a strategy envisioned to drive economic and social development through the pursuit of key objectives such as job creation and infrastructure development in order to attract increased investment. The initiative is planned to generate its own funding and depending on its value proposition, government or the private sector will provide financial support. “As the city currently runs under local authority and district administration which both fall under local government, Vision 2022 will be coordinated by a ‘vision council’ consisting of capable members of the community, the private sector, and government,” explains Toteng. “This council will oversee the establishment of an investment company with
an operational structure aimed at raising funding and directing investment towards development as guided by the vision.” Land for development is always a challenge in urban centres and part of the legacy of Francistown’s colonial past is that a large portion of the available freehold land around the city is owned by private interests such as the Tati Company. However, Toteng argues that concerns about the availability of land for development in Francistown are based on a misconception:
Steps to attract Investors to Francistown The growth of cities is ultimately measured by other aspects including population, industries and the net-worth of business operating within the city. When questioned on what his department is doing to attract high net-worth businesses and individuals to Francistown Toteng is enthused: “Look, Francistown Investment Forum (FIF) 2014 is being organised with a drive to brand Francistown as an investment centre of repute. Hence we are calling the whole world to make a date with us in August as we unpack the opportunities our city
town an edge over competing cities such as negotiating for Special Economic Zones and working with service providers to cut down on red tape and other barriers to effective business. Another best practice for the development of cities is to benchmark with other cities outside the country to learn lessons on local development. Francistown has a few such partnerships. For instance in June the city’s most active twinning partners from the Belgian city of Genk sent a delegation led by their Mayor to check on projects they have previously funded and to sign agreements on new projects. In late 2013 Francistown started a waste management strategy made possible by technical support provided by the city of Genk and Toteng says he’s optimistic that waste challenges in the city will soon be a thing of the past. Another promising relationship is with the Chinese City of Taiyan where His worship The Mayor of Francistown James Kgalajwe and a delegation of Councillors visited last year. Taiyan is now expected to return the visit and also to send planning experts to advise and train Francistown physical planners on how to improve the planning processes of the city. In July Kgalajwe will embark on a week-long trip to the city of Davenport in the United States of America for another twinning programme which is hoped will bring more investment to Francistown.
“There is in fact plenty of land that government bought from the Tati Company, a size almost double that of the current built up area known as Gerald Estate. What people now call Gerald Estate is just a small fraction of the available land which is largest towards the west and north of the city.” Freehold Land Owners willing to sell Moreover, Toteng insists that Tati Company and other smaller entities that own land in the area have indicated their willingness to sell their land to those interested in acquiring it and contributing to the development of the city. The major challenge is servicing the land but even this is being viewed as an opportunity rather than an obstacle as it is envisioned that investors will collaborate with the investment company to service this land for the city to flourish.
has to offer. Furthermore the FIF is not just other consumer fair. Rather it is a forum where serious industries will meet with the Francistown Investment Unit to ensure that the investors’ input makes a huge impact on the economy that will be felt thousands of kilometres away.” Toteng goes on to emphasise that his department is aware that the population they need to target lies mainly outside Botswana’s borders so they are working on a number of initiatives to give Francis-
Francistown has traditionally been viewed as a mining town and while Toteng does acknowledge the city’s rich mining history which dates back to the years of the gold rush in Southern Africa, he says a study is underway to identify a ‘sustainable’ sector which can be positioned as the leading sector of the city and support the realisation of Vision 2022. Boidus Focus will be following the implementation of Francistown’s ambitious development vision closely.
HOW SPEDU PLANS TO REVIVE THE SELEBI PHIKWE REGION Selebi Phikwe is synonymous with mining. The establishment of the town came about in the1960s when a deposit of copper and nickel was discovered in the area between the two minor villages of Selebi and Phikwe. The Bamangwato Concessions Ltd. (BCL) mine was established, attracting a multitude of people to settle in the area, and has long been the town’s main source of employment. But mineral wealth cannot last forever so developing strategies to diversify the area away from its dependence on mining activities has been a national priority for nearly three decades, beginning with the Selebi Phikwe Development Programme of 1985.
“The establishment of SPEDU was solely motivated by the impending closure of the BCL mine,” admits Kedisitse. “However, the reality on the ground is that BCL has now embarked on a vibrant strategy, Polaris II, whose main purpose is mineral beneficiation. This will transform the company into a more diversified conglomerate whose mission goes beyond the mining of a narrow base of resources. BCL will also be involved in mining exploration, mining other mineral resources within Botswana and beyond, as well as value addition through beneficiation, ensuring the birth and sustainability of a widely industrialised SPEDU Region.”
Various initiatives undertaken over the years have now led to the creation of the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), a regional development agency set up to spearhead the implementation of the economic regeneration programme for Selebi Phikwe and surrounding areas. The SPEDU region comprises of the Tswapong North, Mmadinare, Bobirwa, Selebi Phikwe East and West constituencies. Boidus Focus met with SPEDU acting Coordinator Mr. Pako Kedisitse to learn more about the organisation’s ambitious strategy to develop this region.
The Polaris II strategy is developed on the basis of the envisaged infrastructure and business friendly environment SPEDU is trying to create. The industrial development resulting from Polaris II and other light industries emerging under SPEDU initiatives is expected to result in other downstream businesses which will support regional economic growth. The Mine Museum and Research Centre Additionally, SPEDU and BCL Limited are partnering with Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to undertake a feasi-
bility study aimed at investigating the potential of a mine museum and research centre:
Programme of the 1980s. The fund stands at P640 million and has been set aside to fund, among oth-
“The intention is to have a state of the art museum whose aesthetic appearance will be an attraction to tourists. The museum will be a host to all geological data of mineral deposits throughout Botswana and as such stakeholders such as the Botswana Chamber of Mines are being engaged to represent the interests of the mining community not only in Selebi Phikwe but also in Botswana as a whole.” SPEDU has a strong financial base stemming from the Botswana Government’s commitment to support the well being of the agency. The current annual budget stands at P8 million which covers the recurrent costs of running the organisation and the development budget consists of a build-up of funds known as the Sysmin Re-Employment Account gathered from grant and loan assistance provided by the European Union (EU) under the Economic Diversification of the Mining Sector (EDMS)
er things, infrastructure related projects that support the economic diversification and regeneration programme of the SPEDU Region. “However, it should be noted that the mandate of SPEDU is very wide and therefore even the current funding is unable to meet all the aspirations of economic diversification and regeneration of the region,” cautions Kedisitse. With this in mind, SPEDU >>> CONTINUED PAGE 14
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Boidus Feature Page 5
Foreign Financing for Property Development
The Good, The Bad & The Risky
by Othata Batsetswe: Finance, Investment & Risk Management Specialist CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
The change in portfolio structures for most fund management companies also contributed to this development. Most of the assets that were invested offshore are slowly coming back but the liquidity that exists in the market will not always match up to the demands of the developers. Fund managers may also not be able to diversify their portfolios as much as desired due to statutory requirements such as defined contribution pension funds that emphasise cash out of a need to keep their funds liquid. These factors limit asset investment options. This mismatch of local portfolio structures to market needs leaves investors with no choice but to explore external opportunities for funding. There are many development financial institutions around the world that are well capitalised and highly ethical so the lack of local funding opportunities does not mean that one has to abandon the projects of their dreams but of course external funding has its own flaws and qualities. My experience has shown that there are many foreign companies looking for investment opportunities and partners here at home. I have had the good fortune of being approached by a company that had roughly a billion Pula in idle capital. I have also come across donors in developed communities that offer banks funds for the purpose of evaluating business propositions. International funding is different from domestic finance in many ways such as variances in the political, cultural, legal, economic, and taxation environments but the most significant of these nuances is foreign currency exposure. Say you got a loan from a Euro or US-based funding entity in January 2013 but you’re trading and earning in Pula; by now your debt would be high due to exchange rate movements. In the recent past we have seen the USD/BWP exchange rate move from a dollar costing P7 to P9.50 so the exposure to foreign exchange is a major factor that one should always guard against. The funding may also entail a clause that forces you to procure primary production inputs from the sponsoring country and in such cases you are likely to experience even higher costs or lower if you’re lucky. Most of the development banks have a community aspect though which they give grants to support communal projects aimed at improving the standard of living for marginalised and underprivileged communities. However, the availability of financing options does not mean you should just go and grab the money; several factors have to be taken into consideration. The transaction has to be in line with the local laws and has to be made with good intentions; any sign that the money is being used for driving political mileage is a big red flag. The greatest thing about foreign cash is that interest rates are usually low and the financial entities always conduct due diligence. The basic requirements for most are that the project should be viable and generate annual returns of a 15% minimum. As much as foreign funding opportunities are abundant and expose you to different funding entities, one of the pitfalls that you should avoid is to engage in funds that are from dirty business or laundering money for terrorism finance. The upside is that foreign funding provides wider access to different suppliers and buyers. The connections of the financier can also give your products a wider distribution network through their channels. These channels also help the sponsors to recoup costs early and we all know a Pula is worth more today than it is tomorrow. Foreign finance usually comes with its own reporting requirements; most developed countries have their own acceptable accounting standards and tax requirements that can be prove to be quite tedious. Treatment of assets differs from one country to another and therefore you need a team of experts that can help you map a good plan.
One of the most interesting discussions has been around the possibility of establishing an investment company for the City of Francistown. The bond market still remains one of the cheapest forms of financing for domestic projects. An initiative like the one for the City of Francistown could be tackled through a bond; South Africa uses the same principle, raising municipal bonds to effect infrastructure development and our own Councils can learn a thing
or two from this model. For the country to achieve and support infrastructure development, the business sector, especially the financial services sector, may want to set up a co-joint fund where they pool resources. They could pool a nominal amount of say 0.001% of funds under management which would allow the country to develop the desired infrastructure. This would also reduce the burden on the government budget allocated to development of infrastructure while government focuses on social protection and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. I’m of the opinion that the local financial entities, through proper structuring, diversification, segmentation and targeted product design, informed by domestic demand, can meet most
of the economy’s financial needs. The market is well capitalised and the return on investment has always yielded high returns. We just need to harmonise demand and supply for financial services. The involvement of people with project planning appraisal techniques may even lead to more instances of funding start-ups. Most start-ups seek foreign funding opportunities because the local avenues are limited. The setting up of a facility like the AltX (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) whose primary purpose is to facilitate raising capital for business expansion and the development of small to medium enterprises may prove to be the solution we will need going forward. The writer writes in his personal capacity and his views are inspired by the notion of “next generation financial thinking”
Sustainability / Guest Columnist Page 6
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
SUSTAINABILITY TODAY
A future imagined: Green Economy deliverables attained in the era of sustainability by Phenyo Motlhagodi The sole purpose of this column is to create a platform for the discussion of issues around Sustainability and Sustainable development, as defined as: an organising principle for human life on a finite planet. It posits a desirable future state for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use meet human needs without undermining the sustainability of natural systems and the environment, so that future generations may also have their needs met. Sustainable development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social, political, and economic challenges faced by humanity. As early as the 1970s ‘sustainability’ was employed to describe an economy “in equilibrium with basic ecological support systems.” Scientists in many fields have highlighted The Limits to Growth, and economists have presented alternatives, for example a ‘green economy’, to address concerns over the impact of expanding human development on the planet. The term sustainable development rose to prominence after it was used by the Brundtland Commission in its 1987 report ‘Our Common Future’. In the report the commission coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In celebration of the 30th issue of Boidus Focus as a built environment industry specific publication, which is a great milestone by any measure, and the only paper in the country that dedicates an entire section to current affairs and discussion around sustainability, this month’s column posts a news article on a future imagined around the Green Economy: Phenyo Motlhagodi is a seasoned Radio Personality and a St Louis Top 40 under 40 finalist Facebook: Phenyo Motlhagodi Twitter: PhenyoOnRadio
TUESDAY 8TH JULY 2030 This week marks the release of recent research on Botswana that shows how low carbon and resource efficiency is delivering environmental benefits as well as high impact sustainable economic and social benefits. The research indicates a strong down turn in carbon emissions in addition to growth in employment, business and energy security. The labour intensity of the country’s booming clean energy industry has created job opportunities across construction, installation, operations, manufacturing and maintenance. Estimates released from the Green Economic Special Zone put the number of new jobs created over the last ten years alone at 209 562 – with waste recycle management and innovation alone contributing 40%. The other job creation percentage is being driven by businesses that are booming in the agriculture, manufacturing, research and development, administrative and service sectors. “Due to coal mining and copper and nickel processes, Botswana had made its way up the list of carbon emitters, but today as a result of the adaptation mitigation strategies, emissions have greatly decreased and the economy is blooming.” This is according to Coordinator at the Green Economic Special Zone – Mike Mann. Retrofitted buildings across the country are more energy efficient than ever. Initially expensive, these designs have ultimately led to savings through greater energy efficiency, and therefore greater energy
security. “This is largely due to organisations and companies who have invested in sustainable business practices over the past years.” Further to this, the success of the Independent Power Producer Policy in Renewable Energy will see Botswana benefiting from an energy mix partly due to its 3200 hours of sunlight per year and being able to sell the excess to neighbouring countries. The policy was established in 2015 with the aim of diversifying the country’s energy sources, moving away from carbon intensive modes of energy generation. “Botswana is now a shinning example for the rest of the continent as to what can be achieved when industry puts its mind to becoming part of the solution and doing business in a sustainable manner. Things have never looked this positive”
This article is fiction and does not resemble any actual truths of events, locals or persons. Any resemblance of the current reality is by chance. The article is borrowed from a corporate entity (namely Nedbank) sustainability campaigns as well as other media based efforts around the world striving for a sustainable future by capturing the imagination of individuals, corporate entities and societies of a future that could be, when certain measures are put in place. The works here are merely intended to entertain the idea of achieving certain green deliverables as a result of the writings that have been published within this column in the past year, alongside other national and international efforts.
What is your company’s sustainability outlook? Share it!
Verbena’spassion passionfor forhiding hidingplaces placesisisthe theleitmotif leitmotifrunning runningthrough throughhis hiswork. work.His Hiswooden wooden Verbena’s structuresare areoften oftenmechanically mechanicallyactivated activatedwith withsliding slidingdoors, doors,flaps flapsand andsundry sundrycavities cavities structures whichconceal concealsmall smallfigures figuresand andabstract abstractforms. forms. which Heisisalso alsooften oftencreating creatingreredos reredosbehind behindaltars altarsand andcarved carvedsculptures, sculptures,often oftenwith withimaginary imaginary He
Landmarks Landmarksand andVisual VisualArts Arts IIIIII Here animals. Hereare aretwo tworeligious religiousaltar-pieces: altar-pieces: animals. Verbena’s passion for hiding places is the leitmotif running through his work. His wooden
structures are often mechanically activated with sliding doors, flaps and sundry cavities which conceal small figures and abstract forms.
InIn the the earlier earlier essays essays about about “outsider” “outsider” artists, artists, I have I have presented presented a few a few homemade homemade architects architects He is also often creating reredos behind altars and carved sculptures, often with imaginary and and sculptors sculptors from from America America and and Europe Europe that that I feel I feel should should bebe ofof interest interest toto the the fine fine artists artists animals. Here are two religious altar-pieces: wewe have have here here inin Botswana. Botswana. AsAs I made I made a silly a silly remark remark about about “visual “visual art” art” and and “pictorial “pictorial art”, art”, I I Verbena’s passion for hiding places is the leitnow nowthink thinkI should I shoulddistinguish distinguishbetween betweenoutdoor outdoorand andindoor indoorart. art.This Thisis isa amuch muchmore more motif running through his work. His wooden adequate adequateapproach approachasasthe thefirst firstessays essaysdealt dealt with witharchitecture architectureand andsculptures sculpturesininthe the structures are often mechanically activated with environment. environment.Now Nowwewemove movetotoobjects objectscreated created forfor(or(orrather rathercollected collectedby) by)museums museumsand and sliding doors, flaps and sundry cavities which homes. homes.They Theyhave havebecome becomelandmarks landmarksinintheir their own own right. right. The The time time is isright right forforsomething something conceal small figures and abstract forms. by Jan Wareus / Architect & Town Planner similar similar toto happen happen here here inin Botswana. Botswana.
Landmarks and Visual Arts III
is also often creating reredos behind altars And And the the reason reason forfor this this is is simple simple – we – we find find aHe connection a connection between between these these outsiders outsiders and and the the and carved sculptures, often with imaginary many manyartists artistswewehave havearound aroundhere. here.They Theyare aredetermined determinedtoto produce produce high high quality quality art, art, Thisisisindeed indeedananartist artistthat thatmakes makespoetry poetryout outofofwood. wood.Now Nowwe wemove movetotosome somefine fine This In the earlier essays about “outsider” artists, I sometimes Marseille, France. At age 16the heworld went off to animals. Here is a religious altar-pieces (see im-paper, sometimes presented presented toto the world asas paintings paintings onon airplanes. airplanes. outsiders thatused usedpen penand and paper,and andsometimes sometimestextile textilemaking makinglandmarks landmarksfor formuseums. museums. outsiders that have presented a few homemade architects and sculptors from America and Europe that I feel should be of interest to the fine artists we have here in Botswana. As I made a silly remark about “visual art” and “pictorial art”, I now think I should distinguish between outdoor and indoor art. This is a much more adequate approach as the first essays dealt with architecture and sculptures in the environment. Now we move to objects created for (or rather collected by) museums and homes. They have become landmarks in their own right. The time is right for something similar to happen here in Botswana.
This is indeed an artist Let’s that makes out of wood. we move to some work on a cargo freighter and on his return he age on right): start poetry with Madge GillNow (18821961) and fine a outsiders that used pen and paper,and and textile making landmarks for museums. Let’sstart startwith with Madge Gill (18821961) andsometimes afew fewofofher herdrawings: drawings: Let’s Madge Gill (18821961) adrawings: joined the navy. He married and became a fafew of her Let’s Let’s start start with with a very a very interesting interesting artist, artist, anan outsider outsider asas hehe is is totally totally self-taught: self-taught: start with Madge Gill (1882- 1961) and a few of her drawings: ther, worked nights a post office spent This is indeed an artist that makes poetry out Pascal Pascal Verbena Verbena – born –atborn 1941, 1941, a sculptor aand sculptor inin Marseille, Marseille, France. France. AtAt age age 1616 heLet’s he went went offoff toto work work onhis on a days cargo a cargo freighter freighter and and onon hishis return return hehe joined joined the the navy. navy. He married married and and became became a father, a father, fishing and collecting plenty of floating of wood. Now weHe move to some fine outsiders worked worked nights nightsby atat a post a sea, post office office andspent spent his days days fishing fishing and and collecting collecting plenty plenty ofoffloating floating wood, polished the that he and stored in his his that used pen and paper, and sometimes textile wood, wood, polished polished by the the sea, sea, that that hehe stored stored hishis workshop workshop before before bringing them them back back toto life. life. workshop beforeby bringing them back to life. inin making landmarks for bringing museums.
Ink drawing on paper (1952) Colour Colour on paper pencilspencils on paper
Inkdrawing drawingononpaper paper(1952) (1952) Ink
And the reason for this is simple – we find a connection between these outsiders and the many artists we have around here. They are determined to produce high quality art, sometimes presented to the world as paintings on airplanes. Let’s start with a very interesting artist, an outsider as he is totally self-taught: Pascal Verbena – born 1941, a sculptor in
Colourpencils pencilsononpaper paper Colour
drawingon onpaper paper (1952) InkInk drawing (1952)
Inkdrawing drawingononpaper paper(1952) (1952) Ink
Madge Gill was born an illegitimate child in 1882 and was confined to an orphanage from a very young age. She later went to Canada and worked as a farm-hand, returned to London at the age of 19, married and had four children (two died as infants – it is believed that her fixation to a stereotyped face might have something to do with her daughter who died at birth, leaving Madge blind on one eye). She became a spiritualist and started drawing
Pascal Verbena in his workshop with his Habitnacle 6 – drift-wood – in Outsider Archive, London
Pascal Pascal Verbena Verbena in in hishis workshop workshop with with hishis Habitnacle Habitnacle 6 –6drift-wood – drift-wood – in – in Outsider Outsider Archive, Archive, London London
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 07
2
22
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Landmarks and Visual Arts III CONTINUED FROM PAGE 06
Guest Columnist Page 7
ed outsider – Scottie Wilson (1888 – 1972), a Scottish self-educated artist known for his very detailed style. Beginning his artistic career at the age of 44, his work became admired and collected by influential artists such as Jean Dubuffet and Pablo Picasso and he is generally accepted to have been at the forefront of outsider art (quoted from Wikipedia).
in the manner shown above, often on large Scottie’s rejection of commercialism was unabated, how rolls of calico that she bought cheaply. With ink work for a fraction of the prices of the galleries. About hi and colour pencils she filled 35 feet of the 5“They’re the intellect, you know.” Food for thought. foot-wide roll with drawings, as detailed as the Born in Glasgow, Scottie dropped out of school ones above. her she waschild unwilling sellwas confined before he could read and write Madge Gill wasAll born anlife illegitimate in 1882toand to an orphanage from a and supplementWe have used Wikipedia to find much writings about Sc very age.she Shebelieved later wentthey to Canada and worked farm-hand, returned to London any young work as belonged to her as a ed his family’s meagre income by selling newslife and we advise you to find out more about him there at the age of 19, married and had four children (two died as infants – it is believed that her Scottie: Self-portrait/clown Scottie: Self-portrait with birds Scottie in his 70’s spiritualto guide. Whenface exhibiting hersomething work sheto do papers patent medicines two more pictures unfortunately I’ve lost his titles: fixation a stereotyped might have with herand daughter who died at on the streets. In Scottie: Scottie:Self-portrait/clown Self-portrait/clown Scottie: Scottie:Self-portrait Self-portraitwith withbirds birds Scottie Scottiein inbut his his70’s 70’s birth, leaving Madge blindprices on one and eye). managed not quoted preposterous 1906 he enlisted with the Scottish Rifles and ist, was born. While Scottie didn’t want to part there as well. To end this essay we have one Scottie: Self-portrait/clown Scottie: Self-portrait with birds Scottie in his 70’s to sell anything, despite great interest themanner served Indiaoften and on South with his drawings, he dropped found the out idea of morebefore picture but I’ve his title: Born Bornany in in of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scottie Scottie dropped out of of school school before he he unfortunately could could read read and andlost write write and and She became a spiritualist andthe started drawing in the showninabove, large Africa as well as in supplemented supplemented his hispreferable family’s family’s meagre meagre income income by by selling selling newspapers newspapers and and patent patent medicines medicines on on rolls of calico that she bought cheaply. With ink and colourWorld pencilsWar she filled 35 feet of the Front. At end of the pieces inspired. I on the Western an artistic career to shop-keeping Born in Glasgow, Scottie dropped out of Scottish school before could readand and write and 5- foot-wide roll with drawings, as detailed as the ones above. All her life she was unwilling the thestreets. streets. In In1906 1906 he he enlisted enlisted with with the the ScottishRifles Rifles and andhe served served in inIndia India and South South Africa Africa war he immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where and attempted to solve his problem by staging to sell any work as she believed they belonged to her spiritual guide. When exhibiting her supplemented his income by selling newspapers and patent medicines as as well well as asfamily’s in in World Worldmeagre War War II on on the the Western Western Front. Front. At At end end of of the the war war he he immigrated immigrated to toon She was indeed a remarkable and inand operated a second-hand shop. travelling shows trough which his work could be work she quoted preposterous pricesperson and managed not to he sellowned anything, despite the great the streets. In 1906 he enlisted with theand Scottish Rifles and served in India and South Africa Toronto, Toronto, Canada, Canada, where wherehe he owned owned and operated operated aasecond-hand second-hand shop. shop. interest the pieces inspired. teresting artist of the outsider variety. Here is a viewed for modest entrance fees. as well as in World War I on the Western Front. At end of the war he immigrated to picture of the aartist makingperson embroidery of enorHethespecialised in fountain She was indeed remarkable and interesting artist of outsider variety. Here is a pens (the gold tip He Hespecialised specialised in inhe fountain fountain pens pens (the (the gold goldtip tipcould could be besold soldseparately) separately) andfell fellin inlove lovewith withaa Toronto, Canada, where owned and operated a second-hand shop. and picture of thefull artist embroidery of herbe small mous size, of making her small details: of enormous size, full could solddetails: separately) and fell in love with a Scottie returned pen”. to theAt UKthe in age 1945 (he bulky bulky “bulldog “bulldog pen”. At the age of of 44 44actually he he began began doodling doodling with with this this one one pen pen and and discovered discovered his hispassion passion for foras art. art. InAWOL his hisown own words: words: bulky “bulldog pen”. At the age of 44 he began ran to Canada anIn from the army afHe specialised in fountain pens (the gold tip could be sold separately) and fell in love with a doodling with this one pen and discovered his ter WWI, changed his name from Louis Freeman bulky “bulldog pen”. At the agemusic of 44one he day began doodling with this pen and discovered “I’m “I’mlistening listening to toclassical classical music one day––Mendelssohn Mendelssohn ––when when all allone of ofaasudden sudden IIdipped dipped the the passion for art. In his own words: and got a new identity as Scottie Wilson), hoping his passion for art. Ininto hisaaown words: bulldog bulldog pen pen into bottle bottle of of ink ink and andstarted starteddrawing drawing ––doodling doodling II suppose suppose you’d you’dcall callitit ––on on that his desertion was forgotten. So it was and he the the cardboard cardboard tabletop. tabletop.II don’t don’t know know why. why. II just just did. did. In In aa couple couple of of days days –– II worked worked almost almost “I’m listening to classical music one day – Mencontinued to––exhibit his work andtabletop dealers soon ceaselessly ceaselessly the the whole whole ofone the the tabletop was was covered covered with little littleall faces faces and designs. designs. The The pen penthe “I’m listening to classical musicof day – Mendelssohn –with when of aand sudden I dipped delssohn – when all of a sudden I dipped the persuaded him to exhibit in galleries. For images, inseemed seemed to to make make me me draw, draw, and and them them images, the the faces faces and and designs designs just just flowed flowed out. out. bulldog pen into a bottle of ink and started drawing – doodling I suppose you’d call it –IIon couldn’t couldn’t stop ––I’ve I’venever neverstopped stopped since since that thatday.” day.” bulldog pen into a bottle of ink and started stance, atstop the Arcade Gallery in London his work the cardboard tabletop. I don’t know why. I just did. In a couple of days – I worked almost drawing – doodling I suppose you’d call it – on was shown concurrently with revered artists such ceaselessly – the gave whole of drawings the tabletop was little faces and designs. The pen Aas Afriend friend some some drawings of ofhis his to toan ancovered art artdealer dealerwith who whowent wenton on to todisplay display them themat atvarious various the cardboard tabletop. I don’t know why. I just Picasso,gave Chirocco, Klee, Miro and others. seemed to make me them images, the faces and designs out. I exhibitions exhibitions and anddraw, Scottie, Scottie,and the theoutsider outsider artist, artist,was was born. born. While While Scottie Scottie didn’t didn’tjust want wantflowed to topart partwith with did. In a couple of days – I worked almost ceaseany any of his his drawings, drawings, he he found found the the idea idea of an an artistic artistic career career preferable preferable to to shop-keeping shop-keeping and and couldn’t stop –ofI’ve never stopped since thatof day.” lessly – the whole of the tabletop was covered Scottie’s rejection of commercialism was unabatattempted attempted to tosolve solve his hisproblem problemby by staging staging travelling travellingshows showstrough troughwhich whichhis hiswork workcould couldbe be with little faces and designs. The pen seemed to ed, however, and he continued to sell his work She died in 1961 leaving piles and rolls of artviewed viewed for for modest modest entrance entrance fees. fees. A friend gave some drawings of his to an art dealer who went on to display them at various She died in 1961 leaving piles and rolls of art-work behind, many torn and stained by damp make me draw, and them images, the faces and for a fraction of the prices of the galleries. About work behind, many torn and stained by damp There are many more not so well known outsidbut soon they became collectors’ items and left the care of her spiritual masters. Today, her There are many more notwant so well outsiders apart exhibitions and Scottie, the outsider artist, was born. While Scottie didn’t to known part with Scottie Scottie returned returned to to the the UK UK in in 1945 1945 (he (he actually actually ran ran to to Canada Canada as asones an an AWOL AWOL from from the army army designs just flowed out. I couldn’t stop – I’ve his working class customers he said: “They’re the but soon they became collectors’ items and left ers apart from the presented inthe these esart works are landmarks at museums and galleries across the United Kingdom. essays. Maybe there will be time to return to them any of hisafter drawings, he found the idea of an artistic career preferable to shop-keeping and after WWI, WWI, changed changed his his name from from Louis Louis Freeman Freeman and andthere got got awill a new new identity identity as as to Scottie Scottie never stopped since that day.” intellect, you know.” Food forname thought. the care of her spiritual masters. Today, her art says. Maybe be time to many return them artists we have important role models to the skilled
attemptedWilson), to solve his problem by staging travelling trough his to work could We will end this essay with another self-educated outsider – Scottie Wilson (1888 – 1972), Wilson), hoping hoping that that his his desertion desertion was was forgotten. forgotten.shows So So itit was was and and he hewhich continued continued to exhibit exhibit his hisbe areself-educated landmarks at museums andhis galleries in the future as they should be important role aworks Scottish artist known for very detailed style. Beginning his artistic viewed for modest entrance fees. work work and and dealers dealers soon soon persuaded persuaded him him to to exhibit exhibit in in galleries. galleries. For For instance, instance, at at the the Arcade Arcade career the United age of 44, his work became admired and collected by influential artists such as A friend gave some drawings of his to an art We have used Wikipedia to find much writings Jan acrossatthe Kingdom. models to the many skilled artists we have here. Wareus Gallery Gallery in in London London his his work work was was shown shown concurrently concurrently with with revered revered artists artists such such as as Picasso, Picasso, Jean Dubuffet and Pablo Picasso and he is generally accepted to have been at the forefront dealer who went on to display them at variabout Scottie as we never met him in real life Chirocco, Chirocco, Klee, Klee, Miro Miro and and others. others. of outsider art (quoted from Wikipedia). Scottie returned to the UK in 1945 (he actually ran to Canada as an AWOL from the army We will end this essay with another self-educat-
ous exhibitions and Scottie, the outsider art-
3
www.cnonline.co.bw
and we advise you to find out more about him
janwareus@yahoo.com Jan Wareus - janwareus@yahoo.com
after WWI, changed his name from Louis Freeman and got a new identity as Scottie Wilson), hoping that his desertion was forgotten. So it was and he continued to exhibit his 44 work and dealers soon persuaded him to exhibit in galleries. For instance, at the Arcade Gallery in London his work was shown concurrently with revered artists such as Picasso, Chirocco, Klee, Miro and others.
Reliance Office Supplies
We are Botswana’s leading corporate furniture supplier and have been in operation since 1989. We hold the exclusive Botswana franchise for CN Business Furniture, the prestigious South African company with 9 branches in South Africa. Having worked for years with interior designers, corporate layout specialists and on large corporate projects, we have now rebranded and redesigned our own space here in Gaborone. Whilst in the past we relied on catalogues and design software to display our furniture to customers, we now have a dedicated showroom to display our ranges in all their full-size glory. Please allow us the opportunity to welcome you into our working haven and to introduce you to our ranges of: executive and operator desking and seating; reception furniture; soft seating; boardroom furniture; screens and partitions; training and educational furniture; restaurant, cafe and canteen furniture and storage and filing systems. Our furniture is of the highest quality, with most products holding a 5 year warranty. We showcase ranges for all budgets including pieces designed and imported from Italy. We provide delivery and installation, so that you can order in the knowledge that your furniture will be set-up in your office to your exacting specifications. We understand that you spend an average of 264 days at work each year. Let us help you spend those days surrounded by the beautiful office furniture you deserve.
RELIANCE OFFICE SUPPLIES (PTY) LTD t/a CN (Cecil Nurse) BUSINESS FURNITURE Plot 1247, Haile Selassie Rd, Old Industrial, Gaborone | P.O. Box 1084 Mogoditshane, Botswana | Tel: +267 3956578 | Fax: 3974377 | Email: graham@cnonline.co.bw
4
Guest Columnist Page 8
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Lifestylenoted: Colour by Tshepiso Motlogelwa, Interior Designer
A monochromatic scheme is the easiest type of scheme to create but can fail miserably if you do not add texture and pattern into it. Otherwise it will appear flat and boring. Think in three dimensions of one colour.
The biggest natural influence on the human state of mind is colour. The impact of colour on the human psyche and its ability to affect our moods is something which is well documented. Red is known to stimulate the appetite so it’s an excellent colour for dining rooms. Both blue and green are fresh and calming. They are the colours of nature and could be popular choices for bedrooms. Yellow and orange are energising like the sun, and thus are good choices for rooms where your energy may need boosting; the kitchen perhaps. Orange in its toned down terracotta form can be ideal in a home office; it has the energising effect of both red and orange but isn’t so bright that you won’t be able to stay at your desk. Leaving aside the psychological effects of colour, another reason it’s crucial to get colour schemes right in your home is because the tones and the shades which are chosen can have an enormous impact on perceptions of the size of a room. The same room in two identical houses can appear to be of completely different proportions if the rooms are decorated in different colours. When considering the use of colour in interior design it is also important to think in terms of practicality. A household in which there are young children or pets, for example, is often welladvised to steer clear of upholstery fabric in light shades such as cream or white. However, not only should all of the practical aspects of your lifestyle be taken into account in the design scheme which is proposed but of course the aesthetic ones too.
Lets look at some of the ways you can transform you personal space with the right use of colour. One of the first things to remember when selecting colours is that cool colours recede and warm colours advance; dark colours look heavy and enclosing while light colours make the room look larger and lighter; this is a simple method to rule out colours and concentrate on the colours that will work in the space. To ground a scheme select a dark flooring while the opposite works for making a space float or feel open.
To ensure balance in a room, don’t group your colour or pattern in one area; make sure it is evenly spread around the room; this makes it comfortable for your eye and creates a harmonious feel.
Design trends have never been more affordable, thanks to retail innovations that include collaborations with designers. Stores like Mr. Price Home have upped the ante by providing affordable trends to the masses. Now, anyone can get a designer look on a tight budget. Colour selection for rooms that receive an abundance of natural sunlight should be from the cool colours and vice versa. A light colour will never >>> CONTINUED PAGE 19
We manufacture, supply, and fit to meet your demands on all types of Joinery and Aluminium products.
Hand crafted wooden doors and panels
Our high tech computerized machines enables us to manufacture locally [moulding machine, cutting machine, wrap oven, drilling machine]
Specialists in: • prefabricated housing, office, classroom & tuck shop • dry-wall partition • aluminium products • wooden products • hardware store • shop-fittings • garage doors
Fireplaces, Kitchen cabinetry, Wardrobes
Counters, Aluminium (I.H.S. Molepolole)
Prefab cabins built on site
APPRECIATIONS FROM TWINCO ENTERPRISES
BHC, Lobatse Geography Bureau, Lobatse Mental Hospital, Lobatse Sports Stadium, SSKIA, F/town Airport, University of Botswana, I.H.S. Molepolole, Mogoditshane BDF, Glenn Valley BDF, Rakhuna BDF Camp, Gumare Primary School, Lobatse/Kanye City Council, Ministry of Trade, Kasane Muwana Lodge & many other clients.
MAIN BRANCH (Gaborone)
Tel: 3933154/164 Fax: 3933167 Cell: 71598499, 75665656 Plot 20596 Block 3 (next to Sefalana)
www.masterjoinerybw.com
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds ADVERTORIAL
Property | July 2014
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES FOR SALE
BancABC Home Loans A loan offered to customers to purchase for residential purpose.
BLOCK 6 - P9,500,000 FURNISHED
The Loan term is selected by the customer (minimum repayment term being 7 years and maximum being 20 years). The monthly installment is deducted directly from the current account or by direct debit from another bank.
Talk to one of our HOME LOANS Relationship Officers today:
Dintle James
t +267 371 9730 e djames@bancabc.com
UNRIVALLED SENSE OF GRANDEUR Magnificent bright and spacious designer home with modern clean lines and state of the art quality finishes. 5 beds, 5 baths, 3 lounges, designer kitchen, heated pool. KIM 71630755 GILL 72105316
PHAKALANE 1 – P3.3 MILLION
PHAKALANE 1 - P5.3 MILLION
SOLE MANDATE! UNIQUE HOME 1792m² plot, 4 beds, 2 baths, dbl staffroom with potential to convert to cottage. GILL 72105316
SPACIOUS HOME – 2500m² PLOT 4 beds, 3 baths, central heating & cooling system, dbl staffroom, tennis court. KIM 71630755 JULIE 74435268
TLOKWENG - P2.3 MILLION EACH
PHAKALANE 1 - P1.3 MILLION
DEVELOPMENT IN PROGRESS SOLE MANDATE 2x dbl storey homes, each with 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 440m² plot each. STORM 71344111
INVESTMENT ONLY 3 beds, 2 baths townhouse. Best buy and value for money. GILL 72105316 STORM 71344111
RURETSE - P4.27 MILLION
PHAKALANE - P2.040 MILLION
MOVE OUT OF THE CITY! Well developed 4Ha freehold plot. Main house with 3 beds, 2 baths. 3 cottages. Lots of extras included. ALIDA 71301265
PRICED TO GO! Delightful home. 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 lounges, aircons, curtains included. TSITSI 75748122
BLOCK 8 – P4.3 MILLION
LOUIE VILLE GABS NORTH
MAJESTIC FAMILY HOME! 1004m² plot, 5 beds, 3 baths, 2lounges, aircons, pool.
8 DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM 130m² - 375m²: priced from P995, 000 + VAT – P1, 950 000 + VAT. Communal pool, club house. KIM 71630755
Masego Mosimayane
t +267 371 9727 e mmosimayane@bancabc.com
QUALIFYING CRITERIA • • • • • •
Proof of Income (payslip) Bank Statements for six months Omang (Citizens) Passports (Non-Citizens) Work and Residence Permit (Non-Citizens) Employment Contract (this contract should be updated as and when the contract is renewed) • Proof of Physical Address (Current utility bill), not older than three months.
QUALIFYING CONDITIONS • Minimum loan amount - P100,000 • The maximum loan period is 20 years/240 months Interest rate - Linked to prime. • BancABC will finance up to 100% of the Open Market Value (Terms and Conditions apply)
BENEFITS • Variable interest rates • Flexible repayment periods • Option to re-mortgage your property
T: +267 371 9732/30/27 | Fax: +267 390 0017 W: www.bancabc.co.bw African Banking Corporation of Botswana Limited, with registration number: 86/384 BancABC House, Plot 62433, Fairgrounds Office Park, Gaborone, Botswana
TSITSI 75748122
UP TO DATE LISTINGS
www.seeff.co.bw
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds July 2014 | Home Improvement
DIY Projects - Installing Tile in a Bathroom
Sponsoredby by Sponsored
A couple’s bathroom gets a makeover with the installation of travertine tile. [Source: diynetwork.com] Step 1: Select Tiles
Tile Selection Tips: • Make sure to purchase enough tiles to finish the job, plus extras for any future repairs. The exact tiles may be impossible to find at a later date. • For an easier installation, place whole tiles first, and then come back and place cut tiles. • When focusing on boosting value, select larger tiles. This gives the illusion of a larger room and conveniently requires less grouting. • Natural stone tile less likely to go out of style.
Step 2: Install New Backer Board
After removing the old existing tile and drywall, screw new panels of water resistant backer board directly onto wall studs forming the surfaces of the bath and shower areas.
Step 5: Ensure Tiles are Flush
Before moving on to the next row, run your fingers across the seams to ensure the surfaces of the tiles are flush.
Step 6: Cut Remaining Tiles to Exact Dimensions
Step 4: Create Suction Bond
With a small section of mortar applied, place a few tiles onto the batten board as close to final position as possible and shimmy each into place to create a suction bond. As you set each tile, insert plastic spacers for uniformity.
Once all the full-size tiles have been set, use a wet saw to cut any remaining tile to exact dimensions. Once positioned, allow the tiles to set for 10 hours before applying grout.
Step 7: Grout the Tile
To prepare the grout, hand-mix it with water in a small bucket until achieving the consistency of toothpaste. Next, load a small amount of grout onto a rubber float and fill between the tiles using a wiping motion perpendicular to the seams. If any pinholes form, immediately fill them using your finger.
To further protect against water seepage, finish the tile work by running a bead of bathroom caulk between the tub, shower basin and along the newly tiled corners
Time
Weekend
Step 8: Clean Residue with Sponge
Once a small area is sufficiently grouted, gently wipe across the tile surface with a damp sponge to pick up any excess residue. Approximately 12 hours later, wipe clean any remaining grout film.
Difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Materials • • • • • •
caulk 60 12” x 12” travertine tiles batten board thinset water-resistant backer panels grout mix
• • • • • • •
power drill grooved trowel spacers tile saw bucket sponge rubber grout float
Tools
Step 3: Spread Thinset on Backer Board
After screwing on a straight board called a batten, which temporarily creates a level brace for the tiles, load a toothed trowel with thinset mortar and spread it onto the backer board. The key to the process is keeping the trowel at slightly less than 45 degrees to achieve a uniform bed.
Step 9: Apply Caulk
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds
Products | July 2014
BOIDUS FOCUS Classifieds July 2014 | Events Feature
2014 CBD EXECUTIVE SEMINAR
CBD EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE Boidus Media’s STATE OF OUR CITIES
2014
“Transforming the CBD into the New Heart Of The City” ❷ ❶
❹ ❹
❹ ❹
3
2
1
.
.
.
CBD Executive Conference
1. B2B Exchange
❸
2. Urban Markets
❶ FNB HQ
3. Outdoor Performance
❷ Prime Plaza ❸ Conference Venue
DAY 1
31st July 2014
❹ Market Stalls
CBD EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE »» Business and investment opportunities in Botswana’s most thriving CBD’s centres; Gaborone / Francistown / Selibe Phikwe / Maun »» Infrastructure Development & Investment through PPP’s »» Lessons from Johannesburg & Cape Town
DATE
August 2014 VENUE
Khama Plaza, CBD HOW TO PARTICIPATE
»» be a sponsor »» be a delegate »» sponsor wine tasting »» book a market stall »» brochure advertising
»» Open Business Expositions »» Open Crafts - Harnessing the City’s cultural energy through; CRAFTS, FOOD and ART. »» Outdoor Theatre - Music, performance & demonstrations »» SMME Open market stalls
BOIDUS MEDIA EVENTS
Tshego - 3182209 / 71219540 tshego@boidus.co.bw Killion - 75505291 killion@boidus.co.bw www.boidus.co.bw
Radio Partner
CBD OPEN MARKET DAY
Media Partner
Event Host
DAY 2
1st August 2014
FOR BOOKINGS
maitisong
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Advertorial Page 13
BOIDUS FOCUS NEWSPAPER
30 EDITION th
Boidus Focus celebrates its 30th Edition in July and to honour this important milestone, we reached out to some of our most valued clients and stakeholders to share their thoughts on the road Boidus has traversed thus far. Words edited by Keeletsang P. Dipheko
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper
07.07.2011
OIDUS FOCUS
NEWS > 02 The Renovation of the National Stadium and Corruption Saga 03 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner for 2011 Announced
EDITORIALS > 04 ‘Redevelopment’ of Extension 2 by Gaborone City Council 05 Gaborone, a City Without a Square
“The fact that Boidus focuses on construction related issues gave us the confidence that it can be one of our partners in spreading our message of best practice in the construction industry.
COMMENTS > 07 Commentry from the Industry on ‘Redevelopment’ of Extension 2 09 An Architecture School Experience; student commentry
BUILDINGS > 06 Masa Centre, Central Business District, Gaborone, Botswana 06 First National Bank Regional Office, Francistown, Botswana
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS NEWS >
P5.00 (Including VAT)
Botswana Innovation Hub by SHoP Architects BOIDUS FEATURE >
by Boidus Admin / Images and text ©SHoP Architects
by H. Killion Mokwete, ARB Chartered Architect
and indeed the country, has been awash with excitement, with even the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) in its most generous mood too. Twenty grand for each player! Not bad.
This week has been an incredible week in the sport fabric of Botswana. The Zebras have finally done us proud by qualifying for our first ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This is a historic achievement and throughout the week, the city of Gaborone
01.03.2012
OIDUS FOCUS
‘Three Dikgosi Monument’ at the CBD
Gaborone, a City without a Public Square
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper Volume 2, Issue #2
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS NEWS >
BOIDUS FEATURE >
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 05 Botswana Innovation Hub, Aerial view
and the wide diurnal swings common in Gaborone. The combination of these technologies demonstrates a potential energy savings of 50% from a baseline building with minimum performance values as defined by ASHRAE. Where the roof slope prevents optimal solar collection, a low-maintenance xeriscape roof garden planted with indigenous species
SHoP was selected in an international design competition to design the Botswana Innovation Hub, a new building in Gaborone which will provide office and laboratory space for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive foreign and local businesses, as well as research and advanced training institutes. The building will be an iconic symbol of Botswana’s support for research and development and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, acting as a nexus for knowledge creation and innovation.
Revised Gaborone City Development Plan (1997-2021)
‘Redevelopment’ of Extension 2 - Gaborone City Council by H. Killion Mokwete, ARB Chartered Architect A while back the Gaborone City Council (GCC) embarked on a public consultation exercise for the ‘…redevelopment of extension two area. This area extends from main mall to Kaunda Road, covering African Mall commercial centre…’ Boidus is on FACEBOOK “BoidusBW”
Recently they have been at University of Botswana’s Department of Architecture and Planning consulting academics on ideas and proposals for this so called ‘redevelopment’. Though I missed this >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04
Boidus is on TWITTER twitter.com/BoidusBW
collects and filters rainwater, adds thermal mass to the building envelope to mitigate heat island effect, and provides a large surface area to capture and direct rainwater for storage and reuse. This harvested water supports both the roof garden and the bioswales downstream in the courtyards.
Construction Industry Outlook Review and Budget Response
BUILDINGS > 06 Minister Makgato-Malesu Shown Around The Completed Masa Centre [CBD] 07 Arctez- Design of Masa Centre called for Integrated Design
P5.00 (Including VAT)
by H. Killion Mokwete and Esther Amogelang
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 10
BOTSWANA’S TOURISM ECONOMIC PROFILE: World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
by Mpho Mooka & Keeletsang Dipheko
Botswana’s Travel & Tourism baseline forecasts, developed by WTTC and Oxford Economics, are very positive. The direct contribution of Travel &Tourism to GDP is expected to be BWP3,124.5mn (2.5% of total GDP) in 201 (with actual result reported at at 3.7 percent with accommodation room and bed occupancy rates at 48.1 percent and 40.7 percent respectively), rising by 5.5% pa to BWP5,351.1mn (3.1%) in 2021 (in constant 2011 prices).
Boidus Focus took an opportunity to close down of the construction industry meet with representatives of profes• Challenges will continue to roar Botswana Innovation Hub, Interior the view construction industry from different industries including construction and architecture. • The current focus on corruption The focus being to take a closer eye on makes it more difficult for public how they see Industry Outlook for 2012 officers to make decisions as well as the impact of the 2012/13 • Contractors need to acquire eduBudget to their respective industries. cation and productivity for future -Budget allocation will lead to further >>> CONTINUED PAGES 08/09 BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
African Home Lodge, Gaborone- A thriving urban hospitality offering conference facilities and tourist exclusive luxury accommodation. The use of local vernacular architectural styles sets it apart.
Ever wondered what other opportunities for investment in property development are outside the usual commercial and residential ventures? Well, tourism is a BIG unexplored potential in Botswana’s economic market. Not only is investment in tourism a profitable venture, it also has been proven over time to be a sustainable business sector.
Botswana Innovation Hub, View of Entry
Physical Address Ko-i-nor House, Office 11 Main Mall, Gaborone
Contact P.O. Box 50097, Gaborone mail@boidus.co.bw
The tourism economy is one of the largest economic sectors in the world;
KILLION
it ranks fourth in terms of global exports after fuel, chemicals, and automotive products, with an industry value of US$1 trillion a year (UNEP, 2011). The tourism economy generates 5% of world gross domestic product (GDP), and it makes up 6-7% of total employment. International tourism accounts for 30% of the world’s exports of commercial services or 6% of total exports; 935 million international tourists were recorded in 2010.
The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP, including its wider economic impacts, is forecast to rise by 5.9% pa from BWP8,336.6mn (6.6% of GDP) in 2011 to BWP14,839.9mn (8.6%) by 2021. Travel & Tourism is expected to support directly 21,000 jobs (3.5% of total employment) in 2011, rising by 3.0% pa to 28,000 jobs (3.6%) by 2021. The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry, is forecast to rise by 4.8% pa from 46,000 jobs (7.8% of total employment) in 2011 to 74,000 jobs (9.7%) by 2021.
Approach to Cape Town Stadium: Early development sketch by Dr Henri Comrie exploring the pedestrian experience along on important approach to the Cape Town Stadium (2007)
Dr HENRI COMRIE Shares His Experiences in the Designing of Cape Town World Cup Stadium
T: +267 755 05 291 E: killion@boidus.co.bw
AND REACH YOUR CUSTOMERS
PHEMELO
A biweekly design newspaper distributed on Mondays.
T: +267 738 05 898 E: phemelo@boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS IS • Individuals working together towards a common goal • A social network dedicated to creativity • Interaction between the arts, architecture and design across the creative media • Lifestyle, career, theory, fashion…diversity of subject
Boidus Pty. Ltd. P.O. Box 50097, Gaborone
Travel & Tourism visitor exports are expected to generate BWP6,496.1mn (15.3% of total exports) in 2011, growing by 10.4% pa (in nominal terms) to BWP10,662.9mn (17.2%) in 2021.
by H. Killion Mokwete
Leading South African Architect and Urban Designer who led the urban design and Architectural design for the Cape Town world cup stadium Dr Henri Comrie was recently in the country to share his experiences with leading architects and architectural students at the University of Botswana.
formative lecture, Boidus conducted an exclusive questionnaire interview with Dr. Comrie about his work experiences with the Cape Town World Cup Stadium and the city’s regeneration; as well as his professional view on a city like Gaborone which is also embarking on an ambitious redevelopment exercise of its inner core.
Following this very interesting and inBoidus is on FACEBOOK “BoidusBW”
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 11
Boidus is on TWITTER twitter.com/BoidusBW
COMMENTS > 12 Property Market Outlook for 2012: Interview with Nkwebi Maswikiti (BBS) 13 Debate: Budget Speech Response and Feedback
Tourism Investment and Real Estate Development Opportunities in Botswana
Botswana Innovation Hub, Roofscape sional bodies
ADVERTISE WITH BOIDUS
Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at BWP1,181.0mn or 6.3% of total investment in 2011. It should rise by 4.8% pa to reach BWP1,885.9mn (or 6.5%) of total investment in 2021. Bridgetown Development, Kasane set to be the first resort to buy into for your holiday home in Botswana.
Boidus is on FLICKR “Boidus Botswana”
Majestic Hotel, Palapye will anchor what is to become a colleague township and offer a much needed rest stop along the A1 highway
Physical Address Ko-i-nor House, Office 11 Main Mall, Gaborone
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 10
Contact P.O. Box 50097, Gaborone mail@boidus.co.bw
NEWS >
EDITORIALS >
FINANCING >
02 State of Construction Poorly Addressed [President’s State of the Nation Address]
04 Plain talk by JOWA; Gaborone CBD - A Planning Story
07 Feature Interview: BBS Bank On Funding Commercial Property In Botswana
04 Boidus Feature; Building a Central Business District during a recession
03 Buildings of the Year 2012: The RIBA Architecture Awards
Botswana’s Architecture Design & Urban Landscape Newspaper
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
BOIDUS FEATURE >
Cor-ten Screen Wrapping envelope wooden finish
OIDUS FOCUS
From-Congo-Belgium-Suriname-SA-To-Molapo Crossing
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper | Volume 3, Issue #5
The Journey of Architect Luc Vandecasteele
by Kibo Ngowi
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper | J U L Y 2 0 1 3
administration so when the country gained independence in 1960, his family was forced to flee to their native country of Belgium.
www.boidus.co.bw
Becoming an Architect Remarkably, Vandecasteele says that he made the decision to become an
NEWS | page 02
EDITORIAL | page 06
EDUCATION | pages 15
PROF PRACTICE | page 16
Regional News Feature - SA Property 3rd on Earth
Sustainability Today David Lessolle on Climate Change
How to Start Your Own Architecture Firm: 12 Tips From The Experts
The Role of Architecture In Humanity’s Story
P8.00 (Including VAT) BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE FEATURE >
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 04/06
Meet Botswana’s Young and Rising Star Architects
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
Vincent Moapare, founder of Architects Collaborative; Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame, founder of Architects International; Moemedi Gabana, founder of Gabana Architects; Gorata Bontle Kgafela, founder of GBR Architects
by Kibo Ngowi & HK Mokwete
by Boidus Admin
Gaborone, 13th November 2012: Investment Property Databank (IPD) released its first-ever Botswana property performance report in Gaborone today.
mance Report for the year to December 2011 produced a total return of 20.9%. This figure represents the ungeared total return to directly held standing property investments from one open market valuation to the next.
The IPD Botswana Property Perfor-
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 02
- Private Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure, Science & Technology
Mr. Christopher Nyanga
P8.00 (Including VAT)
by H. Killion Mokwete
IPD launches first report of property investment performance in Botswana
I believe there can be more sober analysis of the state of infrastructure projects in the country, their quality, their beauty and their suitability for the purposes for which they were intended. Furthermore, there can also be focus on the advantages of multi-storey buildings as opposed to single storey ones including the associated costs as well as the impact on land and related issues like the safety of such buildings.”
10 Quick Guide To Investing In Commercial Property
5 Reasons Why Gaborone Central Business District Will Fail.
Today, Luc Vandecasteele is best known for being the director and a part owner of Molapo Crossing but it was a long journey that brought him to where he is today. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo – then known as Belgian Congo – in 1956, Luc Vandecasteele was the son of the governor of a province in the colonial
I believe it’s a question of continuing to do the best for the industry by reporting both the good examples and those not so good so that many can go for the best. I want them to single out best practices and highlight them, portraying them as examples to follow and the bad ones as examples to be shunned.
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper Volume 2, Issue #9
14.11.2012
OIDUS FOCUS
EDITORIALS > 04 Sustainable Cities, Population Distribution & Means of Production & Trade 05 Botswana Must Secure A Production Of Building Materials Of Its Own
Boidus talks to Industry Professional Executives [ABCON, BIE, AAB]
The client’s brief was for an iconic yet timeless building which employed the most cutting-edge green technology available. With this in mind SHoP’s design uses a variety of sustainable techniques, including a concept SHoP deems the “Energy Blanket” roofscape, which combines passive and active sustainable energy techniques. The roof design of the Botswana Innovation Hub incorporates large overhangs to passively shade the building’s interior volumes, mechanisms to collect and re-use water, and photovoltaic systems to harness solar energy. An exterior louver and rainscreen system will provide shading and thermal mass to the facade in order to mitigate detrimental heat gain
Boidus is on FLICKR “Boidus Botswana”
NEWS > 02 Parliament Passes Bill to abolish VAT on property for first time buyers 03 South Africa to Invest in Infrastructure Development: Budget Speech 2012
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper
It is my belief that good ethics and professionalism can bring back credibility to the construction industry. I appreciate the role Boidus does in spreading information about best practices in the industry. I believe they are doing a good job. They need to continue raising awareness about the dos and don’ts. The article which featured the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology Mr Johnie K. Swartz was one of those done very well. It did not misquote. There are many others though.
In 1989 when the origins of the Central Business District (CBD) were being laid out, it was envisaged that the CBD was ‘designated to become the new heart of Gaborone, the preeminent business, cultural and recreational district of the city’. Twenty years later, the same could not be said about the prospects of the current CBD unfolding. It is neither the centre nor does it look like it will become the ‘Heart of Gaborone’ that was originally intended. We explore some of the key reasons why such a promising dream will eventually not reach its intended goals.
1 2 3 4 5
Guide to developing your multi-residential investment
18TH CENTURY CBD IN 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY. A radical approach needed for 21st century to redefine what a CDB is.
Demand is good, rentals are good and finance available. So here is how to develop. Q&A- Financier: We finance up
FAILURE IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. Skewed development phasing and lack of pragmatism.
CBD DEVELOPED TOO LITTLE TO LATE.
H. Killion Mokwete
Prime developments have already been taken elsewhere across the city.
Investing in multi-residential development is becoming the next big thing in Botswana’s residential property market. Landowners and homeowners are realising that the bulk residential demand is in the middle-income bracket of earners, with income be-
VOLATILE ECONOMY. Recession in full swing and land owners have odds stacked against them.
FAILURE TO CREATE NEW IDENTITY FOR THE CITY. To date not a single development has any traceable elements of our culture and national symbols.
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
POSTAL ADDRESS
TWITTER "BoidusBW"
LINKEDIN "Boidus Botswana"
FLICKR "Boidus Botswana"
Ko-i-nor House, 2nd Fl, Office 11 Main Mall, Gaborone
P.O. Box 50097 Gaborone, Botswana
Q&A-Realtor: Demand is good for rentals with range of P2500pm to P4500pm for 2-beds units. Two beds units in areas like Ext. 5 or 11, Block 8, G west Phase 1 can go for as much as P6500pm (not furnished).
tween P5, 000 - P15, 000 per month.
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 08/09
FACEBOOK "Boidus Botswana"
to 80% of the open market value, this depends on the valuation report contents and the location of the property. The deposit requirement is 20%.
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 07, 18
“We have found that the Boidus personnel have a very good and well researched knowledge and insight into the property industry. Many journalists miss the point when trying to report or develop articles for the industry but Boidus are prepared to listen and seem to understand what we have to say. Many journals come and go. We know that most attempts are by publishers just trying to make a living out of creating a magazine but Boidus has a simple approach with its newspaper and its content is usually pretty sound. Others have much irrelevant content just to fill up the space. The first CBD seminar was a great initiative. The speakers were generally on the spot with applicable issues. It is a bit of a risk, but I think Boidus could be hard hitting with government and city councils where they are not meeting their responsibilities. For example, the new CBD; at last year’s seminar the DTRP representative said the government was going to address things like access (the Khama Crescent flyover for one), but nothing has happened – put them on the spot.”
- Time Projects Managing Director, Mr. Sandy Kelly
From top left, going clockwise: Moemedi Gabana [Gabana Architects], Gorata Bontle Kgafela [GBK Architects], Vincent Moapare [Architects Collaborative], Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame [Architects International]
Bold, New, Fresh Design Ideas
Reviewing the best UB Graduating student 2013: Ndaboka Mothobi
by Kibo Ngowi
Top Left: Vincent Moapare, Top Right: Moemedi Gabana, Bottom Right: Pedriel Mokwadi Nyame, Bottom Left: Gorata Bontle Kgafela
UK is slowly taking shape and making its presence felt in the local scene. These architects, confident and ready
built environment landscape. Boidus Focus sat with some of these rising star architects to find out what
the early 1980s. The second generation of qualified architects, who were
to raise the game, have started their own design firms and are slowly mak-
drives their design philosophies and to showcase designs from their firms.
all trained abroad in Canada, USA and
ing landmarks across the Botswana
>>> CONTINUED PAGES 04, 08, 13
Ndaboka Mothobi’s final year thesis project was not only graded the best, but it presents a breath of fresh air to the creativity that defines the best of what architects can do. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE once described architecture as ‘frozen music’
ka’s shattered rock layered building is a perfect example. Often the best time for unfettered creativity is when there are less and less barriers to imagination and school project design provides a haven for this. Boidus Focus sat down with the talented ‘Ndaks’ to discuss his
and for those who share this icon’s view of architecture as an artform, Ndabo-
exciting fresh thinking to architecture. >>> CONTINUED PAGE 14
“Botswana Innovation Hub is incorporated as a company under the laws of Botswana to develop and manage Botswana’s first Science and Technology Park and the establishment of such a park cannot be achieved in isolation.
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper Volume 2, Issue #3
01.04.2012
OIDUS FOCUS
Botswana’s architecture profession has come of age since the first qualified Motswana architect returned home in
NEWS > 02 Capacity Building Workshop Held by PPADB 03 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate; Wang Shu of the People's Republic of China
Botswana’s Architecture Design and Urban Landscape Newspaper
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS NEWS >
BOIDUS FEATURE >
EDITORIALS > 04 Energy Use and Conservation in Buildings 05 Youth, Architecture & the Built Environment / Inspire, Provoke, Sensitise, Inform & Empower
COMMENTS > 13 What would you ask Industry Stakeholders about Housing & Affordability in Botswana? 13 Study on Chinese Business Activities in Botswana
PROPERTY / FINANCING > 12 Finance Corner / Creating Opportunities for All 12 Real Estate Focus / Loan Consolidation; Is it Good for Botswana & Batswana?
P5.00 (Including VAT)
Housing Affordability In Botswana at Crossroads Boidus Roundtable Discussion with Key Stakeholders by H. Killion Mokwete and Mpho Mooka
UB Student Housing
OIDUS FOCUS
by Keeletsang Dipheko
Accommodation plays a large part in a student life. Student housing provides a lot of opportunities as well as social activities for places and it has become an increasingly accepted investment within the real estate sector. With numbers of students flocking to urban centres in Botswana for further education, opportunities are prime for investors to cash in on the potential. Almost every year thousands of students come to urban areas to further their studies and millions in revenue is spent on ac-
commodation and other student commodities. > 15 000 students enroll for tertiary education, > 14 000 are student who study local and the rest goes abroad. > 2 billion for students to sponsorships (MOED), > P1 420 allowance on average per month for each student. > P1 420 covers accommodation plus other essentials; almost 80% of student allowances are used in - transport, food and entertainment.
Registered at GPO as a Newspaper Volume 2, Issue #8
10.10.2012
Student Housing Market in Botswana, Ripe for Investment
NEWS > 02 Local Architects to Speak at SA (GBCSA) 03 International News Feature: Markets Briefs: Zambia, SA and USA.
Botswana’s Architecture Design & Urban Landscape Newspaper
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS EXCLUSIVE >
BOIDUS FEATURE >
EDITORIALS > 02 Housing Petition Demands 04 Property Valuers Accused of Price Inflation
FEATURED EDITORIALS > 08 How the ‘Garden City’ failed. 13 Safeguarding a special Place.
BOIDUS CLASSIFIEDS > 10 8-Tips for Pricing your home 10 Property Price InflationLearn from Experts
P5.00 (Including VAT)
As Botswana Turns 46, We Reflect On Our Building Heritage.
>>> CONTINUED PAGE 10
For “a nation without a past is a lost nation, and a people without a past are a people without a soul.” by H. Killion Mokwete
Do Property Valuers Inflate Property Prices? 2012 TEC Show
Education And Career Prospectus 2012 in Botswana
Making the Right Career Choice into the Built Environment by Esther Amogelang It is yet another beginning of the year, and most form five graduates are looking out for opportunities to continue their studies. For this reason Boidus has decided to feature some of the local institutions and the courses that
they will be offering in the built environment in 2012. This year's Tertiary Education Council conference fair, which is in its third >>> CONTINUED PAGE 11
Financial institutions insist that they have structures in place to help those who qualify for mortgages to afford houses within their income means.
> Property Financiers However, it is still proving difficult for [Stanbic Bank, NDB, Standard Chartered Kibo Ngowi first-time buyers to beby able to enter the Bank] housing market due to escalated prices and>Development was supported by Botswana BuildMinister of Finance Private Property Developers [Brown Stone, that are generally blamed on materials ing Society (BBS) Managing DirecPlanning Kenneth Matambo madePam a Goldings] Universityalludof Botswana and land servicing costs. tor Pius Molefe who remarked, “We public statement last >month [Department of Architecture and Housing] plead with property valuers to avoid ing to an alarming trend of property > Independent Urban Designer Head of Secure lending at Stanbic Bank property, overpricing houses because it defeats valuers overpricing [MPI] warning Leon van Moerkerkenthat saysitBotswana is to a market crash the purpose of the society of housing could lead not necessarily failinginto future provideifhousPOST EVENTwas INTERVIEWS Batswana.” the phenomenon ing, but rather affordability needsin tothe be bud.>The Gaborone City Council [SHHA] not nipped assertion >>> CONTINUED PAGE 04 defined in terms of the ability to buy, > Botswana Housing Cooperation [Adespecially as a first-time buyer. In actudendum] al fact there is an oversupply of middle to high cost housing. Another critical is>>> CONTINUED PAGES 08/09
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
POSTAL ADDRESS
FACEBOOK "Boidus Botswana"
TWITTER "BoidusBW"
LINKEDIN "Boidus Botswana"
FLICKR "Boidus Botswana"
Ko-i-nor House, 2nd Fl, Office 11 Main Mall, Gaborone
P.O. Box 50097 Gaborone, Botswana
Immediate Land Audit, Review BHC Mandate and Impose Hefty Tax on the Unused Freehold Land by Kibo Ngowi
A group of citizens frustrated with the lack of affordable housing in Botswana have decided to address their complaints to the Minister of Lands and Housing through a petition demanding that immediate steps be taken to improve the situation.
[Top] Original Painting or Trinity Church Bailey ‘73, Courtesy of Gill Jones [Bottom Left] Panoramic View of Old Orapa House Source: Botswana Official Handbook ‘84
HOUSING PETITION DEMANDS
For roughly three weeks the petition, which aims to collect 50, 000 signatures in order to show the impact of the problem before presenting it to the minister, has been circulating online and through printed copies. In an interview with Boidus, the informal group’s publicity secretary, Joe >>> CONTINUED PAGE 03
It has been an exciting journey that we have embarked on with Boidus Media Platforms and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship as we work towards building our beautiful city, contributing to its infrastructure development and enhancing its aesthetic outlook.”
- Botswana Innovation Hub, Mr. Tigele Mokobi
Minister K. Matambo (MFDP), REIB President Maje ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ATTENDEES C. Maje , Dr Keith Jefferis Economist
From Top Left, Clockwise: Charlotte Mathula [Standard Chartered], Zenzile Moesi [NDB], Leta Mosienyane [MPI], Debra Albers [Pam Goldings], Dr. M. K. Minyoi [UB], Belinda Mosweu [Brownstone], Leon van Moerkerken [Stanbic], Donald Mengwe [Appearing as Guest in his personal Capacity]
We are one of smallest populations yet the country is struggling to provide basic housing for it’s citizens. Who is supposed to provide leadership in Housing matters is also vague. This is the view by Housing Stakeholders from a round table discussion recently hosted by Boidus Focus at the Sanitas Gallery rooms.
Boidus Media Platforms have been partners in the journey to set up the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park. They have on numerous occasions profiled the park’s iconic central building and developments in their Boidus Focus newspaper, website and blog which cover the country’s fresh new talent across the design industry and built environment.
[Bottom Right] The Main Mall Street View 1976 Source: Facts on Botswana
In the true words of our Nations founding father, the late Sir Seretse Khama, “a nation without a past is a lost nation, and a people without a past is a people without a soul.” This timeless saying should not only be our guiding principle in anything that is our past but also in how we treasure, celebrate and jealously protect our historical and heritage buildings. If only he could see what has become of our building heritage, he would be turning in his grave. Thirty two years since his passing and to date
there is not a single authority, nor ministry which can be seen to provide leadership or patronage to our building heritage. Our historical sites and buildings, one after the other are mercilessly razed down for shiny new ones or worse still left to rot and become home to stray animals.
such as one in The Village, Francistown, Kanye, Dibete and many others, the story is the same, that of neglect and a disappearing past.
The departments which are meant to be torch bearers in safeguarding these sites are either playing truant or just plainly could not be bothered to act. From Lobatse’s heritage buildings, Gaborone’s original buildings
How the ‘Garden City’ Concept failed in the making of Gaborone by H. Killion Mokwete >>> GO TO PAGE 08
Lobatse – Safeguarding A Special Place by Sandy Grant >>> GO TO PAGE 13
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
Find us on
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
POSTAL ADDRESS
FACEBOOK "Boidus Botswana"
TWITTER "BoidusBW"
LINKEDIN "Boidus Botswana"
FLICKR "Boidus Botswana"
Ko-i-nor House, 2nd Fl, Office 11 Main Mall, Gaborone
P.O. Box 50097 Gaborone, Botswana
“We at Delta Glass & Aluminum have been extremely happy with the service we have received from Boidus and the decision to advertise with your company has been based on the footprint and distribution platform Boidus have in place. We have built up a good relationship with the staff at Boidus who understand our company’s requirements and also have an outstanding knowledge of the built environment industry. We at Delta will continue to use Boidus as our main advertising medium. Congratulations on your 30th Edition.”
- Delta Glass & Aluminium Managing Director, Mr. Grant Stacy
Education Page 14
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Unlocking Investment Opportunities Gaborone, F/Town and Selibe Phikwe by Kibo Ngowi
CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
HOW SPEDU PLANS TO REVIVE THE SELEBI PHIKWE REGION as economic development in the region unfolds.” As noted in REDS, the SPEDU region is conveniently positioned as it lies on the Limpopo basin, sharing borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe and can thus benefit from easy access to markets and raw materials from the neighbouring countries. Investment Opportunities According to Kedisitse, SPEDU is working on a number of infrastructure projects geared at ensuring the easy movement of goods and people from South Africa via the SPEDU Region and up north in what is known as the “north corridor.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 04
as a company is positioning itself to venture into economic generating projects and source additional funding from donor agencies and other sources. Organisational Structure of SPEDU The organisation is headed by a Coordinator and has a core business division of projects headed by a Projects Manager with a staff complement of five technical officers. There are two support functions: Marketing and Communication and Finance and Administration. It currently has a total staff complement of twenty. However, SPEDU is currently undergoing an organisational transformation that will likely result in changes to the organisational structure. The growth of cities is ultimately measured by other aspects including population, industries and the net-worth of business operating within the city.
Additionally, SPEDU has a good working relationship with Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) through which BITC has committed to attracting investors to the SPEDU Region. SPEDU and BITC have also reached an agreement to make the region a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the SEZ Policy.
Road network Infrastructure The construction of the Platjan Bridge across the Motloutse River is expected to give rise to non-stop traffic between Botswana and South Africa, in contrast to the current situation in which movement grinds to a halt during the rainy season. In line with this project, there is also the re-construction of the Selebi Phikwe-Martins Drift road, which is expected to go to tender shortly. It is hoped that once completed, the Platjan Bridge and the road from Martins Drift Border will lead to a rise in traffic across the SPEDU Region, boosting the growth of other industries such as tourism and service-related businesses.
“Furthermore, the completion of the REDS will give rise to a robust regional marketing and communications strategy for the SPEDU Region,” says Kedisitse. “The strategy will be the blue print for how the SPEDU Region will project opportunities
“There is also a high consideration of sourcing funding for the Selebi Phikwe-Mmadinare –Marobela-Matsiloje road and other related roads which create economically efficient access to the Region,” says Kedisitse. “This picture shows that, in
Kedisitse explains that SPEDU is working with the private sector through Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) to sensitise the public about existing opportunities within the BCL Polaris II and SPEDU Regional Economic Diversification Strategy (REDS).
Lifestylenoted: Colour by Tshepiso Motlogelwa, Interior Designer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 08
come to life in a dark room but a rich, deep colour can make a dim, somber space feel warm and luminous, even though it receives no natural light.
dominant colour as the main theme and scatter accent colours around the room to add detail, pattern and texture.
Use accent colours more than once in a room to create harmony and balance; if you want to use a stand alone colour, then make this a focal point.
For many years, dark tones like mahogany and cherry dominated the wood furniture market. This year, caramel and honey tones take the spotlight. The softer look blends with any design style and keeps furnishings from feeling heavy or fussy.
Colour schemes work best when you use one
the final analysis, the good road networks will give rise to a boom in traffic through the SPEDU Region.” Available Land at reduced costs Land for development is always a challenge in urban centres but Kedisitse insists that SPEDU has been very strategic when it comes to land. They have funded the Review and preparation of Selebi Phikwe Planning Area Development Plan 2011-2035 whose main objective is to ascertain that the current land available is sufficient to roll out the diversification agenda. The spatial plan confirmed that there is ample land though some of it is not serviced. With regards to servicing, SPEDU intends to influence respective Government departments to prioritise infrastructure development in their national budget for NDP11 with a view to creating an environment conducive for investment. As for other funding mechanisms, partnerships will be considered through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. In addition, SPEDU has successfully negotiated with the Ministry of Lands and Housing for a reduction of the cost of land from P160 per square metre to P80 for industrial state land in Selebi Phikwe. SPEDU is also building a land bank of strategically placed pieces of land in the region. Under this arrangement, SPEDU will reduce the time taken to allocate land and hence create efficiencies befitting a designated Special Economic Zone. If these plans can be effectively moved from the drawing board to the ground then Selebi Phikwe may be transformed from a mining town into a major economic hub in the next few years.
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Education Page 15
How BIUST Plans to Drive Botswana’s Knowledge Economy by Kibo Ngowi
Botswana currently imports 80 percent of its power so in 2010 the country embarked on an ambitious project aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in electricity. The construction of the multi-billion pula Morupule B power station started and while it was supposed to produce 600MW of electricity and create 600 jobs it has yet to live up to the promise. Palapye is currently not even amongst the top five largest towns in the country but developments such as Morupule B and BIUST are expected to elevate its status from a minor town to a thriving city. BIUST authorities are acutely aware that the development of the University must go hand in hand with that of the town in order for it to flourish.
rs
d
A Home in Palapye Palapye is a town located in the large Central District of Botswana with a population of only 36, 211 (2011 census). It lies 240km north east of the country’s largest city Gaborone and 170km south west of the second largest city Francistown. Over the years its position has made it a convenient stopover on one of Southern Africa’s principal north–south rail and road routes and it houses the Morupule Colliery coal mine, which supplies Morupule Power Station, Botswana’s principal domestic source of electricity.
vere deli
The campus that currently exists in Palapye is a founding development which consists of, amongst other things, a 300-seater auditorium, a library and a sports hall that Mphengula describes as the backbone that will allow BIUST to begin operations in Palapye. Unfortunately the accommodation is limited to 256 students, a figure which falls far short of the expected 1500 and 70 staff members, much less than the 300 staff members that will be employed by the institution by October, including Distinguished Professors from across the world. The campus will be expanded in different phases that
Health Sciences (IHS) in Serowe where much of the skills training for students in the College of Science will be conducted. “These are the strategic partnerships we are entering with other institutions,” says Mphengula. “Our students will be doing much of their studies at these institutions and those artisans enrolled in them will be coming into BIUST to be refreshed on theoretical aspects so it’s a win-win.”
ld
ing pains from the very beginning. Due to limited space at the campus in Palapye currently under development, BIUST has been based at a temporary facility in Oodi since it started its operations in 2012 where it began with enrolment of only around 200 students. That number has been steadily increasing and when BIUST starts its first academic year at the Palapye campus in October this year that number will be around 1500.
To help overcome their current space limitations BIUST is partnering with similar institutions such as the Palapye Technical College at which much of the skills training for students in the College of Engineering will be conducted and the Institute of
urie
But the University has been experiencing grow-
The College of Management & Entrepreneurship will cover all the other Colleges so that every student that comes out of BIUST will have some training in entrepreneurship and management. There are also plans to introduce a College of Agriculture within the next two years.
r wor
Building a University Officially opened in 2012, BIUST has a Master Plan intended to run until 2022 and bring student enrolment to 10,000 spread across no less than five different Colleges. Botswana has more than a dozen tertiary institutions, mainly concentrated in the capital city Gaborone, but as things stand the realisation of this plan would make BIUST the second largest one in the country after the University of Botswana whose enrolment currently stands at 18,000.
BIUST isn’t letting these obstacles hinder it from pursuing its academic goals though. The institution started with the College of Science and the College of Engineering; when the next academic year begins in October they will have added The College of Information and Communication Technology and The College of Management & Entrepreneurship.
you
Boidus Focus interviewed BIUST’s Director of Physical Planning and Campus Facilities Mr. Mpho Mphengula and Director of Communications and Public Affairs Mr. Shakie Kebaswele to see further into the institution’s innovative vision.
will take place over the next few years so for the meantime Mphengula is searching the area for appropriate facilities to house their students and staff.
t Co
tswana can become known for in the future and the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) is positioning itself to drive this economic transformation.
n Spri
CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Couriers
SprintSprint Couriers
your world delivered
your world delivered
Sprint
Courie
your
world
rs
delivere
d
Sprint Courie your world
rs
delivered
In developing the University’s Master Plan Kebaswele explains that the South African consultants contracted for the project consulted key stakeholders in the local community: “The intention is to make sure that BIUST is incorporated into the village rather than being a stand-alone ‘on top of the hill’ kind of facility. Our developments must show that we are part of the community.” The Master Plan is now undergoing an approval process and Mphengula says that once this is done BIUST will be calling in industry stakeholders to examine the plan and identify opportunities before it is rolled out.“The incorporation into Palapye of the facility is a key consideration,” says Mphengula. “We are partnering with Palapye Council to get the main road that connects BIUST to the village paved. Once paved and well done there will be a taxi route that runs through it, and the other thing is that we are going to be opening all the gates so that people from different directions will be able to access the campus. “This time next year there will be over three thousand people in this University and at its current capacity Palapye infrastructure will not be able to handle that,” cautions Kebaswele. “So we have sensitised the community, the local authorities and the government about the need to double the capacity of the hospital, the roads, the water supply and everything else that makes the town habitable.”
Towards a Knowledge Economy BIUST is a research intensive University of science and technology so from its genesis it has offered programmes, not just for undergraduate study, but also at Masters and PhD level and there are mechanisms in place to attract students from across the continent and put an emphasis on producing research relevant to the pertinent concerns of Botswana society. But the institution’s plans to drive innovation in Botswana extend far beyond academic programmes. BIUST is partnering with the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit and Bamangwato Concessions Ltd. to create the Botswana Mining Museum, Education and Research Centre (BOMMERC). The goal is to rehabilitate the decommissioned Phikwe mines depleted of their copper and nickel reserves and to use them simultaneously as a museum to showcase mining activities
from across the country and a research centre in which students can conduct research and training in an actual mining facility. The project has secured funding from the European Union as this is a venture strategic to ensuring that the decommissioned mines are not abandoned to harm the environment and that the life of Selebi Phikwe can be sustained beyond the end of mining activities. Last year the institution scored a major coup in securing the relocation of the Africa Science, Technology and Systems Support Implementation Team from Pretoria, South Africa to Palapye. This is the only research organisation with a permanent seat at the United Nations and the move came about primarily because the BIUST Vice Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Hilary I. Inyang, is its Chairman. The implementation team is now based in Palapye and the University hosted a major workshop called The Africa Science Workshop to mark the momentous relocation. During the course of the interview Mphengula and Kebaswele touched on planned partnerships with many other organisations including the Botswana Innovation Hub, Debswana, Mascom, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Botswana Power Corporation, Morupule Coal Mine, Botswana Telecoms Corporation and the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower but only time will tell whether these plans will become reality. The one thing that’s certain is there is a vision in place and Kebaswele is clear on what BIUST hopes to achieve: “Note that the best economically performing countries in the world are powered by Universities such as BIUST. If you go to South Korea it is those institutions that have transformed the country into an Asian tiger. The story is the same in Malaysia, China, Europe and North America. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States there are always companies prepared to take their innovations and produce them on a large scale. These universities are the power engines of their economies and BIUST intends to do the same for Botswana – to transform this nation from a resourcebased economy to a knowledge-based economy.”
Advertising Page 16
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
JBCC Adjudication Rules by Euan Massey and Natalie Reyneke
After a bit of a false start, which necessitated some slight redrafting, the JBCC 2000 sixth edition (Edition 6.1 March 2014) suite of contracts has now been released for use in the building industry. As this form of contract is widely used in Botswana, over the next few editions of Boidus Focus, MDA Abdulla will provide a series of articles which will discuss and analyse some of the amendments introduced to the new sixth edition. The sixth edition was initially released in September 2013. However, some concerns over the drafting of clause 17 prompted a recall of the contract for further redrafting. This month we will be looking at the sixth edition’s removal of works completion. The edition has been shortened significantly from its predecessors. Numerous clauses have been removed, or should we say absorbed into other clauses where they may seem to fit, instead of standing on their own. Some clauses have been removed altogether. One significant change under the sixth edition is the eradication of the concept of works completion, the works completion list and the certificate of works completion. Why was this necessary? And what has it achieved? After speaking briefly to one of the drafters of the sixth edition it became evident that contractors generally believed that the works completion process led the way for principal agents to abuse the process – to issue practical completion certificates too early with too much work still to be done. Having the works completion process at a stage of completion that principal agents could fall back on if they failed to apply their minds to the practical completion list meant that items that were supposed to have been completed prior to practical completion were not.
Contractors found themselves in the position of having numerous items on the works completion list to finalise when employers or their tenants had already occupied their buildings. This unnecessarily dragged out the completion process, due to a lack of access to the buildings to complete their works and remedy defects. Hence, a decision was taken
by Kibo Ngowi
to try and tighten the practical completion process. In our experience, employers were equally dissatisfied with the works completion process and having outstanding work to be attended to with little or no hold over the contractor was equally unsatisfactory to the employers. The extent of the changes to the sixth edition are summarised below: Practical Completion is now defined as the stage of completion as certified by the principal agent where the works or a section thereof has been completed free of patent defects other than minor defects identified in the list for completion and can be used for the intended purpose. This definition ensures that only minor works are permitted to be outstanding as at the time of practical completion. The difficulty here is that the term “minor work” will still permit a degree of subjectivity. The principal agent is now required, when inspecting the works, to issue a comprehensive and conclusive list for practical completion. The motivation behind such a list is obvious – the drafters are seeking to avoid situations where such lists are not properly drawn up and grow as time passes.
It is not clear as to whether or not the principal agent was entitled to “add” items of incomplete or defective work that had not been noticed on a previous occasion. So what exactly is the difference between a works completion list and the list for completion? If the intention of the drafting committee was to ensure that a list for completion only contained minor items that were in the original “comprehensive and conclusive” list for practical completion, it has not achieved this. Further, the inclusion of the words “minor” in front of “defects” doesn’t take the matter much further. It means that only items of work which may be lesser in importance, seriousness or significance may be included in the list. As stated above, this in itself is subjective. In addition, under the previous editions of the JBCC, only defects (that manifested after works completion) were dealt with during the defects liability period. Under the sixth edition, for the defects liability period, the contractor is not only remedying defects that manifest after practical completion, but he is also remedying outstanding items of work and defects that manifested prior to practical completion. Conclusion Under the previous editions of the JBCC, the inclusion of a works completion process gave the contractor another bite of the proverbial cherry to attend to items that may have been on the practical completion list, under the guise of the works completion list. Yes, perhaps the principal agent benefitted as he could “push” practical comple-
tion. The employer benefitted too and was protected against unfinished works when he was eager to take possession of his premises. Once the works completion certificate was issued, only defects that manifested themselves after works completion were required to be rectified by the contractor. This provided the contractor with a “line drawn in the sand” at works completion; in other words, once the works completion certificate was issued, there could be no items of outstanding work to that needed attending. This has now altogether disappeared, and the contractor is required to make good and rectify all of the items on the list for completion at least 10 days prior to the expiry of the defects liability period. The sixth edition nobly intends to shorten the completion process by entitling the parties to only one comprehensive and conclusive list for practical completion and thus force the principal agent to apply his mind to the practical completion inspection process properly. However, the inclusion of a list for completion which is limited to a subjective interpretation of what “minor” defects are may scupper what the JBCC committee has tried to achieve. In reality, it is likely that employers and principal agents alike will still favour the expedition of practical completion, using the benefit of the list for completion. While contractors may be happy with this state of affairs, be warned, liability to complete all outstanding work will remain until the certificate of final completion is issued, unlike in the past when only defects were required to be remedied once works completion had been achieved.
The defects liability period now commences on the date of practical completion and ends upon the expiry of a 90-day period or when the work on the list for final completion has been attended. Under the previous editions of the JBCC, the works completion process commenced on the date of practical completion and within seven days of the
date of practical completion the principal agent was entitled to issue a works completion list to the contractor, defining the incomplete works and defects apparent at the date of practical completion, to be completed or rectified to achieve works completion. This implied that any incomplete works or defects that were on the original practical completion list could appear on the works completion list, along with other defects that manifested themselves prior to the list being issued.
BIE Hosts FundRaising Gala Dinner Botswana Institute of Engineers
On the 5th of July the Botswana Institute of Engineers (BIE) hosted a fund-raising gala dinner at the Phakalane Golf Estate.
members to come in numbers to the Annual General Meeting of the BIE which will be held in mid-September.
The event came less than two months before the regulatory environment for practicing engineers in Botswana becomes fully operational. In September last year the Statutory Registration of Engineers began and engineers operating in the country were given a grace period of one full year to register with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB). That grace period will soon come to an end and by the 1st of September only registered engineers will be allowed to practice in the country. This is a major milestone for the profession as this development will make it the first fully regulated profession within the construction industry.
The Minister of Transport & Communications the Honourable Nonofo Molefhi was also on hand for the occasion and delivered a speech in which he reiterated Moseki’s concerns and expressed his support for the introduction of a law that would oblige engineers to produce a certificate of membership to the BIE and proof of subscription payment whenever they tender for government projects. For his part the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science & Technology Dikagiso Mokotedi cautioned that the payment of BIE subscriptions is fundamental to the concept of self-regulation and that if the situation carried on as it is now the Government may be forced to review selfregulation of engineers and possibly intervene on the regulation depending on its findings.
It wasn’t all good news though as the BIE President Linda Moseki delivered a speech in which she lamented that her organisation is currently facing financial difficulties despite having more than 1000 registered members. The problem stems from the fact that only 20% of registered BIE members have paid their subscription fees so Moseki appealed to members to come forth and pay their subscriptions to ensure the survival of the institute. She also encouraged
Certainly the engineering fraternity would not want go backwards after having achieved so much in setting an example for the industry at large by becoming the first fully self-regulated profession in the construction industry. The BIE will continue in its efforts to foster the growth of engineering in Botswana.
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Editor’s Note / Comments Page 17
The Resilient Property Market – Good news but more market data is needed to paint a clear picture
Understanding the Legal and Regulatory framework for PPPs in Botswana
by Reuben Lekorwe
of commitment to facilitate private sector participation in infrastructure. Any conduct averse to PPPs on the part of the government would be surprising as our country has elsewhere been hailed as one of the few, in terms of its Constitution, that grants investors sound protection provisions, particularly against expropriation without fair and prompt compensation, which is regarded by investors as amongst the most crucial standards of treatment.
by H. Killion Mokwete, RIBA Chartered Architect
The property market has yet again returned handsome results according to the just released IPD Botswana Consultative Index report for 2013. The results show an increase of 3.3% from about the same time last year. The building industry worldwide has somewhat dithered around normalcy since the devastating global recession of 2008. The construction and building industries are by default frontline sectors to be hit through spending cuts and austerity measures when economies slow down. Botswana’s government-reliant construction industry has been at the forefront of the effects of the government decision to freeze any new government projects for the past 4 consecutive budget years. It is therefore highly encouraging that even with the negative effects of the recession and reduced government spending, the property market has continued to hold steady and produce good returns. The IPD market data has provided the market with just about the only researched information to inform the state of the market. It is however worrying that this remains the only industry information and more so that the information is not indicative of the whole picture of the market. The six leading local participating companies are still not enough to paint a good picture of the holistic market.
BOIDUS TEAM
Wrongly, the companies participating are still doing it through the submission of information on a voluntary basis. In almost all cases, companies participating are either listed entities or institutional investors. Much more data is required from the likes of BHC, BDC and all other local developers with considerable portfolios. It also remains to be seen if the data is representative of the countrywide picture or just that of the Capital.
MANAGING EDITOR
SALES
H. Killion Mokwete
Tebogo Sekwenyane Thabo Sarona
DEPUTY EDITOR
Kibo Ngowi STAFF WRITER
Keeletsang P. Dipheko DESIGN
Bridget T. MacKean ACCOUNTS
Ngwewabo Mokwete
DISTRIBUTION
Martha Rooi GUEST COLUMNISTS
Euan Massey and Natalie Reyneke Jan Wareus Othata Batsetswe Phenyo Motlhagodi Reuben Lekorwe Tshepiso Motlogelwa
It is therefore apt to conclude that Botswana has no specific PPP legislation and must look to its neighbours for inspiration and guidance.
SADC HQ- PPP projects, BIFM Introduction A public private partnership (‘PPP’) is described as a contractual agreement between the Public sector and the Private sector sharing assets, risk and revenue to attain a commonly shared goal.
Lessons to be learned from South African PPP legislation In South Africa, the Ministry that approves PPP deals is the National Treasury. It has developed a PPP Manual and standardised PPP provisions to guide all projects of this nature. The manual defines a PPP as: a contract between a public sector institution and a private party, in which the private party assumes substantial financial, technical and operational risk in the design, financing, building and operation of a project. The Ministry’s PPP unit was set up in 2000 to oversee all PPPs at national and provincial level in terms of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999.
In Botswana the issue of PPP was first raised for discussion by the Government in 2000. In the year 2005, government embarked on an initiative to establish a framework for PPPs in Botswana, engaging consultants to assess the current landscape to establish whether policies, laws and institutions existed to facilitate the implementation of projects developed through the PPP model and also to determine other measures to create a more conducive environment
The South African government subsequently adopted a step-by-step process for implementing PPPs, rigorously regulated by the Treasury. This sets out the project cycle from inception (requiring the appointment of a full time project officer and specialist transaction advisors), a feasibility study (which must obtain treasury approval), procurement (which is the actual negotiation of and buy-in phase involving at least three treasury approvals), and contract management (which also entails treasury approvals if there are to be material amendments to the PPP agreement). The tests for the regulator at all phases are: affordability, value for money and appropriate risk transfer.
In 2009, Cabinet approved a PPP policy and an implementation framework. However, the success of PPPs in any country will depend, to a large extent, on the establishment of a framework comprising, among other things, appropriate legal provisions and an institutional establishment capable of effecting the efficient implementation of PPP projects.
The PPP manual refers to two specific types of PPPs: where the private party performs a function usually carried out by Government, such as providing water or maintaining a road; or where the private party acquires the use of state property for its own commercial purposes; or a hybrid of the two. Payment could involve the institution paying for the delivery of the service; or the private party collecting fees or charges
for PPPs.
The manual defines a PPP as: a contract between a public sector institution and a private party, in which the private party assumes substantial financial, technical and operational risk in the design, financing, building and operation of a project.
Find Boidus on:
www.boidus.co.bw
BOIDUS FOCUS
SUBSCRIBE NOW to Botswana’s
BUILT ENVIRONMENT N E W S P A P E R
To get your copy delivered to your door, send your details to:
KILLION
[GABORONE]
t +267 75505291 e killion@boidus.co.bw
WADA
[FRANCISTOWN]
t +267 71480679 e mail@boidus.co.bw
The status quo in Botswana Currently, the enabling frameworks are scattered in various statues and the most notable one concerns the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board, which approves awards of procurement entities and undertakes performance reviews of procurement entities.
from the users of the service; or a combination of these.
Although the Botswana Policy and implementation framework provides for the criteria and procedures for the awarding of contracts, including the principles and elements of the implementation process, the Policy has not yet been translated into legislation, in contrast to other countries such as Mauritius, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. In Mozambique a PPP Act and regulations have been adopted. In Zambia, even though the PPP Act was adopted in 2009, the regulations are still pending.
Firstly, there is the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 along with treasury regulations and treasury practice notes. These govern national and provincial government departments and public entities. Secondly, the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 and the treasury regulations and practice notes issued in terms of the Act. They govern the municipal sphere and regulate the initiation of feasibility studies for PPPs, and the procurement of PPP agreements along with the basic requirements with which PPPs must comply. Lastly, the various modules of PPP manual and Standardised PPP provision which are issued as the Treasury PPP Practice notes.
It has been argued that PPP laws and Policy statements may mirror governmental commitments to increase the role of the private sector in infrastructure investment. Botswana’s slothfulness in developing PPP-specific legislation may send a negative signal about the government’s lack
Suffice it to say that while the PPP legislative framework is not without its shortcomings, there are some useful statutes which can be used as reference documents for Botswana in establishing its own PPP legislation if so advised.
Reuben Lekorwe is Partner at Baoleki Attorneys, a private law firm specialising in commercial law.
Professional Practice Page 18
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
What is CONTRACTOR’S ALL RISKS INSURANCE? by Boidus Admin
There are broadly two types of construction risks insurance. The first covers damage to property, such as damage to buildings and other structures being constructed or to the existing building in which the construction is being carried out. The second covers liability for third party claims for injury and death or damage to third party property. Modern forms of contractors’ all risks policies cover both. The basic principle is that contractors’ all risks insurance covers those losses not covered by an ‘excluded peril’. Some contracts may exclude from cover risks such as defects due to ‘wear and tear, obsolescence, deterioration, rust and mildew, loss and damage arising out of war and for faulty workmanship and faulty design’. The benefit to the insured under this type of policy is that the burden is shifted to the insurer who, to resist the claim, is required to show that the cause of the loss falls within an exclusion.
This insurance is usually taken out in the joint names of the contractor and the employer. Other interested parties, such as funders, often ask to be added as a joint name. The theory is that if damage occurs to the insured property then, regardless of fault, insurance funds will be available to allow for reinstatement. The effect of joint names insurance is that each party has its own rights under the policy and can therefore claim against the insurer. Each insured should comply with the duties of disclosure and notification.
should not be regarded as a substitute because the third party with the interest on the policy is not a party to the contract of insurance and thus does not have any right to claim against the insurer, but does have entitlement to share in the insurance proceeds. Similarly, the insurer will not be precluded from exercising rights of subrogation against the third party.
Crucially, the insurer has no right of subrogation against the other insured party, which means that the insurer is not able to recover sums paid to one co-insured under the policy by pursuing a subrogated action in the name of the other insured.
BASIC Q&A ANSWERED ABOUT CONTRACTOR’S ALL RISK INSURANCE 1. What is this product? This policy is designed to meet the insurance obligations placed upon Contractors under the contract conditions. The policy provides cover for loss or damage to your Contract Works and your liabilities to third parties arising from you carrying out the Contract Works.
Contrast joint names insurance with having an interest noted on the policy. This is different and
2. What are the covers / benefits provided? Material Damage
ATTENTION CONTRACTORS
LET US TAKE YOUR RISK BECI is the only credit insurer in Botswana, set up in 1996. The primary function of BECI is the granting and development of credit insurance. The company has evolved through time into issuance of other related products, such as Construction Guarantees and related guarantees. BECI has been instrumental in the development of credit discipline in the country.
It covers almost any sudden and unforeseen physical loss or damage occurring (except as specifically excluded in the policy) to the contract works/property/items insured, during the period of insurance. Third Party Liability This section is in respect of third party liability for which we shall become legally liable to pay as damages consequent upon: ◦◦ Accidental bodily injury to or illness of third party ◦◦ Accidental loss or damage to property belonging to third party The period of cover is the duration of your Contract Works, including the Defects Liability or Maintenance Period of your contract and Testing and Commissioning. 3. How much premium do I have to pay? The premium charges are varies depending on the scope and nature of your Contract Works, and our underwriting requirements. 4. What are the fees & charges that I have to pay? ◦◦ Value added Tax ◦◦ Commission paid to the Insurance Intermediary (if any) – at percentage of the total premium 5. What are some of the key terms and conditions that I should be aware of? ◦◦ Importance of disclosure – You must disclose all material facts that you know or ought to know; otherwise your policy may be invalidated. ◦◦ You must take all ordinary and reasonable precaution for the safety of the property insured. ◦◦ Premium Warranty - The premium due must be paid and received by the insurer within thirty (30) days from the inception date of this policy/ endorsement/renewal certificate. Failure to pay the premium within this period, the contract is automatically cancelled and The Company is entitled to the pro rata premium on the period you have been on risk. ◦◦ Excess, being the amount you have to bear before we indemnify you. 6. What are the major exclusions under this policy?
With construction insurance from BECI, you can get on with your contract works without having to worry about the risks that often come with a project.
BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE
BECI provides guarantees to ensure that your contract will be performed according to its terms. In the event that the contract is not performed, BECI will pay damages if the contractor cannot. BECI surety bonds, or guarantees, include: • Bid/tender bond • Performance bond • Advance payment bond • Retention bond • Letters of intent
LOSS, DAMAGE AND INJURY BECI also provides insurance cover for: • Contractor’s All Risk, and • Worker’s Compensation For over 15 years, BECI has been helping entrepreneurs in Botswana to minimise credit risks, improve cash flow and focus on what really matters: growing their businesses.
Tel: +267 31 88015 Plot 142, Unit 1 Kgale Mews [Opposite Game City, next to ē voice]
www.beci.co.bw BECI is a subsidiary of Botswana Development Corporation
◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦ ◦◦
This policy does not cover the following: War and related risks Any act of Terrorism Radioactive and nuclear energy risks Willful acts or willful negligence Cessation of work Wear & Tear Faulty Design The cost of replacement, repair or rectification of defective material and/or workmanship ◦◦ Consequential loss of any kind 7. Can I cancel my policy? This Policy may be cancelled by the Policyholder at any time by giving a written notice to the Company; and provided that no claims have been made during the current policy year, the Policyholder shall be entitled to a refund based on our short period rates subject to a minimum premium retained by us. At BECI our Contractors All Risks Policy is designed to provide protection for building and civil works during the Contract Period. The policy is written to enable the Contractor or Employer to comply with the insurance requirements of the Contract and to cover the liability of the contractor for loss or damage during the maintenance period. Cover is available to protect against the cost of unforeseen loss or damage to building works, machinery movement, advanced business interruption and public liability, installation and construction plant. Cover could also be extended to cover surrounding property, removal of debris, offsite storage, escalation and theft on site. Annual policies can be arranged on declaration basis where the contractor handles many small contracts at the same time. Contact us at 3188015 for a competitive quotation.
FOCUS BOIDUS July 2014
Advertising Page 19
COMPANY PROFILE Scotch Macdonald (Pty) Ltd. Trading as Delta Glass & Aluminium has developed a wealth of experience over the years in Botswana Architectural Glass and Aluminium supply market. Delta Glass & Alu minium is Botswana’s foremost supplier of Suppliers of: an enormous variety of specialised glass PO Box AD 214 ADD Gaborone products and Architectural aluminium Architectural Aluminium & Botswana applications such as Shop front systems, Tel: (+267) 3925395 Glass, Curtain Wallings, Shower Curtain Wall, windows and doors, shower Fax: (+267)3925350 and Patio Doors cubicles, skylight and Louvers and numer ous other products that complement the Fenestration Industry. Plot 53609, Unit 7 Gaborone West Industrial As an active member of the Botswana BuCompany Profile Gaborone, Botswana reau of Standards technical advisory com mittee we at Delta Glass & Aluminium Scotch Macdonald (Pty) Ltd. Trading as Delta Glass & Aluminium has developed a wealth of Tel: (+267) 3925384 / 95 combine the technical expertise of the experience over the years in Botswana Architectural Glass and Aluminium supply market. Delta Fax: (+267) 3925350 most experienced glass and aluminium Glass & Aluminium is Botswana’s foremost supplier of an enormous variety of specialised glass Cell: (+267) 71321032 products and Architectural aluminium applications such as Shop front systems, Curtain Wall, designers and engineers in Southern AfriEmail: grantstacydelta@gmail.com windows and doors, shower cubicles, skylight and Louvers and numerous other products that complement the Fenestration Industry. As an active member of the Botswana Bureau of Standards technical advisory committee we at Delta Glass & Aluminium combine the technical expertise of the most experienced glass and aluminium designers and engineers in Southern Africa to render expert opinion on all aspects of aluminium and glass fenestration, we help determine the best solutions, both technically and economically, with systems and products that have been carefully engineered and thoroughly tested to comply with the most stringent performance specifications. Operating from our 1600 square metre warehouse in Gaborone west industrial, Delta has a most comprehensive distribution network in place to service local and northern businesses with our fleet of purpose built vehicles. Most importantly, Delta boasts a team of highly experienced technical, production and management personnel focused on maintaining the high level of service and quality standards for which we are renowned.
ca to render expert opinion on all aspects of aluminium and glass fenestration, we help determine the best solutions, both technically and economically, with systems and products that have been carefully engineered and thoroughly tested to comply with the most stringent performance specifications. Operating from our 1600 square metre warehouse in Gaborone west industrial, Delta has a most comprehensive distribution network in place to service local and northern businesses with our fleet of purpose built vehicles. Most importantly, Delta boasts a team of highly experienced technical, production and management personnel focused on maintaining the high level of service and quality standards for which we are renowned.
Bae Nature Enterprises T: +267 3901573 F: +267 3951441
* * * * *
Super Garage Door Bathroom furniture Wooden hand-crafted doors REPID Electric heating faucet Glass blocks
Visit us at our shop:
BAE NATURE (SUPER POWER DOOR) WE ARE HERE
SEFALANA NRUMARK ROAD
YEM Studios
BPC
Advertising Page 20
BOIDUS FOCUS July 2014
Specialists in LED LIGHTS and ENERGY SAVING LAMPS ED LIGHTS is not only a highly exclusive, designer inspired, modern lighting distributor it is also a phenomenon in Botswana. Our ever expanding product range provides lighting solutions to most sectors and is popular in homes, offices, retail spaces, manufacturing and hospitality environments across the country. Our range of light fittings represents the most unique style available globally with ingenious innovative ideas to save energy. Quality and safety requirements are enshrined in the ethics codes of ED LIGHTS. We ensure our customers receive the best by complying with world class quality and safety standards.
Unit 10, Western Industrial Estate BDC Complex, Block 3 Industrial, Gaborone Tel: 391 3506 | Fax: 391 3864 Email: info@edlights.co.bw
www.edlights.co.bw
OPEN ON SUNDAYS
All light fittings carry a
one year warranty.
Suppliers of: Architectural, Commercial, Domestic and Industrial Lighting Services offered: Lighting Layouts & Designs, Technical Expertise, and Lighting Consulting
Crystal Chandelier Lights | Modern Kitchen Lights | Driveway Lights | Garden Lights | LED Strip Lights | Living Room Lights