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CONT
05 | EDITORIAL COMMENT • HIV Offers a Silver Lining in Khama’s Dim Record
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2017
06 | NEWS • BIHL Trust donates to primary schools • Botswana has a “Serious” Hunger Problem • Botswana has Africa’s 4th best passport • The Day Francistown Turned 120 12 | COVER STORY • NONI MORUPISI:First with an Innovative Student Discount Card 16 | EXECUTIVE PROFILE • SETHUNYA MOLOSIWA: A Formidable Force in the Business of Risk Management 18 | ENGAGE WOMEN • Stanbic’s ‘Mphimi’ is Customer-centric to the Hilt 20 | LEADERSHIP • The Lion Heart that is SAMSON GUMA MOYO 22 | ANALYSIS • The China Factor in Kenya and Zimbabwe 24 | YOUTH IN BUSINESS • Black Taxis International: It’s about class • The Culinary Baron : A Nexus of Enterprise and Culinary Passion 28 | ENTREPRISE • Trust Counts for Everything at the Bus Rank Parcel Counter 30 | ECONOMY • Shine Starts to Fade on Botswana’s Diamond Dividend • Botswana to Name Developer of Gas Plant by Year’s End 34 | TOURISM • A Road Trip to Maf ’town is Highly Recommended 36 | TECHNOLOGY • Household Technology Can Aid the Learning of Children with ADHD • How Often to Clean an Iron and the Right Way to do It 38 | LIFESTYLE • BOOK REVIEW: This is a Most Relevant Read for “16 Days” • MUSIC REVIEW: BEST SONGS OF 2017 • FASHION: inBusiness Style Winners of 2017 46 | MOTORING • THE NEW BMW M4 GTS: An Engineering Tour de Force 48 | SPORTS • ‘Gender Discrimination is Still Rife in Sports’ • 2017: A year of Firsts and Feats for Botswana
DISCLAIMER:Many contributing writers to inBusiness are experts from various fields serving and providing advice to our readers in their individual capacities. That advice is the expert’s own and he/she is solely responsible for the information and opinions that he/she expresses. These experts may have interests in particular products, services or business entities that may influence the advice that they give. However, inBusiness is not responsible for any loss or damage, including - but not limited to - claims for defamation, error, loss of data or interruption in its availability arising from use of such advice. 4
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
EDITORIAL DECEMBER 2017
EDITORIAL EDITOR Douglas B. Tsiako NEWS EDITOR Tuduetso Tebape WRITERS Malebogo Ratladi Raymond Moremi Ononofile Lonkokile Bantle Tibe MARKETING & ADVERTISING Bone Letlole Disoso J. Pheto
HIV Offers a Silver Lining in Khama’s Dim Record
I
t is that time of the year when an overview of the last 12 months must be drafted and projections into the future, which are often limited to the nearterm, made. It is a ritual not easy to perform but one that must be done. The task is especially so at the end of 2017 because it spells the beginning of the exit from office of this country’s most disagreeable person to ever occupy the
presidency, Ian Khama. Disagreeable? While this adjective may provoke objection in some quarters and
enrage the person upon whom it is here being applied, it is difficult to attach it to any of the three men who came before Khama, including his father, Sir Seretse. At any rate, the provocation and the self-righteous anger – the controversy, even - would only prove the case. Ian Khama entered the scene after a superlatively messianic atmosphere was created for him by kingmakers in Serowe and inside the Botswana Democratic Party
DESIGN & LAYOUT Nkagisang T. Molefhe
at a time when the BDP was teetering on the brink of dissolution. Himself petrified of
PHOTOGRAPHY Baagedi Setlhora
to present an alternative, President Festus Mogae prevailed upon Khama to resign as
CONTRIBUTORS Alpha Molatlhwe Mosah Mokganedi
However, Khama proceeded to cause disquietude almost immediately when it was
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this prospect and its import for the country at a time when the opposition was too lame Commander of the Botswana Defence Force and appointed him Vice President. announced that he would go on an extended Sabbatical leave in terms that pointed to the political novice having his way right from the onset. But he was forgiven – some will say too readily – even as the drama unfolded because there was something of a histrionic art, even comedy, to the completely unexpected turn of events. The unsettling suspicion that Mogae may have invited a bull into a China shop was cast aide and the uneasy jokes about a dodo going on Sabbatical leave forgotten by a nation enrapt in the awe of another Khama at the helm. Afterall, Mogae recalled his right hand man from his unseemly leave. Fast-forward to 2010 when the Botswana Movement for Democracy is formed by MPs and other politicians defecting from the BDP over differences with Ian Khama, by now the country’s president since All Fools Day in 2008 and chairman of the BDP. In the preamble to its constitution, the BMD enunciated that it was coming into being “in order to interrupt and reverse the progressive destruction of their (Batswana’s) independence and the creation of what, by most accounts, threatens to be an authoritarian government”. Less than a year before becoming president, Khama had masterminded the dissolution of the Special Branch - a tried and trusted intelligence service that had carried Botswana through its most trying period when apartheid South Africa and its duplicitous Western allies threatened the country’s very sovereignty in the 1980s – to replace it with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Service (DISS) that gathered notoriety with alarming speed, thanks to the alacrity with which it proved itself ready
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to advance the parochial interests of the ruling party and promote the personal wishes of Ian Khama, including his expensive pastimes and costly idiosyncrasies. The suspicions engendered by the Sabbatical leave returned to haunt those who had dismissed them. And Mogae, now glum, had egg on his face, even though he did not confess it until years after he had retired. He and his predecessor, the late Ketumile Masire, had had to suffer in silence and acquiesce when Khama, in another of his moments of gross effrontery, told the two statesmen to stop thinking that they could run a “parallel government”. Their offence had been to try to restrain the President’s ever-worsening excesses that were threatening unity in the BDP and offending against the temperament of the nation. This was the same man who had used the opportunity
To Page 6 www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
5
EDITORIAL From Page 5
that expulsion of BaSarwa from Central
at Government Enclave. Exclusion of
of his inauguration as president on April
Kgalagadi Game Reserve was linked to
native Batswana from tourism as a sector
1, 2008 to express concern about use of
development of a mine there by a London-
continues inspite of a campaign by the
abusive language in public discourse.
based company, foreign investment has
World Tourism Organisation to indigenise
It seemed a flashback to a time when,
shrunken under Khama mainly because
and even bookings to destinations in
as vice president, Khama unwittingly
an untold legion of expatriates has been
Botswana are still made in South Africa.
declared himself a bibliophobic by stating
tossed out the country by presidential
how he did not read local newspapers
decree while renewal of work and
presents a case for sorrow. After years of
and was generally averse to reading.
residence permits has become arbitrary
exporting lucrative jobs to countries that
Consumed by an antipathy for journalists
partly for the reason that it depends on
never a stone mined, De Beers relocated
and their ‘damnable’ questions, he made
capricious recommendations of DISS.
aggregation of diamonds from London
Under
Khama,
the
mining
sector
these incongruent remarks in a speech at a
At the same time, in a country that
to Gaborone where Botswana may also
graduation ceremony where he should have
has always held aloft its banner of
market diamonds outside the company’s
been careful not to betray his antagonism
democracy and multiracialism, there is
channels.
for intellectuals and dialectical discourse.
concern that racism is rife under Khama
overpaid personnel were also brought
However,
more
than
100
In the course of time since, his
whose credentials as a conservationist
to Botswana to lord it over underpaid
government has proscribed advertising
are questionable not least because the
citizens in what is vaunted as the world’s
in the private media, doggedly fought
minister responsible for the environment
new diamond trading centre where
attempts to have a freedom of information
and wildlife management is his younger
beneficiation is limited to cutting and
law passed and exempted public media
brother who was quick to replace the
polishing before the companies began to
from any obligation to report equitably and
native permanent secretary that Tshekedi
go to the wall at an accelerated pace. This
impartially across the political spectrum.
found upon his appointment with a
is to say nothing of the robbery that lies
As Khama’s excesses gained momentum,
white man of a discreditable background
at the heart of all diamond agreements
he inveigled the Chief Justice to turn
from a racially-motivated scandal at the
between Botswana and De Beers over the
against his own brethren and sought to
Botswana Meat Commission. This is
years.
subvert justice by appointing his preferred
to say nothing of key shareholders and
But what is perhaps of more serious
jurists as judges of the High Court. Not
staffers in the voraciously rapacious safari
concern is how the country has become
unlinked to this, Khama has kept wages
companies in which the President has
the playground for hoodlums in suits who
suppressed and attempted to outlaw
equity or the government’s predilection
use Botswana for tax evasion and money
industrial action by declaring almost
for Caucasians as managers of lucrative
laundering, a frightful state of affairs
all categories of employment essential
tourism
whose
services. And in a move frightfully
bursting at the seams with unemployed
human trafficking, narcotics, gunrunning
invoking apartheid South Africa’s forced
managers.
engineered
and sex enslavement. However, while this
removals, BaSarwa have been driven off
similar machinations of white privilege
climate of thingamajig attracts scoundrels
their ancestral lands and leading figures
at
Organisation
and rats of the criminal underworld to
in the First Peoples movement prevented
where there is a pronounced preference
Botswana, President Khama evidently
from entering Botswana.
for Caucasian contractors for just about
prefers to stash his fortunes in offshore
any job in fulfillment of this colour bar
havens and is callous, even insouciant,
Strangely, while it has now been proven
6
destinations Tshekedi
Botswana
in has
Tourism
a
country
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
concomitants
everywhere
are
about it.
gunfire in May 2009, the motive behind
in 1993 after the pariah state and the PLO
At one stage, a question regarding
the pardoning of Kalafatis’ convicted
signed the Oslo Accords. Is ours a case of
whether this did not amount to dereliction
murderers and their reinstatement in their
hunting with hounds and running with the
on the part of the head of state elicited the
army posts, as well as what became of the
rabbits because we pronounce ourselves as
contemptible response from his office that
inquest into the extrajudicial execution
always standing with the Palestinians at
what the President did with his money was
promised by Ramadeluka Seretse, Khama’s
the United Nations while are thoroughly
the President’s business! Blasé to the hilt,
first cousin who was Minister of Defence,
with the Jewish state in our daily affairs?
the secretary who answered in this cynical
Justice and Security.
At this stage of this discussion, it may
manner, clearly a member of a growing
Another
army of sycophants and lickspittles, did
Botswana’s
not think it at least improper that Khama should deny Batswana the benefit of taxes
billion at a time when the country, which
Dolutegravir, DTG for short, the wonder
drawn from his vast financial resources.
enjoys the fantastic distinction of being the
drug that blocks HIV replication by
that
third most unequal society in the world, is
preventing viral DNA from integrating
harbours an animus for the media and
in the grip of “serious” hunger, according to
into the genetic material of human
intellectuals has yet to give a press
the latest Global Hunger Index that ranks
immune
conference. Should he do so in conclusion
Botswana 88 out of 119 countries. Or just
introduced in June last year. By this drug,
of what has been the party of his life,
where we stand in the comity of nations on
which is available to all HIV patients under
journalists may at last get to directly ask
the world stage: Why, for goodness sake,
the “Treat All” Campaign, Botswana is
the President what he knew of the order
we are so partial to apartheid Israel when
coming close, very close, to victory over
to eliminate John Kalafatis, the criminal
we have recognised the State of Palestine
the extremely malignant virus that causes
suspect who died in a hail of machine
since December 19, 1988 and Israel only
AIDS. Well done, Mr. President!
Predictably,
the
bibliophobic
question
may
from
be asked if Khama can find reprieve.
peace-time
It is a difficult question, but one that
acquisition of Gripen fighter jets for P10
may find mitigation for the President in
Khama-driven
rise
cells
(T-cells)
that
Khama
BIHL Trust donates to primary schools Words: Malebogo Ratladi
Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) recently presented a total of 1,512 netballs and 1,512 footballs to the Ministry of Basic Education, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Cultural Development. Presiding at the handing-over ceremony, the Chairman of BIHL Trust Major General Bakwena Oitsile said the donation signified a partnership between the BIHL Trust and Botswana Government to enhance sports in public schools. The donation would ensure that all 756 government primary schools in Botswana will receive two footballs and two netballs, Oitsile noted. “We therefore embarked on this campaign because of its communal relevance and we believe that sport can play a significant role in our national development,” he said “It is a viable means of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and professional sportspeople are also masters in their fields.” Oitsile added that sport is also a viable tool in education since it encourages behaviour such as teamwork, practice, problem-solving
BIHL Trust Chair, Major General Bakwena Oitsile and stress management. These are positive skills that students can apply in their daily lives even into adulthood. He expressed the hope that BIHL’s donation will go enrich the environments of learning in schools “We also see a grander picture that speaks of so much more in that this donation drive is a vehicle for the discovery of more change-makers in our communities,” he said. The BIHL Trust has partnered with the Ministry of Basic Education in particular for a number of major initiatives over the years. These include the Adopt-a-School programme which culminated in the adoption of 11 schools across Botswana, especially in rural areas. As part of this initiative, the BIHL Trust invested in the installation of libraries in the schools. The BIHL Trust also initiated a Literacy Programme in partnership with Ministry of Basic Education and Stepping Stones International (SSI). This programme trains primary school teachers to teach their pupils to read at appropriate age levels. www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
7
NEWS
DEX BY SEVERITY Iceland
Greenland
Finland
Sweden Norway
Russian Federation
Estonia Latvia United Denmark Lithuania Kingdom Belarus Neth. Poland Ireland Germany Bel. Lux. Czech Rep. Ukraine France Austria Slovakia Moldova Switz. Slov. Hungary Croatia Italy Bos. & SerbiaRomania Herz. Mont. Bulgaria Spain Mace. Albania Portugal Turkey Greece
Algeria
Libya
Syria
aiti
Pakistan
Kuwait
Bahrain Qatar Saudi U.A.E Arabia
Egypt
Niger
Mali Sudan Senegal Chad Gambia Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Guinea Benin Nigeria Côte Ghana Central South Sierra Leone d'Ivoire African Sudan Togo Liberia Republic Cameroon Uganda Equatorial Guinea Congo, Gabon Rep. Rwanda Congo, Dem. Burundi Rep.
Venezuela Guyana Suriname French Guiana mbia
Nepal Bhutan
Brazil
Myanmar
Eritrea Yemen
Viet Nam Sri Lanka
Singapore Indonesia Kenya Tanzania
T
Comoros Mozambique Mauritius
Botswana
Paraguay
Cambodia
Zimbabwe
Namibia Chile
Philippin
Brunei Malaysia
Zambia
Bolivia
Lao PDR
Thailand
Djibouti Somalia Ethiopia
Malawi
Angola
Taiwan Hong Kong
Bangladesh
India Oman
Mauritania
Trinidad & Tobago
S. Korea
China
Afghanistan
Iran
Iraq
Western Sahara Dominican Rep.
N. Korea
Georgia Uzbekistan Kyrgyz Rep. Azerb. Armenia Turkmenistan Tajikistan
Cyprus Lebanon Israel Jordan
Tunisia
Morocco
Mongolia
Kazakhstan
Madagascar
Swaziland Lesotho
South Africa
Uruguay ≤ Argentina
31.4
31.4
India
30.6
Djibouti
30.5
Guinea-Bissau
28.8
Mozambique
28.7
28.6
28.6
28.2
27.6
27.5
27.2
26.5
26.5
25.7
25.6
25.5
25.5
25.2
24.4
24.4
24.1
23.2
22.9
22.6
22.5
22.2
22.1
22.0
22.0
21.2
21.0
20.0
18.4
17.2
16.2
16.0
14.7
14.4
14.3
13.8
13.7
13.6
13.4
13.3
13.2
13.1
13.0
12.2
11.6
11.3
11.1
11.1
11.0
10.6
10.2
10.2
9.9
9.5
8
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
Tanzania
Tajikistan
Mali
Guinea
North Korea
Burkina Faso
Lao PDR
Malawi
Côte d'Ivoire
Bangladesh
Namibia
Republic of Congo
Sri Lanka
Nigeria
Mauritania
Botswana
Benin
world, hunger still persists - largely the product of various and severe inequalities. These inequalities are rooted in uneven power relations that often are perpetuated and exacerbated by laws, policies, attitudes and practices. As a way of redressing power imbalances in order to alleviate hunger among the most vulnerable, the organisation proposed measures like holding governments accountable with timely data, protecting citizens and ensuring standards in Business and Trade, as well as increasing support for small-scale food producers. Lesotho
Gambia
Iraq
Myanmar
Togo
Cambodia
Cameroon
Nepal
Indonesia
Swaziland
Kenya
Guatemala
Philippines
Senegal
Bolivia
Ghana
Vietnam
Egypt
Ecuador
Honduras
points reflects serious hunger levels, between 35 and 49.9 it is alarming while it is extremely alarming if over 50. Botswana has a score of 24.4 which is at the centre of the “serious” category. Although this score has gradually improved over the years, Botswana is not yet outside the danger zone. According to the report, it scored 33.8 in 1992, 33.0 in 2000 and 30.7 in 2008. In the African region, the report indicates that Botswana is hungrier than only 14 countries, trailing the likes of South Africa, Lesotho, Gabon and Kenya. IFPRI observed that although enough food is produced globally to feed the
Gabon
Nicaragua
Mongolia
Mauritius
South Africa
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Turkmenistan
Dominican Republic
Oman
El Salvador
Albania
Paraguay
Thailand
Morocco
Malaysia
Suriname
Guyana
B
otswana has a “serious” hunger problem and ranks 88th out of 119 countries on the global hunger index. Now in its 12th year, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional and national levels. The index is published by Washington DC-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in collaboration with German-based NGO Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide. A GHI score of between 10.0 and 19.9 reflects moderate levels, 20 and 34.9 Azerbaijan
9.3
9.2
8.7
8.1
Words: Raymond Moremi
Algeria
Kyrgyz Republic
Panama
Peru
9.6
…Trails Lesotho and Gabon
ils
20.7
Botswana has a “Serious” Hunger Problem
nt concern*
Lebanon
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) http://www.globalhungerindex.org/
Botswana has Africa’s 4th best passport • • • •
Japan
Botswana Passport is 54th most powerful in the world Batswana can travel to 72 countries, without applying for visas Botswana has opened bordergates to 103 countries where citizens of those nations can come through visa-free, or receive visas upon arrival Botswana passport is one of the most affordable in the world to obtain
72.
The vast majority of countries where
nes
Batswana can freely travel are located in Africa, along with Asia and Latin America. These countries include
Ghana, Malaysia, Turkey, Singapore, the Philippines, Jamaica, Ireland, Iran and
Papua New Guinea
Hong Kong.
Perusing through the index, it becomes
clear that although Batswana can travel
Timor-Leste
to 72 countries without any restrictions, the country has in turn opened its
bordergates to 103 countries where
Fiji
Australia
A
citizens of those nations can come
through visa-free or receive visas upon
Words: Raymond Moremi ccording to findings of the
latest annual passport index, Batswana are able to travel 50.9
pretty much anywhere in 43.5
theNew world without worrying about visa Zealand 38.5
38.3
38.2
36.1
35.5
35.3
34.5
34.3
34.2
33.8
33.3
The index is compiled by Arton Capital,
32.6
32.5
32.3
32.0
31.4
restrictions or annoying bureaucracy. which is the most interactive tool to
curate, sort and rank passports of the
of 72 countries offer Batswana either
visa-free access or a visa-on –arrival
travel, indicating a relatively moderate level of travel freedom.
Along with the 47 countries that
on the total number of countries that
countries where they can receive a visa
visa-free, there are an additional 25
upon arrival, bringing the total score to
This border openness makes
Botswana the 44th most welcoming country in the world.
Among African countries, Botswana
has the fourth most powerful passport, hobbling behind the Seychelles,
Mauritius and South Africa who have held the position of most powerful
passports on the continent respectively for two years in a row.
In sharp contrast, Somalia, Ethiopia
and South Sudan have the least desirable passports in Africa.
Central African Rep.
Chad
Sierra Leone
Madagascar
Zambia
Yemen
Sudan
Liberia
Niger
Timor-Leste
Haiti
Zimbabwe
Afghanistan
Pakistan
Angola
Ethiopia
The index granted Botswana a visa-
free score of 72. This means that a total
Batswana passport holders can enter
passport holders can travel to without the Uganda
visa-on-arrival destinations.
world. It studies and analyses the power
of every country’s travel document based
Rwanda
need for a visa, including visa-free and
arrival.
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
9
NEWS
The Day Francistown Turned 120 Words: Koziba Malibala
E
very one of our lives is a page
of Francistown to continuously review
the Cape to Cairo Railway planned by Cecil
of our history. History is who
strategies to keep up with current trends
John Rhodes and the British government.
we are and why we are the
as doing so would enable transformation
The plan was that the railway line would
way we are. History cannot
of the city to make it a major investment
pass through the Francistown region and
give us a programme for the
and tourist. He said this could also be
straight to Bulawayo without a station of any
future but it can give a fuller understanding
done at global level through strategic
sort in Francistown. However, when gold
of ourselves and of our common humanity
partnerships and proper profiling of
was discovered by European settlers in the
so as to better face the future. History is a
investment opportunities in and around the
Francistown region, they decided to build a
tool that often invokes memories that ignite
city. Initiatives such as twinning with other
railway station. That was the beginning of
passions which, in the case of Francistown’s
municipalities around the world are quiet
Francistown.
glorious past, are not just memories but a
commendable.
pointer to greater things to come. On 28 October 2017, many Francistowners
History shows that Francistown is the
Prior to independence, Francistown was Bechuanaland’s largest commercial centre.
oldest town in Botswana and is considered by
The town was named after a certain William
drove to Francistown Stadium to celebrate
many as the capital of Northern Botswana.
Daniel Francis, a founding director of Tati
120 years of their city’s existence. This 120th
It is conveniently placed as a stopover city
Concessions Limited Company that owned
anniversary celebration was graced by The
between the southern part of Botswana and
the land surrounding the railway line which
President of the Republic of Botswana, Ian
the country’s major safari destinations like
over the years evolved to become the Tati
Khama, as the keynote speaker. President
the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Company (Pty) Ltd. The company was
Khama noted that the nation must be
and Chobe National Park.
formed with the permission of the British
appreciative of the strides that Francistown
This is how it all started
had made in its 120 years of existence as
The Bechualand Protectorate
a commercial centre of repute since the
In 1885, the territory that is today
government. A collection of Francistown records at Botswana National Archives and Records
discovery of gold and other minerals long
Botswana officially became the British
Services in both Gaborone and Francistown
ago.
Protectorate of Bechuanaland. This led to the
indicates that William Daniel Francis
British setting up of administration centres
was among people who negotiated Tati
throughout the territory.
Concessions in 1883 with Lobengula, the
He said the growth of the population of Francistown, coupled with a large number of day visitors from surrounding villages and neighbouring countries, had led to substantial growth in investment and business. Khama implored the people
chief of amaNdebele. It is said that this
The railway line from Mafikeng to Bulawayo
Francis had partnered with Cecil John
The segment of the railway line that ran
Rhodes in De Beers Mining Company
through Bechuanaland was actually a part of
in South Africa and had to come to Bechuanaland to open a gold field.
Discovery of gold and the Tati Concessions Company Gold was discovered in 1867 along the Tati
10
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
River, prompting a rush of prospectors from
who were transported to South Africa via
Since 1966, Francistown has grown
Australia, South Africa and other countries
Francistown either by plane or train. Some
significantly mainly due to active cross-
around the world that in turn triggered
recruits were brought from Kasane, Maun
border trading with Zimbabwe, formerly
an economic boom around Francistown.
and Shakawe by trucks to Francistown.
Rhodesia. With the city located astride
Eventually, when mining became challenged
Then they would go by train to South
Botswana’s A1 Highway and the railway line
by issues like a need for heavy machinery,
Africa. Records show that WENELA built
of historical significance, industries such
Tati Concessions was formed in 1886 and
Francistown’s old airport to fly the migrant
as mining, manufacturing, commerce and
its operations flourished. In 1887, Cecil
workers to mines in South Africa.
agriculture have been essential parts of its
Rhodes’ British South Africa Company built
Francistown was the main hub of this
economy.
a railway from Capetown through south of
migrant labour system for South Africa
Nyangabgwe Hill to Bulawayo. The railway
mines and was the largest commercial centre
visitors to what is now Botswana’s second
line still stands today.
in Botswana prior to independence, making
city can go sightseeing to enjoy places
the town a strategic gateway to the rest of
of historical significance, among them
of settlements by Tati Concessions to give
Africa. It is still is today. Accordingly to
Christian churches, Muslim mosques and
way to the railway line. The company owned
records, WENELA also built the Francistown
Baha’i centres.
the land that was to become Francistown,
Club and operated an outdoor cinema that
Interesting Facts about Francistown
and in August of 1897, it sold part of the land
was the first-ever in Botswana.
• Prior to independence, Francistown was
Records indicate that there was movement
for residential and commercial purposes.
Gauteng’s discovery of gold was sparked
Francistown has grown so much that
the largest centre of commerce in Botswana.
That day marked the official formation of
by Francistown’s discovery of gold before
Francistown. So Francistown was essentially
it, leading to the industrialisation of South
was one of the first gold rushes in Africa and
formed as a mining town.
Africa’s Witwatersrand region as we see it
the first in southern Africa.
In 1911, Tati Concessions was officially acknowledged by the Protectorate
today. Haskins Street was named after a well-
• The gold rush in Francistown in the 1800s
• The photo below shows a Baobab tree (the independence tree) in a park. The tree
government. Eventually Daniel Francis
known businessman in Francistown prior to
was planted in 1966 by the first Mayor
retired from the company before he died in
independence. Another street of significance
Francistown, Kathleen Mincher, to mark the
1920 at the age of 80 years. This is the man
is Blue Jacket Street. According records
independence of Botswana.
from whom Francistown got its name.
obtained from Francistown Records Centre,
The Witwatersrand Native Labour Association The mining of gold sustained the
Francistown was declared a Township Authority by the High Commissioner Notice No.27 of 1960. Then at independence in 1966,
economy of Francistown from the late
the Francistown Town Council Order and
1800s till around 1930s.Unfortunately this
Legal Notice No.50 was the instrument by
mining boom came to an end during the
which local Francistown Town councillors
global depression of the 1930s. If we are
exercised their powers to develop and bring
to fast-track to a period between 1936 to
services to the people of Francistown.
1980, Francistown was largely sustained
On 30 August 1997, President Ketumile
by the operations of the Witwatersrand
Masire conferred city status on Francistown.
Native Labour Association, better known
He derived his authority to do so from
by WENELA, the company that recruited
Section 3 of the Townships Act. On this
labour for South African mines. These mine
day, Francistown was also celebrating 100
workers were recruited from many African
years of existence and, according to records,
countries from as far as Malawi and Angola
Francistown was celebrated in grand style.
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11
COVER STORY COVER STORY
12
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
NONI MORUPISI:
First with an Innovative Student Discount Card Her philosophy is that no matter the state of the economy, students shouldn’t have to suffer in obtaining their education because that is the tool by which to improve their lot in future, writes RAYMOND MOREMI
A
dvances in technology, financing and corporate culture are behind the rising power and influence of start-ups all over the world, many of which are owned by women. Indeed, research shows that female-led businesses make up 30% of companies around the world. The number rises each year and there is an increasingly diverse number of women breaking free of the 9-5 beat to create their own businesses. In the process, more women are dissolving the cult of domesticity as they chart a course for the next generation of savvy businesspeople to follow. Highly driven, Nonhlanhla Morupisi is one such woman who has seized the day and is not looking back. My first impression of Noni, as she is affectionately known, is one of confidence and determination. Her drive and enthusiasm are obvious from the moment you meet her. With her midnight-black hair that flows over her shoulders, her perfectly arched brows that rest comfortably on her full-on-glam face and her sparkling personality, she
comes across as someone who has a toolbox awash with the right instruments and stamina to ease her journey and success on the entrepreneurial circuit. For the next two hours of our interview, I realise my assessment was spot on. She’s just as likely to dish out tips on contouring and perfecting the smoky eye as on how to fast-track her start-up to where it is now and where it is headed. While several new enterprises in the local business arena are plunged into oblivion even before they unpack, Noni is determined to see hers make progress and gain long years of maturity.
Spreading her Wings This is the founder and CEO of Inon Africa (her name spelt backwards), a company that aims to give first world solutions to problems faced by the people of Botswana. Inon runs the Student Discount Card (SDC), a leading and first-of-its-kind service provider that ensures that students can have access to certain items at relatively cheaper prices. With a focus mainly on tertiary students, the SDC service partners with businesses and negotiates with them appropriate
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
13
discounts on goods and services that best satisfy the needs and wants of students. As Noni says, the service seeks to improve the wellbeing of students while enhancing their tertiary experience. She explains further: “The card provides discounts on purchases, including of meals, books, transport, fashion and beauty products, stationery, IT gadgets, health and fitness, and entertainment, as well as other essentials for cardholders. Importantly, the card helps students develop a savings habit through the discount purchases.” While its focus is mainly on assisting students, t h e
14
SDC is also beneficial to local businesses looking to reach new customers or to strengthen their relationship with existing customers. The product offers businesses a simple, cost effective way to position and market products and services to a highly sought after target audience. Noni wants it known that the SDC of Inon Africa is a first-of-its-kind service on the local student market and that she is mightily proud of the fact. “This is a product that many students will soon be queuing up for,” she asserts. “During the month of September alone, we had more than 650 student registrations,” she continues. “Demand for the product is ever peaking because the benefits enjoyed by holders of the card are exclusive privileges, especially when viewed against unfavourable economic policies.” As a matter fact, it is against the background of the economic downturn that Botswana has yet to emerge from that Noni’s product was born. The idea is that being at the lower end of the economic spectrum, students should have to suffer in their pursuit of education that should ultimately help
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
improve their lot. “As a young person who has gone to obtained tertiary education in Botswana, I understand the struggles that students face,” Noni says. “Our business philosophy is therefore predicated on putting the needs of students first. It is for this reason that the SDC is accessible exclusively to students enrolled at local institutions.” Noni holds a Certificate in Business Accounting from Botswana Accountancy College and a Higher National Diploma in Business Marketing and Finance from Manchester, England. Her company was officially launched five months ago when her pregnancy reached full term, Inon Africa SDC has 11 employees excluding Noni. The enterprise has a Marketing Manager and 10 student ambassadors who are responsible for registering and selling the SDC card at different tertiary institutions. The card, which is black and gold in colour, bears a student’s details on the front and a barcode that enables transacting companies to scan at pay points on the back. It is valued at P200. “To redeem discounts, all a student needs do is present their card at the point of payment at any of our partner organisations,” Noni explains. At the moment, INON is in partnership with six organisations that offer a wide range of discounts and deals to students. These are Debonairs Pizza, Chicken Express, Jack’s Gym, The Mani-Pedi Shop and Deluxe Cabs. “We also have commitments from Tiger Brands who are creating campaigns for our target markets,” she says. “These brands include Jungle Oats, Energade, Oros, Beacon Chocolate, Sweets and Status deodorant, brands popular with students.” Inon Africa has the potential for exponential growth. Statistically speaking, there are approximately 19,900 individuals being enrolled with the University of Botswana alone. If the stars align themselves
properly and the enterprise had only 50% of this number, Noni and her team could expect to roll in P1.9 million! But as exciting as this may sound, Noni says financial wealth is not the only goal.
“It is how we choose to pursue our goals that matters more,” she says. “It is the lessons we learn in the process and how positively we influence the people we meet along the way. That is the major goal.”
Family Noni was born on March 10, 1993. Now 24, she stands on the threshold of her prime in both her personal and professional life. She and her husband, Judd Scott, have a daughter, London, who is now three months old. The lovebirds tied the knot in May this year. “So the universe blessed you in threes this year?” I note. “Business, Marriage and Child!” She laughs heartily, revealing a set of gleaming pearl-white teeth. “Pretty much, yeah! My family and my business mean the world to me. To be able to get my life goals off the ground at a go is a big full circle moment for me as a young person,” Noni agrees. Even so, she knows that doing it all — family, career, community — can be a tough balancing act. When she needs help, she turns for advice to Scott. “I’m very blessed to have a remarkable support structure in the form of my husband,” she beams. “Choosing him as my husband was a no brainer. He is smart and he understands me. The point is that I am attracted to intelligence. You could graduate from the best or most elite college, but if you’re clueless about the world and society, you are hopeless.”
“And though I learnt to outgrow that pain as I matured, it’s an on-going process because I still struggle with the complex of ‘do I fit in?’ But I am now comfortable with who I am and the woman that have become.”
Growing up Being raised by ecclesiastical parents with five other children shaped the kind of person that Noni. A part of reflects growing up in South Africa where she was sent to boarding school at the age of 10. Being young and alone in a different environment meant Noni had to build her self-confidence early. And true to form, she is not evasive even when she talks about her problems like being “a tall and overweight kid”, who attracted the attention of bullies at boarding school. “I was bullied a lot”, she remembers. “I remember the self-condemnation, episodes of self-hate because of my size, public weigh-ins and uniforms that were uncomfortable because they were either too short or too small.” www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
Noni’s Philosophy This woman is the captain of her own ship now. Over time, tenacity kneaded with fortitude to give her the heart to get Inon Africa off the ground. “It’s not an easy road, but you need to remind yourself of the little things,” she says. “It’s working into the night and reminding yourself to celebrate the smallest of victories. It’s wrapping your whole heart around a problem because you know it can be solved. That’s what keeps me going.” One life lesson that can be sourced from Noni’s story, is that sometimes all you need is to think about a problem or a gap in the market and jump on it. But it is important to ensure that you are passionate about it to keep the momentum through the tricky parts of starting a business. 15
EXECUTIVE ANALYSIS PROFILE
16
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
SETHUNYA MOLOSIWA:
A Formidable Force in the Business of Risk Management
She believes the Universe conspired with her because as her parents were beginning to look their daughter kind of sideways for choosing the strange career path, there was opening for an actuarial student at Botswana Life. This winsome woman has gone from student to Chief Operations Officer in 10 short years! Words: Tuduetso Tebape
S
ethunya Molosiwa is, to say the
were good at mathematics, you had to
began her rise up the ladder at Botswana
least, an outstanding woman.
become an engineer or a mathematics
Life. After joining in 2005, Molosiwa was
Her personal achievements,
teacher, and I knew I was not interested in
promoted to Actuarial Manager in 2008.
career
background
any of those.”
Soon after that, in 2011, she began heading
personal
growth
and all
Molosiwa says upon learning from
up the company’s Actuarial Department
shaped her into the seasoned executive
a career guidance teacher about the
and in March 2015 became the Chief
sitting at the helm of Operations at
profession, something inside her lit up and
Operations Officer, making a massive
Botswana’s oldest insurance company,
she knew it was exactly what she wanted
transition from the actuarial field into
Botswana Life.
to do with her professional life.
operations.
have
Molosiwa has held the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Botswana Life since March 2013. Although she has only ever worked at Botswana Life, she is a dynamic professional who has steadily grown at the organisation she has been employed at since she was a recent university graduate. From her first day at Botswana Life, Molosiwa has progressively risen up the corporate ladder and is admired by many of her peers, young and upcoming
“In making my decision to study it, my parents thought I was the craziest person ever,” she recalls. “But I stood my ground. The universe sort of conspired with me because then there was an opening in the field.”
2005: “I was on the unemployed path for a few months and then started working as an actuarial student. Yes, that’s what we were called back then.” When she started as an actuarial student, Molosiwa was one of very few such skilled professionals in Botswana - one of four or five, no more than that. “I’ve been labelled as one of the pioneers in the actuarial field in Botswana,” she explains. “But I didn’t set out to be a pioneer. I just was somebody who wanted a career that allowed me to use my mathematical skills. When I was in secondary school,Ku the norm was if you Klux Klan
journey from the beginning to the end,” she says. “So, from the point the customer signs the application form, I’m responsible for making sure we asses it, we accept it and then as the client is part of the business, I’m responsible for making sure that we collect our premiums. Should you need to claim or have any inquiries, I’m responsible for our customer service as well. My role is really to ensure that the engine is running and that the clients are being serviced as expected. ”
professionals. Says she about days leading up to her employment at Botswana Life in
“I like to say I am part of the customer’s
For Molosiwa, moving from the actuarial According to Molosiwa, the simplistic
field to operations was the big change on
explanation of what actuaries are is that
many levels, but one she has adapted to.
they are professionals who make financial
“I have also had to learn how to be more
sense of the future. They will project what
firm and adjust my management style,”
will happen in the future historically
she continues. “In the actuarial field, I had
around people’s mortality, how long they
very similar people and in the operations
will live and how many children will be
space I have had to give a whole lot more
born later on. With that information,
guidance in terms of what I expect from
the actuary comes back to explain the
my team.”
financial risks and uncertainties to the client and how this can be managed.
In the hip-hop culture, the phrase ‘stay winning’ is used to describe a person,
After joining as an actuarial student and
place or situation which just doesn’t miss
armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree
any targets. Sethunya Molosiwa certainly
in Actuarial Studies from Australia, she
stays winning.
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
17
ENGAGE WOMEN
Stanbic’s ‘Mphimi’ is Customercentric to the Hilt It was while she was on stage that I first encountered Omphemetse Dube, Head of Personal Markets at Stanbic Bank. Her calibre as a professional and inspiring woman was further proven by the company her fellow speakers, among them Founder of Sleek Foods Nkata Seleka, Group CEO of BIHL Catherine Lesetedi and
18
Founder and CEO of RH Diamonds Rutang Moses. The occasion was the Stanbic Bank Lioness Lean-In Breakfast Seminar at the Avani in early October. inBusiness’ TUDUETSO TEBAPE subsequently seized the opportunity for an interview with the mother of two. Excepts:
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
Q: Please explain what your position as Head of Personal Markets, entails?
A:
I look after personal markets and it
entails different personal segments. It’s your private banking, executive banking, achiever banking and branch customers. We take care of our customer value propositions - what is it that our customers are looking for, how do we keep up with customer demands in the market and how to do we keep up with competition and ensure that we give them proper, packaged solutions for their everevolving lives.
Q: Your profile shows you have had progressive growth in the financial industry. Please explain what attracted you to enter into this as a career?
A: I’m a trained chartered accountant and
so I’ve always loved numbers. I think the
bank, in my mind, is the one place where you are able to broaden all your capabilities within the financial industry. In the financial industry, you have to deal with numbers and ultimately with customers. I think it’s a mixture of both and you realise all the things inside of you that you think you possessed like a love for customer service backed up by a love for numbers. It’s just explosive.
Q: But a stereotype holds that women are not good with numbers. Considering your success and progressive rise in the financial industry, how do you view this stereotype?
A:
Women are capable of anything.
Anything! As I’m saying, we deal with numbers. Then you couple that with service. We are taught at home. It’s how you treat your relatives and how you grow up within a family set up. What it takes to prepare a meal and serve that meal. It’s exactly how we treat our customers. So I think for me, if you personalise it and add the numbers to it, it (the woman) becomes a deadly combination.
Q: What does a typical day in your schedule look like?
A: Often times people say that bankers
never leave banking. It’s what keeps people young. Every day is different from the next
and you can never predict it. I try to plan my day from morning by listing the critical things which I must accomplish, but as the day goes on and it’s mid-morning, you are being pulled into meetings. Yet in your subconscious mind you keep aware of the most important and critical things which you have to achieve in that day. Prioritising is very important. You picture that list which made at the beginning of the day or week. I usually do it on a Monday for the rest of the week. The top six things; making sure that as everything else comes, you re-shuffle as much as you need to in order to ensure that at the end of the week you have completed your priorities.
Q: How do you maintain a work and life balance?
A:
It’s a stretch! Everyone who knows me
knows that I have two boys aged 10 and 4 whom I love very much. I always make sure that I pick them up from school. I pick them up from school and drop them off at home because I make time for them. It means that when at work, I have to really focus on what I have to do. You just have to make sure that you focus. Every minute counts nowadays, so you just have to make sure you utilise every moment as effectively as you can.
Q: Why do you believe that encouragement and support of women for other women is important?
A: It is amazing what women are now
evolving to do things for other women. We have to use the positions that women have that are limited in Botswana that support the ideas we have on the ground. To assist women who are up and coming and may be there but are not where they think they should be. I mean when women work, they feed their kids and encourage other women to do the same. They create more jobs. We really need to encourage assistance of women by other women.
Q: In what ways do you show support other women?
A: Any opportunity I get to sit and chat
about a woman and her future and what you think you’ve seen through your life, I usually utilise those moments. I try to make as much time as possible for that.
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
‘Mphimi’ makes no ado about nothing
F
rom the moment of asking for this interview and eventually sitting down for it was such a breath of fresh air that the adverb “eventually” is a superfluity. Dube, or ‘Mphimi,’ as Stanbic’s Head of Personal Markets is affectionately known, had been on stage speaking of the value of women supporting one another and learning from one another. Commending platforms such as the one created at the Lioness Lean-In Breakfast Seminar, she left the impression of being a woman fit to engage with in this section of inBusiness Magazine. However, a lucky journalist practising in Botswana must run the gauntlet of barriers before an interview with a corporate professional of Dube’s stature is granted. Mercifully this was not the case here. ‘Mphimi’ agreed almost with alacrity to be interviewed when she was approached soon after the seminar. No requests for e-mails sent through stuffy PAs; no request for a questionnaires to be sent via Public Prevention Officers who pass for PROs; no two-week (or longer) delays during which a thankless cat-and-mouse game ensues between reporter and quarry. Most significantly, there was not a single mendacious gobetween before Dube granted the face-to-face interview sought. By Botswana standards, our conversation-style interview with Dube came in record time four days after the request was made. And when we finally sat down for it, the answers came without difficulty. A cheerful Dube spoke about her career, her background and her insight into what women breaking gender stereotypes do. 19
LEADERSHIP
The Lion Heart that is SAMSON GUMA MOYO Words: Tuduetso Tebape
A
n accomplished politician and flourishing industrialist, Moyo seems to inhere the strength of the biblical Samson supported by the heart of a lion There is so much to write about Samson Guma Moyo that when an opportunity to sit down with him for a conversation about his background and life leading up to the man that he is today presents itself, the writer jumps at the chance. She worries later about how to sift through the yards of notes and the recorded interview to extract the marrow for presentation in written form without stinting the reader or diminishing the fullness of the subject. Herein lies the gift and curse of writers: the ability to see a story and communicate it without undue subtraction or careless embellishment. But why should we communicate our leaders’ stories? The primary reason is that a man like Samson Guma Moyo is one of society’s prominent figures and so people need to know who he is. Love him or hate him, Moyo will be documented in Botswana’s history books as a shrewd businessman and a captivating politician who often breaks ranks with party for the benefit of the common good, hence the constituency of Tati East has repeatedly returned him to Parliament since 2004. Much of the intrigue about Moyo’s status is crystallised by the contrast
20
Samson Guma Moyo
between his life today and the difficult conditions under which he was raised. Invariably described by those who know him well as a self-made man, there was certainly no silver spoon in his mouth as a youngster The fifth child and first born son in a family of seven siblings, a series of pivotal events in Moyo’s early life began around the time when his parents separated when he was 6 or 7 years old. Consequently, as is often the case when parents part ways, Moyo underwent a www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
significant amount of shuttling between families - living with his mother and later his father’s new family where he became just one of many other children to form what in today’s world is described as a blended family. At around this time, his older sister was in Form 2 in Zimbabwe but had to quit school to return home and become a maid so as to help raise her siblings. But she proved a woman of grit at an early age because this did not deter her from pursing her dream of becoming a
nurse. Studying by correspondence, she graduated and was posted at Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Kanye. Her determination to make something of her life regardless of the odds she faced rubbed off on Moyo. “I’m talking about her because she was the one who motivated me,” he says. “Because I was the firstborn son, she told me I had to carry the torch and be strong. She told me to go to school and study hard. Every Friday, we would collect firewood from our 20-hectare farmland at Matshelagabedi by donkey cart to sell. This she did with me after knocking off from her work so that we could buy food and clothes for ourselves.” These early days of hardship developed Moyo into the resilient man that he is today. “My entrepreneurial skills started one day when I picked up a Two Rand note,” he remembers. “I bought two bags of oranges and soon established myself on the beat of selling oranges. I bought clothes and things for myself with the money.” He looks upon this and other episodes in his early life as the genesis of his business acumen that today sees him run diversified businesses, including United Refineries Botswana (URB), a Francistown-based cooking oil refinery plant that is changing the face of manufacturing in Botswana. Asked what accounts for Moyo the politician, and “Unexpectedly,” comes the adverb in answer. He explains that he was nudged by certain people into politics, especially the incumbent Mayor of Francistown, Sylvia Muzila, then District Commissioner for Botswana’s second city. “I was invited from nowhere,” Moyo says. “There was this new constituency and I thought it was a joke, but she insisted I was the best person to stand to become MP for Tati East. I later approached President (Ian) Khama for his views, and he said I was the right guy. He said, ‘do it’ and I said, ‘yes.’ When I thought about it harder, I did think I could do it, especially as I was coming from a very difficult business
environment.” That was in 2004 when BDP primaries saw the political novice pitted against a distant relative, Chapson Butale, a seasoned politician who had all the posture of a strong candidate. To tackle this old hand, Moyo devised strategies that were quite unusual at the time. He hosted voter education workshops at which he raised and tackled issues and mounted massive music and entertainment shows at his rallies. He remembers that Maxi, then an emerging but relatively unknown artist, proved a crowd puller at his rallies. The new kid on the block was proving an unlikely tough nut, causing Chapson to chafe under his onslaught. Moyo has been the MP for Tati East ever since. Thanks to Moyo’s prominence in society and the various roles he plays, some in the public sector that come with
the turf of being an MP, he commands considerable respect beyond the boundaries of his constituency. The man points to Botswana’s founding president, Seretse Khama, as an outstanding exemplar of leadership who has had a great influence on him. “My style of leadership has always been to work with everybody,” he says. In Moyo’s view, leadership is an art. He says people become poor leaders when they enter office, especially public office, without the intention to listen or serve others. After sitting down with Moyo and listening to him for just under an hour, it becomes clear how far he has come from his early days as a young boy herding sheep and goats. In addition to 15pence, a white farmer for whom the lad who had to earn his keep early worked used to pay Moyo in kind every Friday – a measure of phaleche (maize meal), nama (meat relish). That lad is now an industrialist with a growing export market and a politician of proven staying power who also runs a media company. “Life owes you nothing,” he says of his philosophy. “If you’re not going to stand up and work but expect someone to give you something, you’re making a big mistake.”
United Refineries Botswana (URB), a Francistown-based cooking oil refinery plant www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
21
ANALYSIS
The China Factor in Kenya and Zimbabwe
As Kenya and Zimbabwe navigate their political futures, much in both countries will no doubt change – one hopes for the better. In any case, their ties with China will be an important metric in assessing their trajectory, and here Zimbabwe may have the advantage, writes HANNAH RYDER*
Robert Mugabe addresses party members and officials gathered at his party headquarters on Nov. 8 JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images (http://nationalpost.com)
A BEIJING
sk anyone with a basic knowledge of Africa which
But as a Kenyan living in China, one of
the African continent’s most important
Kenya – and he or she will
that tips the scale in Zimbabwe’s favour:
undoubtedly answer “Kenya.” Events of the last week would seem to confirm On
political future is far from certain.
country is more poised for
success – Zimbabwe or
that verdict.
the country may be ecstatic now, its
November
27,
after
Kenya’s
Supreme Court upheld the reelection
in years. Zimbabwe, on the other hand,
is without President Robert Mugabe for
the first time in 37 years. And, although 22
Kenya’s
economic
links
to
long cooperated on large infrastructure
fact, Zimbabwe’s economic and political ties to China could prove decisive for Africa’s perpetual underdog.
On paper, Kenya clearly has the edge.
less land and extreme poverty is much
trump political violence for the first time
Even
its relationship with my adopted home. In
election, the rule of law seemed to
presidential
compared to 39% of Kenyans.
China might seem more impressive
Although Zimbabwe has more natural
contested
are unemployed or underemployed,
development partners, I see one metric
of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the country’s
as many as 90% of Zimbabweans
resources and mineral wealth, it has far
more widespread. More than 70% of the
country’s 16 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, compared to 46% of Kenya’s 48 million people. Moreover, www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
at first glance. Kenya and China have projects. between
A
Chinese-funded
Nairobi
and
railway
Mombasa,
which opened earlier this year, is the latest example. Since 2000, China
has offered Kenya $6.8 billion in loans for infrastructure projects, compared
to $1.7 billion for Zimbabwe. And,
because loan conditions often include a requirement to hire Chinese employees, Kenya had more than 7,400 at the end of
2015, while Zimbabwe had just over 950.
But in the competition for Chinese
largesse,
Zimbabwe
Kenya’s ends
advantage
there.
over
Cumulative
Chinese foreign direct investment since
2003 has reached nearly $7 billion in Zimbabwe, compared to $3.9 billion
for Kenya. Year on year, more Chinese money is flowing to Zimbabwe as well.
Moreover, Zimbabwe’s trade balance
with China is far superior to Kenya’s. In
after independence; he made 13 more
remains to be seen. Both countries
by other Zimbabwean officials were
Road Initiative, which, in theory, should
during his tenure, and high-level visits
even more frequent, occurring roughly once every two years during Mugabe’s reign. Kenyan presidents, by contrast, travelled to China just six times during
the same period, most recently in May 2017.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, despite
its slow growth rate, exported $766 million worth of goods to China in 2015, and imported $546 million. Most
surprisingly, Zimbabwe’s exports were
has nurtured a culture of reciprocity. Just a few months ago, for example, a Chinese company approached my firm
asking for advice about how to enter Zimbabwe’s health care market. I have not yet fielded similar questions about gaining access to markets in Kenya.
China’s role in African economies has
not restricted to minerals and metals,
been criticised; but, as I have argued
tobacco and cotton, products that
been a lifeline to many on the continent.
as one might assume, but also included
are relatively more labour-intensive,
meaning more job creation at home. And, while Zimbabwe has around 50
fewer registered Chinese companies
than Kenya, Kenya’s economy is around 4.5 times the size of Zimbabwe’s, clearly implying that those firms that are
operating there contribute more to the
country’s economic engagement with China.
Zimbabwe’s historic ties to China
ministry went out of its way to praise
with private Chinese companies. This
is an exceptionally wide bilateral deficit.
should also sustain, if not deepen, the
cooperation, and likely engaged directly
a staggering 60 times that amount. Even
tied to Chinese-built infrastructure, this
Kenya’s return to political stability
will be no less important. Following
their visits to press for trade and military
taking into account imports of materials
increase their strategic value to China.
Zimbabwe’s leaders made the most of
2015, Kenya’s exports to China totaled
$99 million, while it imported from China
have supported Xi’s signature Belt and
Mugabe’s resignation, China’s foreign the “friendship between China and
Zimbabwe,” and Mnangagwa can be expected to continue that relationship.
The new president received military training in China, and paid an official visit
as speaker of the parliament in 2001. There is even speculation that China
was warned of the looming coup in Zimbabwe, if not consulted beforehand.
As Kenya and Zimbabwe navigate their
before, Chinese investment has also
political futures, much in both countries
From creating employment opportunities
better. Their ties with China will be a key
to
providing
direct
investment
in
infrastructure, China has been a partner
will no doubt change – one hopes for the metric in assessing their trajectory.
• Hannah Ryder, a former head of
to Africa when many Western investors
policy and partnerships for the United
How Kenya and Zimbabwe navigate
in China, is founder and CEO of
preferred to stay away.
their future relationships with China
Nations
Development
Programme
Development Reimagined.
country’s economy.
How has Zimbabwe achieved what
looks like, at least from a numerical perspective,
a
more
productive
relationship with China than Kenya has?
Few beyond Mugabe and his close
colleagues, including the country’s new president,
Emmerson
Mnangagwa,
know for sure. But one way to make
an educated guess is to compare both
countries’
history
engagement with China.
of
bilateral
Both Kenya and Zimbabwe have had
two visits from Chinese heads of state during
their
post-colonial
histories.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited
each country in 1996, while President Hu Jintao visited Kenya in 2006. China’s
current president, Xi Jinping, visited Zimbabwe in 2015.
State visits in the other direction have
been more uneven. Mugabe’s first visit
A supporter of opposition leader Raila Odinga runs past a burned shack, in Kibera slum, in Nairobi, Kenya August 12, 2017. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic(http://www.newsweek.com)
to China was in 1980, just six months
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
23
YOUTH INBUSINESS
Black Taxis International: It’s about class Modelled on London’s iconic black cabs, the directors of BTI pay close attention to the sartorial elegance of their chauffeurs who speak several languages Words: Malebogo Ratladi
S
esame
Moroka
is
the
founding director of Black Taxis
International,
a
luxury chauffer service
it all about the legendary look of the
that uses London Black
breath.
Taxis as a model, thus
London’s
bringing a touch of English class to
black
Gabs.
uses vintage cars that are the last batch of their make.
“The manufactures are now making a hybrid,” Moroka says because of their quaint cabs, BTI is more than just a transport company for the reason that the aim is a niche market in the corporate sector. BTI is therefore for clients who want the experience of these classic cars. The company works with hotels to transport mainly guests from outside Botswana. “We cater for red carpet events;” she says, mentioning a BDP high tea in the same 24
cabs,
This woman is proud that some of the
were commonly
languages, thanks to the company’s
known as a Hackney, are
recruitment approach. German, Afrikaans
taxis for the high-end customer. Hackney,
and French are just some of the languages
according to history, was once thought
spoken by BTI’s chauffeurs.
which more
identified with the model on which our Cabs,” Moroka says of her company that
cabbies, I must say.” chauffeurs are polyglots who speak several
“The name Black Taxis International is cabs is based, the iconic London Black
drivers,” she says. “These are no ordinary
to be an Anglicised version of the French
Moroka says BTI has 15 employees
“haquene,” which refers to a medium size
at present, but the complement should
horse. However, current opinion is that the
grow because that is what she and other
word is derived from the name of a village
shareholders want for the company
that is now a part of London.
where the first person pronoun, “I,” is
“Our chauffeurs are highly trained in
discouraged.
defensive driving and protocol,” Moroka
She is well aware that in almost every
explains, adding that they are presidential
industry competition is rife, but she
and ministerial chauffeurs.
welcomes it because competition has many
Looking from afar, when one sees BTI
lessons. “Competition is very healthy,”
chauffeurs, scenes from the Will Smith
she says. “You can learn from your
and Tommy Lee Jones’ “Men in Black”
competitors and vice versa. Competition
movie, which was released in 1997, come
raises standards and it is up to you to raise
to mind. The chauffeurs are neat in their
the bar.”
black suits.
But how is the bottom line for a company
Moroka says she wants them to look the
in such a growing industry? “If you get up
part, hence the company pays attention
in the morning and repair to bed at night
to the last detail of their elegance in black
without money made, you have problems,”
suits and white shirts. “The collar says
comes the answer. “Big poblems.”
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
25
YOUTH INBUSINESS
26
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
The Culinary Baron
A Nexus of Enterprise and Culinary Passion
You know “passion” is not just a word that’s being bandied around when a young law student adds culinary pursuits midstream Words: Bantle Tibe
T
he Culinary Baron cafe, which started out two
one “Motlapiso,” better known as the Bunny Chow or Kota in
years ago, is owned by a young Motswana en-
South Africa. The menu boasts a range of satisfying choices.
trepreneur named Thabiso Mauco. He credits
Last year, in an act of charity and appreciation, the Culinary
his family with encouraging him to go into the
Baron partnered with Apex for a “Fat Cake Campaign” where
food industry: “I have always been happy in
the restaurant prepared 10 000 fat cakes and gave them away.
the kitchen,” Thaboso says.
Little wonder the chefs there refer to themselves at “culinary
Culinary Baron started in 2015 with a small table outside
magicians” because they make delicious dishes from limited
the University of Botswana’a main campus and has grown
funds and resources. The principle, according to Thabiso,
from there. The cafe now has two mobile kitchens, one of
is that the pricing should be affordable, the presentation exqui-
which is located at Fairgrounds, and more than 10 employ-
site.
ees. Culinary Baron epitomises imagination, innovation and branding.
The ambitious and resilient entrepreneur, who also founded his own advertising company, Red Thumb, admits that the
Thabiso, who has no formal culinary training, completed
food industry is extremely competitive, especially of late. But
his Form 5 at Gaborone Senior Secondary School. A year later
it is no matter because the Culinary Baron prides itself in
he moved to Pretoria to study corporate law, which is where he
“touching people's lives through the quality of our food and
fell in love with the business side of the culinary arts because
service,” he says. “Everyone is welcome here, from your CEO
he fortuitously saw different restaurants that inspired him to
to your groundsman.”
get started on his vision and dream.
Thabiso has big plans for his brand. In a matter of weeks, the
Later pursuing a diploma in international tourism and hospitality at Botswana Accountancy College in Gaborone, Thabiso learnt the ins and
company will launch an app for the convenience of customers. Significantly, the Culinary Baron will no longer be limited to Botswana in the next six to seven years. But
outs of the food industry.
over the next few months, Gaborone will
He reminisces of the first time
have a much swankier restaurant styled
he attempted to cook, his first
the Culinary Baron House of Africa.
dish was scrambled eggs and
The charismatic young man en-
cut up some fresh tomato
courages the youth to chase after
to pair on the plate he was
their dreams and start something
serving. He says he was
somewhere. But he believes
both proud and surprised
it is still a long way to a truly
at the outcome whose
enabling environment, young
aesthetics could match that
Batswana would take their coun-
of any restaurant of repute
try forward like never before.
around town. Today signature dish at the Culinary Baron is a tantalising
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
27
ENTREPRISE
Trust Counts for Everything at the Bus Rank Parcel Counter But the innovative business is not about to become a transit point for drug traffickers
Words: Ononofile Lonkokile
S
ometimes a business concept is not informed by a bright spark or an ‘aha’ moment. Some business ideas are informed by a need to find solutions to common, everyday problems. Such is the back-story of Phuti Babotlhale’s conceptualisation of the bus rank parcel counter. For him,
28
it was the case of finding a niche area in Gaborone. In conceptualising his business, the Bus Rank Parcel Counter, Babotlhale looked back to the struggles he and his friends used to experience with oversized luggage in Francistown and until they discovered a bus rank parcel counter. This, he said, was an eye-opener because he had never www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
seen it in Gaborone despite there being a much higher travelling traffic in the capital city. After pondering over the idea for a while, he and his partners finally set up shop in February 2017 with help of LF Media, a local advertising company. ‘‘The story of LF Media helping us with space is one of Lady Luck
smiling upon us because after going back and forth at the Gaborone City Council and almost losing hope, we heard about LF Media advertising with containers around the city and we struck a deal,’’ says Babotlhale. He is most grateful for the assistance that LF Media has provided, especially since they do not pay anything for the space. ‘‘If we had to pay rent, it would have been a struggle, considering that the business is self-funded,” he explains. “When we first started, we would make a weeny P3.50 a day.” Today Babotlhahale shrugs off the difficulties of the early days because the business has since grown in leaps and bounds. Prices are determined by how long customers leave their parcels on the counter. The young man is quick to say the business maintains reasonable pricing and costing because they want to grow the market. ‘‘Our prices are quite affordable,” he emphasises. “Seeing that we were given this place by LF Media, we also wanted to give something back to the community while achieving our purpose of providing people with a safe place for their parcels.’’ LF Media has a lot of containers around Gaborone which the advertising outfit has given to a lot of small businesses, giving the entrepreneurs the necessary impetus to go forward. The Bus Rank Parcel Counter, which is carving a niche for itself in the logistics space, currently has two employees but plans hiring one more at the beginning of next year. Seemingly recruiting ahead of time, Babotlhahale emphasises that in hiring, the biggest quality they look for is trustworthiness because the business is about customers day in and day out. But with the current nationwide campaign against drugs and raids on drug lords and peddlers, are they not worried that their business could become a transit or a collection point?
“We have been warned that criminals could use our business as storage for their illegal substances and stolen goods,”
says Babotlhale. “Because of that, our doors are always open to the police because we do not search people‘s bags but we don’t want to aid and abet crime, knowingly or unknowingly.” Customers who abandon their luggage for long periods present another challenge. This is prohibited because as a matter of fact, they do not want parcels to be there overnight. At present, this company enjoys a monopoly because it is the first-ever bus rank parcel counter in Gaborone. And so Babotlhale wants to take advantage by growing their footprint with a branch in Maun and at the airport. But the bus rank is their base because their target market are people who travel by public transport. “We are happy that we have totally www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
brought a solution to luggage stress at Gaborone main bus terminus,” he says. “Sometimes a traveller wants to stroll around the mall or buy a few things before they board their bus. We are here for that and we have been getting good feedback. This is truly fulfilling.’’ As we part, the young man says he has a word of advice for upcoming entrepreneurs: tenacity counts for everything!
Phuti Babotlhale 29
ECONOMY
Shine Starts to Fade on Botswana's Diamond Dividend
“They’ve found a monster, they’ve found a monster!” was the cry that rang out around Karowe diamond mine in Botswana’s central Boteti region in November 2016
By JOSHUA NEICHO
in the UK messaged him on WhatsApp.
in Letlhakane
Reflecting on the flurry of international
operates most of the country’s mines,
media interest, he lamented: “We are just a
devotes a quarter of its $1.36m corporate
hole where that diamond came from.”
social responsibility (CSR) budget –
T
he
“monster”
1,111-carat second diamond
was
stone,
the
largest ever
a
gem
In Botswana, the investment of diamond revenues
through
a
public-private
Debswana,
the
joint
venture
that
$340,000 a year – to Boteti, where the mines provide 53% of the company’s
found,
partnership between De Beers and the
and its discovery was a
government is a key plank of the national
With Botswana the third most unequal
spectacular coup for Karowe’s Canadian
story, and has helped propel a country
country in the world, according to the
owner Lucara. Some reports suggest it
that was once among the world’s least
World Bank, and De Beers reporting a
could fetch more than $100m (£70m).
developed to upper middle income status.
$1.4bn operating profit in 2014, some in
production by carat.
The discovery was kept quiet for days
But as Botswana grapples with a
while the stone was spirited away. At a
slowdown in the global market for
press conference in Botswana, journalists
rough and polished stones, sensitivities
were shown only pictures: by then, it
surrounding
seems, the gem was in Canada.
producing districts are benefiting from
building a classroom … is nothing,” says
their natural bounty are becoming more
Lelatisitswe.
Sethomo Lelatisitswe, the local MP, says he first heard the news when his cousin 30
how
much
diamond-
acute. www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
the community feel this contribution isn’t enough. “Knowing (the mining companies’) profits,
sponsoring
a
prize-giving,
“Debswana has a CSR fund – it’s more
like a public relations fund,” says Victor
by the Botswana Institute for Development
declined by nearly 180,000 between
Thanke, chair of the Zowa Development
Policy Analysis estimated that gross
2002/03 and 2009/10. This was due to
Trust, an NGO based in Letlhakane, a
domestic product per capita would drop by
growth in rural areas, driven partly by
village in Boteti that is the headquarters of
48% once the mines are exhausted, with
rising agricultural incomes and welfare
the eponymous sub-district.
substantial effects kicking in as early as
improvements, said the bank.
“The mines (are) not in any way
2027.
Makgatlhe
also
says
transport
compelled by law to do any CSR. They’re not
Diamonds make up 30% of Botswana’s
bridging the space between government
GDP, but more than 75% of its foreign
“You need a change of mindset beyond
and the market in terms of development.
exchange earnings. “This is classic Dutch
Botswana being landlocked to it being
Community engagement is not sufficient if
disease, whereby the growth sectors are
centrally located … Some people would
they are not creating industries, long-term,
mining and non-tradeables … leading
prefer to fly through Gaborone than South
that the community can hold on to – past
to external balance problems when the
Africa,” he says. There was an estimated
their operations.”
growth of the mining sector tails off,” says
64% increase in international air traffic to
Keith Jefferis, former deputy director of
Botswana between 2004 and 2015.
In the midst of a drought, water and power shortages have been all too evident
the Bank of Botswana.
infrastructure should be developed.
Ross Harvey of the South African
in Boteti. “I don’t know how we will be able
In September 2015, Debswana cut its
Institute of International Affairs suggests
to survive under such dry conditions,” says
2015 production target by 3m carats to
coal and iron ore reserves could power an
Bathalefhi Seoroka, a subsistence farmer.
20m. In two years, more than a third of
energy hub and steel production. Jefferis
For six months, new housing plots in
the jobs in diamond beneficiation – cutting
calls for high-value manufacturing that
Letlhakane – a town that, thronging with
and polishing designed to extract more
could compete with South African exports.
mine workers, houses 27,000 people – only
value for the national economy – have been
But there are systemic limitations to
had water supply at night. Some homes had
lost.
no water for two to three weeks.
development. While tertiary education
In the face of these challenges, a debate
enrolment has increased dramatically – from 1% in 1981 to 25% in 2013 at tertiary level – the quality of the academic
“The mines (are) not in any way compelled by law to do any CSR. They’re not bridging the space between government and the market in terms of development. Community engagement is not sufficient if they are not creating industries, long-term, that the community can hold on to – past their operations.”
experience has been criticised. Only 15% of undergraduates are studying science degrees, seen as most useful for developing export industries. A
report
for
the
South
African
Brenthurst Foundation outlined a litany of government planning failures, from the stricken North-South Water Carrier 1 pipeline to a botched $1.2bn power station
There is striking poverty in Letlhakane
is raging over how Botswana can lessen
contract. Trust in Botswana’s institutions
among the BaSarwa (Bushmen) who live in
its reliance on diamonds.Some want to
fell between 2008 to 2014, according to
mud huts and shacks with few amenities.
expand the nascent tourist sector.
Afrobarometer.
OT, 29, and Williams, 28, have worked
Sheila Khama, former CEO of De Beers
Leta Mosienyane, former president of
as labourers at Karowe mine and in road
Botswana, suggests Botswana could look
Business Botswana, wants to see utilities
crews. More often, they are out of work.
to how the United Arab Emirates ploughs
privatised and improvements to the
They allege discrimination by managers
oil revenues into aviation and leisure. “We
business environment.
at the mines. “They look at the names and
need to benchmark differently. We have to
they don’t hire Bushmen,” they say.
be bold,” she says.
Botswana is 72nd in the latest World Bank Doing Business Report – down from
Residents of nearby Orapa, a closed city
Tourism contributes 3.3% of Botswana’s
40th in 2006 – and 143rd in the “starting
of 10,000 built for Debswana employees,
GDP but a ministry of tourism official
a business” category: the process takes
enjoy access to high-performing schools
thinks expansion to 10%-plus is possible.
twice as long as the sub-Saharan African
and a hospital, also open to non-miners.
A 2014 hunting ban and designation of the
average.(The Guardian)
But Letlhakane and its surrounding
Okavango Delta as a world heritage site
villages depend on government facilities:
provide an opportunity to grow.
an overcrowded 25-bed hospital, and two
of
“Botswana has lots of good strategies
doctors for every 10,000 people (compared
Gaborone’s stock market, champions more
– one thing that has kept us back is
with a national average of 3.6).
beef production, noting that agriculture
implementation.
once accounted for almost half of earnings.
benchmark against us, and a few years
that even these unequal gains of the
In December 2015, the World Bank said
later, we go and benchmark against them.
diamond era are at risk. In 2014, modelling
the number of poor people in Botswana
With reserves dwindling, there is fear
Martin
Makgatlhe,
a
pioneer
Makgatlhe says now is the time for Botswana to think outside the box.
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
(Other
countries)
It’s painful.” 31
ECONOMY
Botswana to Name Developer of Gas Plant by Year’s End • State company mulls 11 bids to build coal-to-liquids factory • Facility may eventually supply 80% of nation’s fuel demand
B
By Mbongeni Mguni otswana Oil Ltd. will choose by year’s end a company to build and operate a $4 billion coal-to-liquids plant, a facility it said may meet as much as 80% of the country’s fuel demand. The state-owned oil firm received 11 bids by its August deadline and is subjecting them to “highly technical assessments,” spokeswoman Matida Mmipi said by phone from the capital, Gaborone. She declined to name any of the companies competing for the tender. “The coal-gas to liquids project, if implemented, will ensure the security of supply of petroleum products for Botswana as the country will be able to produce its own fuel to augment what it imports,” Mmipi said, estimating national fuel demand at 1.2 billion litres per year. Some other demand will be met with renewable energy, including biomass and bio-diesel projects, she said. Botswana is seeking to diversify its economy away from diamonds, its biggest export, and reduce its reliance on fuel from neighbouring South Africa, which supplies more than 90% of demand, leaving the country vulnerable to shortages in the event of labour strikes. At the same time, it 32
is trying to take greater advantage of its more than 212 billion metric tons of estimated coal reserves. Botswana’s economy may grow 4.7% this year and 5.3% in 2018, finance minister Kenneth Matambo told an annual budget meeting in the capital in September. The expansion will be underpinned by the services sector in areas such as finance, transport and communications, he said. Economic Diversification The new plant can “greatly support the country’s economic diversification drive, creating jobs, reducing our import bill and the monetisation of coal reserves”, Mmipi said. www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
Botswana produces about three million tons of coal a year, nearly all of which is consumed by domestic power plants. Plans to export the mineral have been stymied by the lack of a viable route for the landlocked country and a 2012 government report on the coal industry said CTL was a priority. The request for expressions of interest in June said the chosen bidder would have to fund the construction and operation of the CTL, with Botswana Oil making a long-term commitment to buying the fuel produced. (Bloomberg)
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#SummerYame www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
33
TOURISM
A Road Trip to Maf’town is Highly Recommended
The capital of South Africa’s North West Province that was once the capital of Bechaunaland Protectorate is richly-embedded in history that is reflected in atrtifacts and displays at Mafikeng Museum
W
Words: Tuduetso Tebape
e blinked and the year is coming to a close! Oh, where does the time go? Many of us are planning vacations and activities to do with the family over the holiday season. Modern children are looking to parents for holiday entertainment solutions (as if entertainment was ever a requirement of any parent, but that’s a story for another day) as keenly as the parents are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of 2017. Not all family pockets can accommodate luxury holidays, though. Not even during the silly spending season. This, however, does not mean they should deprive themselves of an opportunity for a quick and affordable getaway over the holiday. A recent trip to Mafikeng has inspired this recommendation of the quaint provincial capital of our neighbour South Africa’s North West Province that is richly-embed-
34
ded in history. Maf’town, as those familiar with it refer to the city where the Boy Scouts Movement began, was once the seat of government for the Bechuanaland Protectorate until self-government for Botswana in 1965. The town was given the name Mahikeng by BaRolong Boo Ratshidi who settled in the area during the early 19th Century. The BaRolong aspiration of the “H” was later changed to the more guttural “F” in order to comply with Standard Setswana spelling o the time, and the town became Mafikeng. In English, the name means "place of rocks." In Setswana, Lefika means “rock” or “boulder” and Mafika is the plural form. The “eng” at the end of Mafikeng denotes “place of.” Similarly, Gauteng becomes "place of gold" and Mangaung "place of cheetahs".
Early people The earliest people to settle in Mafikeng were the Khoi
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
and San societies. They lived in the area for thousands of years before they were joined by migrating Tswana societies. The section of Tswana society that settled in Mafikeng was the BaRolong Boo Ratshidi. The BaRolong Boo Ratshidi established their chieftaincy in the area with their capital in Mafikeng (Mahikeng in SeRolong pronunciation). During the 19th Century, the expanding Voortrekkers and the establishment of the Zuid Afrikansche Republic in Western Transvaal became a threat to the autonomy BaRolong Boo Ratshidi. As a result, Chief Montshiwa of the BaRolong Boo Ratshidi requested British protection. On 22 May 1884, in Mafikeng, Chief Montshiwa signed a treaty ceding his sovereignty to the British. Soon afterwards, the British government established a garrison in the town. The following year, Hercules Robinson approved a procla-
mation that divided Mafikeng into two sections, one for the BaRolongs and the other for European settlement. From 1899 to 1901 (217 days), Mafikeng was besieged by the Boer forces during the second Anglo Boer War (South African War). At the time of the siege, people like Solomon T. Plaatjie were residing in Mafikeng. The other famous person was Colonel Baden Powell who was sent to Mafikeng to protect it against Boer invasion. It was during this siege that the Boy Scouts were first organised and used to carry messages across towns and to spy on the movement of Boer forces.
Historic Monument The town of Mafikeng is the only known town to have war monuments in honour of Black (specifically the BaRolong) men and women who died in the Anglo Boer War. It also has a monument honour-
A monument with details of the soldiers who were killed during the Mafikeng siege PIC:njenvasramblings.wordpress.com www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
ing Chief Besele Montshiwa, head of a regiment that fought with the Boer forces during the war. The monuments were erected by the BaRolong chieftaincy with funds collected from the BaRolong. The other monument is the Prince of Wales Road that was used by the Prince of Wales during his historic visit to the BaRolong Boo Ratshidi. http://www.sahistory.org.za/places/
mafikeng Housed in an ornate old building dating back to 1902, Mafikeng Museum offers interesting and diverse displays that reflect all this history. A retired steam locomotive outside the museum and displays of pre-historic artifacts will appeal equally to children and adults, and displays concentrating on Tswana culture and history tell interesting stories of the heritage and history of the region’s people. One of the most notable events in Mafikeng’s history was a protracted standoff that took place between the British and the Boers (Afrikaaners) during the Second Boer War at the end of the 19th Century. The Siege of Mafikeng lasted 217 days from October 1899 to May 1900 - and this part of Mafikeng’s history is well covered by the museum. A permanent exhibition is also dedicated to Sol T. Plaatje, the founder of the African National Congress (ANC). The Curator of the Museum also holds the keys to various historical sites in and around Mafikeng and is able to provide some sightseeing information.
Mafikeng Museum
35
TECHNOLOGY
Household Technology Can Aid the Learning of Children with ADHD
A
BY JANE SANDWOOD round 5% of people worldwide have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, although there may be
many more undiagnosed individuals. As a result, many children struggle with increased stress and anxiety, which limits their academic performance. Technology such as smartwatches and apps can improve organisational skills of youngsters, but what other technology is available to help? Here are the latest technologies you can bring to your home to aid the learning of children with ADHD. Mathematics Children with ADHD will often find themselves either fascinated by a subject such as
math or be
completely turned off by it. If your child
audiobooks have incredible benefits for
is not a natural mathematician, they will
children who struggle to maintain focus on
struggle to maintain focus long enough to
large blocks of text. Children with ADHD
progress with their learning.
have a vivid imagination, but it is hard
Luckily, there is assistive technology on
to visualise what they are learning while
the market to help. Rather than using
looking at text. So by listening to the words
the traditional pencil and paper, there is
instead, they can absorb the information
electronic math worksheet software that
while visualising the content.
will help with organisation of work by being
To help with their writing, use text to speech
available on a computer screen.
software. This allows the child to have their
A student taking notes on this will not
work read back to them, making it easier
have to worry about bad handwriting when
to spot mistakes. It is beneficial to have a
returning to revision and the software will
variety of ways for a child with ADHD to
even read aloud for students who struggle
interact with their work so that they do not
with reading.
become bored and distracted. Text to speech
Similarly, talking calculators are a great
allows them to choose whether to read or
way to aid the study of maths. Having
listen to their work, depending on personal
one of these in your home will reduce the
preference.
stress of homework. By talking aloud, these
ADHD diagnoses may be increasing
calculators confirm to the child that they
worldwide, but technology is making it easier
have inputted the correct equation and verify
than ever for children to cope. Incorporate
the answer.
these technologies into your home to
English
improve homework. Ideally schools will also
When planning an ADHD-friendly
begin to use these products with the children
house, consider technologies that aid your
who need them most. (Global Accessibility
child’s reading and writing. For example,
News)
Latest technology, coupled with GPS and mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needs support – either in the home, when out and about.
36
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
How Often to Clean an Iron and the Right Way to do It
Y
ou're ironing your favorite white shirt when — suddenly! — the iron leaves a brown mark on the
sleeve. Darn! Whether it's caused by burnedon spray starch, melted synthetic fabric or rusty water in the reservoir, the soleplate of an iron should be cleaned whenever there is obvious residue or it no longer glides smoothly. Follow these tips from Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid cleaning service, to keep your clothing iron clean and iron marks a thing of the past.
For sticky spots:
Believe it or not, newspaper makes a great iron cleaner. (You can also use paper towels or a dry cotton towel.) Start by turning the iron to the highest setting (do not use steam) and run the hot, dry iron across the paper towel until it's clean. If extra abrasion is needed, sprinkle a tablespoon of salt on top of the newspaper and repeat. To rinse off residue, run the iron over a damp, clean towel after it cools.
To remove oily substances:
To remove oil from the soleplate, unplug the iron and allow it to cool. Wipe the entire soleplate with a cloth dipped in undiluted distilled white vinegar. Rinse with a damp
cloth. If oily spots remain, wipe with a cloth dipped in ammonia. Rinse with a damp cloth. Dry completely.
To remove stains:
• To remove mineral deposits from the soleplate, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas and scrub with a damp cloth. Wipe clean with a wet cloth. • To remove mineral deposits from vent openings, scrub the vents using a cotton swab and some baking soda paste. Wipe clean with a wet cotton swab. • If the iron is leaving brown water spots on clothes when using steam, that means it's time to clean the reservoir. Empty the r e s e r vo i r completely and refill with 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar and 3/4 cup distilled water. Turn the iron to full steam and run it back and forth over an old towel until the reservoir is empty. If the iron has a spray option, spray until no more discolored www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
water appears. Refill the reservoir with distilled water and repeat to make sure all mineral residue is gone. • To prevent future stains and mineral build-up, use only distilled water (it doesn't contain any dissolved minerals) and completely empty the reservoir before storing the iron.
37
IN CAREER BOOK REVIEW
This is a Most Relevant Read for “16 Days” Words: Bantle Tibe
extraordinary journey to healing. The Hurting depicts the author’s experience of sexual assault, family issues and trauma. I imagine the process of writing of this book as having been therapeutic for the author because she comes through as extremely vulnerable and transparent. The Loving is heartwarming and takes a completely different turn from the sombre tone set in the first section. The first two poems of this section are delightful pieces that soundly illustrate the admiration and respect Kaur has for her mother. The Breaking describes the confusion and lows that can come with romantic relationships sometimes. This chapter perfectly is relatable for anyone going through a break-up.
Title: Milk and Honey Author: Rupi Kaur Publisher: Andrews McMeel Pages: 216 Bookstore: Exclusive Books Botswana
T
his sensational book is a
from all the trials and tribulations faced. Most
collection of beautifully written,
appealing for me reading this book is how the
authentic short poems about
author’s raw, unalloyed and plenary emotions
love, loss, trauma healing and
transcend through the text.
femininity. The book is divided into four
I definitely recommend the book and parts, namely, The Hurting, The Loving, The look forward to getting my hands on her Breaking and The Healing. Each serves a most recent release titled “The Sun and Her different purpose and the whole book is an
38
The final chapter, The Healing, is empowering and shows the strength derived
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
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39
MUSIC REVIEW
BEST SONGS
InBusiness’ Top of the Charts 2017 With the final weeks of 2017 ticking away, it feels
stepping up, challenging expectations and redefining
right to reflect on one form of art and entertainment
music standards. The entertainment industry is bursting
that is powerful enough to move you physically,
with vibrant and visionary musicians who strive to be
emotionally, mentally and spiritually - music! Every
relevant and to enjoy longevity in the business. The
year that passes brings with it more exciting music
music in 2017 was excellent and memorable enough
from both established and new artists. This year
to grant us reprieve from a society enveloped in crises
was of no exception. Our local musicians are really
of unemployment and retrenchments.
RAYMOND MOREMI evaluates the Top 10 songs that provided the soundtrack to our year, from epic hip-hop smashes by ATI to Micah Meshack’s love-themed megahit. In some of these songs, we found unrestrained glee, a longing for affection and love, a reminder to appreciate the small things in life, an invitation to the dance floor and generally a good reason to listen to radio. With so many good songs released this year, it was a difficult task whittling them down to a Top 10. Here is a rundown of the best songs of 2017 that could also be for virtually every type of music connoisseur.
1. “KHIRING KHIRING KHORONG KHORONG”- A.T.I One of the most intoxicating singles of 2017! Considered a national anthem even, it’s a song that has united Batswana in so many ways. This is a song for everyone who needs empowerment. It is a song that dominated radio throughout 2017. A.T.I goes in hard with absolute determination and gusto. There's really no persuasion needed here to hear why this song is such a fun standout and the Best Song of 2017.
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2. “PLEASURE”- MOTSWAFERE A guilt-free cry of love and identity, Motswafere’s “Pleasure” is a regal Afro-pop affair filled with moments of electric ecstasy. With this track, he proves that he has always been comfortable in his skin. Lofty beats with a dreamy production blanket the single. With crispy vocals, Motswafere really clobbers his lover with affection in the thunderous chorus.
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3. “FOLLO”- AMANTLE BROWN FT JUJU BOY One of the best collaborations of the year! Amantle, Juju and ‘Follo’ are the perfect recipe for Afro-pop Gold. This is a fun record that is still a favourite in clubs here at home and Africa abroad. The groove is really hot on this track and the duo’s sexy chemistry is breathtaking.
OF 2017
4. “MMOKOLODI”- CHARMA GAL Charma is such a darling of the public when it comes to making albums. She has a formula that always strikes the right chord with the people. “Mmokolodi” is no different. This is an anthem that has dominated festivals and radio in 2017 and people are still jamming to it.
5. “SE ILENG”- HAN C One of the most heart-breaking and captivating songs of 2017! Feather-light falsetto and haunting vocals over a pulsating beat! In this song, HAN C sings about getting rid of all the things that kept his hope of reconciliation alive. He decides to unchain his heart from his past lover as he learns the art of letting go.
6. “BAPALENNA” - MICAH FT HT TAUTONA This song needs to be rediscovered because it is a serious masterpiece. Perhaps a music video will propel it to the upper echelon where it will be at home. Micah and HT Tautona team up for one of the most endearing songs of 2017. Along with vocal assists from Liefy Jones and Matthews Matsetse, this is a hit record that has longevity painted all over it.
7. “WA BA A TSILE”- VEE MAMPEEZY Mampeezy returns with his latest dance floor dominating hit. Like many of his previous tracks, this sassy cut shot to the top of dance charts in Botswana and South Africa. It is so easy to see why. With a catchy chorus, memorable lyrics and funky beats, this is the kind of song that will dominate dance floors during this festive season.
8. “WHY UVUMA”- KHOISAN MAXY A heart-breaking song sung over glass-shattering vocals. This is such a breakout song from Khoisan Maxy. The arrangement and the styling over this song make for a hit record to dominate radios across Africa.
10. “MOGOLOKWANE”- HAN C FT STOAN Han C just keeps them coming. In his latest effort, he has teamed up with Stoan of Bongo Maffin fame. The result is a track called “Mogolokwane” with a fun, complex and rich sound. Han C’s easy delivery over fun dance-y beats will leave listeners hopelessly addicted, especially those celebrating wed-
9. “24”- SASA KLAAS
dings in December. Released last month,
A warm and confident song delivered with
the song is already climbing up the radio
mind blowing rhymes. This one caused
charts.
quite a stir with the public when it was released. It’s one of the songs that prove why Sasa is local the Queen of hip-hop! www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
41
LIFESTYLE
Christmas Gift Ideas for Him
Everyone is clamoring for that special Christmas gift. So surprise your man with one of these affordable must-haves. These are some of the cool goodies that will make the man in your life love you more, especially when he realizes that he never knew he needed them COMPILED BY RAYMOND MOREMI InBusiness Magazine just wants to give you awesome and stylish Christmas gift ideas for the men in your lives. You'd think your husband, boyfriend or brother was the easiest person to shop for, but the truth is that guys are tough – plain and simple. However, these gift ideas will please even the pickiest recipient.
Grooming Set
Let the world know your man is a bold and stylish persona. Get him a stylish collection of grooming kits. Sharpen his messy look with high quality grooming products from brands like Velocity, DX Men Remington and Nubian Seed.
Instax Neo Classic
Forget selfies, this is the best party camera. My friend got it a couple of months ago and it is a winner. Probably the only thing still tying instant photography to the mainstream consumer photography market! The Instax Neo Classic is an instant camera that uses film packs. You take a photo and it pops out the side of the camera, developing in front of your eyes!
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www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
Bulgari Blue Cologne
A scent of unexpected contrasts and surprising harmonies, Bulgari Blue cologne is a fresh, woody and spicy scent you'll want to cuddle up next to. From icy cold to luxuriously warm, you are sure to love your man 10 more times over when he wears it.
Happy Socks Gift Box
Happy Socks are happy and fashionable accessories every man must have. These are knitted socks available in endless arrays of design and colour. The wit and charm they carry means these are no ordinary socks. Go out there and get your man five or six pairs and he’ll appreciate it. Afterall, every man needs a playful pair of socks to slip into when he retires from his business attire
Gym Bag
Hitting the gym is a good thing, so getting him a stylish gym bag will motivate him to go to there instead of making a beeline to the pub. I bet you he’d appreciate it. You can even go out and surprise him by subscribing for him at the gym. If he is already a regular, he will appreciate you even more because he would realise you support him.
Magazine Subscription
For the man in your life, whether your husband, father, brother or boyfriend, a magazine subscription would be a fabulous gift. There are plenty of magazines to choose from with a variety of content including health, lifestyle and technology. You are reading one of them. Your man will surely remember you every month he receives his special copy.
Undies
Fedora Hats
until they are past their prime. Stock up his wardrobe
they've been a staple in the wardrobe of the dapper man for centuries.
It is not a secret that some men like wearing underwear with quality underwear that could carry him through from December until Valentines. He will love that.
These classic hats pack a lot of style into a small package, which is why Fedoras are undeniably eye-catching. Even if your guy is not a hat person, he will appreciate a wide brimmed hat, especially during this hot summer.
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LIFESTYLE 01
02
04
07
03
05
08
06
09
top 10 style winners - 2017 1.TUMIE NTHUTANG 2.MOTSWAFERE 3.WANETSHA MOSINYI 4.BERRY HEART 5.MERCY THEBE 6.TSHEPHANG MOTSISI 7.MASI SITHOLE 8.TLHOMAMO DIAMOND 9.CHARITY BAAITSE 10.THAPELO LETSEBE (Please note The list is in no paticular order)
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www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
10
TOP 10 inBusiness Style Winners of 2017
As 2017 draws to a close, this is the perfect time to look back, reflect and marvel at the fading year’s fashion highlights. The year was a big one for celeb style. RAYMOND MOREMI makes a run-down of the year's most memorable red carpet and street style looks for what is the first annual list of Best Dressed Women and Men in Botswana
T
he sartorial heroes of 2017 have a passion for fashion and a rare talent for putting together outfits that make heads turn. And this, more than anything, is a reason to celebrate them. This list is a mix of emerging style stars, sartorial mavens who style themselves and work in the industry, as well as perennial red carpet favourites. We’ve had it all this year - from edgier red carpet attires to chic designer looks and runway-inspired street wear. Professionally styled or not, these men and women have consistently gotten it right this year, or at the very least, impressed us with their individuality. Here are our picks (in no particular order) for the InBusiness 10 Most Stylish People of the Year.
all its iterations, from high-end sophistications to vintage finds. Brave to a T, he pulls off androgyny without effort.
WANETSHA MOSINYI There’s something about the way he holds himself that really elevates his clothing. It’s almost as if he knows he looks good, so he can’t fail to look good. He is the quintessence of fearless, intuitive elegance. He is always intensely masculine but with sharp cuts and fabrics that make him a stylist’s dream.
BERRY HEART She awed her followers with her dynamic, vivid fashion sense and her dizzying array of looks this year. She is a beacon of fearless and unwavering personal style.
MERCY THEBE
TUMIE NTHUTANG
She’s got palpable star-power. She always
Tumie is a stylist who understands that when
gets it right in the style stakes and has
you’re walking the fashion tightrope, there’s
impressed us with an array of elegant high
no half-stepping. She always makes it rain
street and designer outfits. Such a goddess!
with her sartorial prowess and we are always left soaked to the last bone.
TSHEPHANG MOTSISI He always brings some serious style badas-
MOTSWAFERE
sery to whatever event he graces. This is the
His style is as multi-faceted as he is. A musi-
guy who looked truly flashy in 2017 without
cian and stylist, Motswafere loves fashion in
betraying a feeling of trying too hard. www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
MASI SITHOLE She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. She understands a lot about glamour and sophistication, and 2017 was indeed the year of the Blaq Queen as she slaughtered and served us up with her bespoke wardrobe.
TLHOMAMO DIAMOND Diamond always manages to be the epitome of polished class. His approach to getting dressed seems to be as uncompromising and committed as his approach to perfecting a smoky eye, which is to say that he kept us on our toes in 2017!
CHARITY BAAITSE Her feminine style just oozes personality. She always radiates fearlessness, much to the credit of her exquisite and world class designs. She’s always on top of her sartorial game.
THAPELO LETSEBE The lad is always iconoclastic and never dull. He's one of the rare people who could mix and match all colours, patterns and styles and actually get away with it. His bold, often effeminate sense of aesthetics is refreshing. 45
MOTORING
THE NEW BMW M4 GTS: An Engineering Tour de Force
•The BMW M4 GTS is the most Agile, Radical and Dynamically Potent in the rRnge Words: Alpha Molatlhwe
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www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
T
he BMW M4 GTS gives BMW M GmbH a new and exclusive technological showpiece that elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to another impressive new level. With its powerful, motorsport-inspired looks and highperformance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. A lap time of 7.28 minutes around the legendary Nürburgring - Nordschleife, the world’s most exacting race circuit, is a clear statement of this special edition model’s exceptional abilities. At the same time, the sharpest BMW M4 can also hold its own on public roads. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the M3, only 700 units of the BMW M4 GTS will roll out of the production line and only 23 is allocated to South Africa. Interestingly, all 23 are sold out! The high-performance special edition in the M3/M4 will also be available for the first time in the North American market.
lighting concepts and exude the presence of exceptional precision. As such, the tail lights underline the width of the rear end, lend the car an even more eye-catching and powerful appearance and ensure it cuts a stand-out figure in both light and dark. The newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter are also constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Teaming up with the diffuser below the rear bumper, the rear wing optimises the flow of air and reduces lift at the rear axle. The exhaust system with a titanium muffler emotionally detonates a rich soundtrack typical of the M profile that perfectly envelops the inside and outside of the car.
EXTERIOR ACHITECTURE
The familiar two sets of twin circular headlights with four corona rings ensure the best possible illumination of the road surface. They combine cutting-edge LED technology with BMW Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) and Adaptive Headlights. The L-shaped rear lights are just as distinctive in design as the headlights. Indeed, innovative OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) rear lights will make their series production debut in the BMW M4 GTS. OLEDs are a new kind of light source that light up over their full surface with a very homogeneous effect, unlike LED units which emit their light in the form of points. The flat design of OLEDs and the ability to trigger individual light modules separately open up fresh possibilities for
DRIVING DYNAMICS
The BMW M4 GTS uses the multiple awardwinning six-cylinder in-line turbo engine from the BMW M3/M4 but adds innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises both the engine’s power output torque competency to 368 kW and 600 Nm respectively and yet still keeps fuel economy and CO2 emissions at the level of the BMW M4 Coupe. This makes the BMW M4 GTS the most agile, radical and dynamically potent model in the range. It races from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305 km/h. The standard-fitted seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) selects the optimum ratio for every driving situation with no interruption in the flow of power as it makes its way to the rear wheels. The driver can also select gears manually using either shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever. The Drivelogic shift programmes and Launch Control have been re-tuned to the engine’s increased output. The weight-minimised, exclusive M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished and come in Acid Orange. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which are adapted specifically to the BMW M4 GTS and therefore play a role in the car’s outstanding
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
mechanical traction and feedback through corners. The three-way M coilover suspension specially tuned for the BMW M4 GTS can be adjusted to individual tastes and therefore also to the demands of different race circuits. The lightweight M carbon ceramic brakes offer a well-defined pressure point and ensure outstanding deceleration even under sustained heavy loads such as at the limit on the race track.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Carbon-fibre bucket seats, a lightweight centre console, the lightweight construction of the rear seat panelling and boot area partition, and special lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid door handles, are clearly visible indications of the designers’ commitment to weight-saving. The instrument panel bracing tube is made from lightweight carbon fibre. The front carbon-fibre M bucket seats, weighing 50% less than the sports seats in the BMW M4 Coupe, stick firmly with the lightweight construction theme inside the pure-bred, exclusive interior. The exclusive Alcantara/Merino leather seat covering along with M stripes in the backrests, three-point seat belts and door pull loops highlight the profile of the BMW M4 GTS as a high-performance sports machine as well as the car’s standalone character.
47
SPORTS
‘Gender Discrimination is Still Rife in Sports’ But Keneetse Katisenge is a gender bender who will stop at nothing to destroy stereotypes
A
lthough notable progress has been made towards giving women equal opportunities in sports, chess administrator Keenese Katisenge says it is still a long way to go before equality becomes a reality. Katisenge is adamant that gender discrimination is still rife in sports but it merely reflects the way women are treated in life in general. In her view, there is more on paper to empower women than there is in reality because the fact that women are as capable as men in every respect is difficult to percolate through society. Katisenge, who recently formed a club called Limitless Minds Chess Academy (LMCA), was speaking in an interview with inBusiness. She believes that changing the mindset is the next frontier. “A lot of education will be needed in that regard,” said the woman who recently lost in the Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC) board elections. She holds that although women have proved beyond any shadow of doubt that they are as capable as their male counterparts, they are still deemed inferior in some quarters. “I think we are at a stage where people should vote capable candidates to decision-making positions irrespective of whether they are male or female,” she 48
Keneetse Katisenge
says. “We have moved from a situation where women were asking for special treatment to a point where we are standing up to be counted.” Incidentally, she ascribes her loss in the BNOC elections to the gender factor, noting that perhaps she and her group became ‘too obvious’ because they were all women. In Katisenge’s opinion, gender discrimination in sports extends to a notion that sports politics is a man’s arena. Katisenge - who emerged Administrator of the Year in the 2015 BNSC Awards - says women lose in www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
elections to decision-making positions because they are culturally viewed as homemakers who have no business meddling in things ‘abroad.’ Even so, it is not all gloom and doom because government has made some strides in advancing sportswomen. “I think the hosting of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sports Committee is one sign of willingness that Botswana has in advancing the girl child in sports,” she says. But there is still a lot to do at the level of both the individual and sports codes
to create a conducive environment for girls and women’s participation in sports through policies that emphasise equal opportunity. While the massive emergence of women in sports advocacy groups in recent times is viewed in some quarters as a bad influence that is likely to bring divisions between men and women, Katisenge regards this as a welcome development that is changing the landscape of sports in Botswana. “The groups are important because they have started the uncomfortable discussions that used to be held behind closed doors and are openly pushing for empowerment and equality,” she says. She expects everyone who is for gender equality to support such groups and help advance their agenda of gender equality because the groups are
. .
instilling much-needed confidence in women. “International organisations are calling for equality and these advocacy groups are helping us to achieve that in order to comply with international requirements,” she asserts. Despite the odds that are still stacked high against women in sports, Katisenge is one of a few women who have proved that they can hold their own in the as yet male-dominated world. The former Communications Director of the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) took the previously little-known game to greater heights by courting the media, among other things. Her professionalism and passion in sports has seen her steal the hearts of other sports codes both locally and internationally. Among her many
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achievement on the home front is being a member of the organising committee of the annual Gaborone International Athletics Meet (GIAM). Katisenge is also a member of the First Instance Football Licensing Committee that issues premier league teams licences after passing certain tests. She sits on the risk management committee of the International Working Group on Women and Sports (IWG). On the international front, she is a Councillor for the World Chess Federation’s (FIDE) Commission for Women, a position she has held since 2014. Significantly, she is the holder of an organiser’s licence that is bestowed on deserving sportspeople only by FIDE. This permits her to host chess events of any magnitude anywhere in the world. Katisenge proved early in her life that she would stop at nothing in her quest for greatness in sports. Her first love was softball, a move that provoked resistance from family because of concerns that the ball game would impact her grades badly. But so determined was she that she did well both academically and sportswise, opting for boarding at senior secondary school so as to avoid the wrangling at home. This was a period of such conspiring that her older brother would sign her sports trip forms without the knowledge of the rest of the family. Hence this advice to girls desirous of sports: “Make the time and commit because there is nothing as fulfilling as doing something that you love,” she says.
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www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
49
SPORTS
A year of Firsts and Feats for Botswana
Botswana continued to break new ground in the world of sports in the year now fading. It was clear from the international events that the country hosted that Batswana were ready to mount even bigger shows.
The World Netball Youth Cup
W
hile it is the recent appointment of the Chairman the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng, to the board of the Association for International Sports for All (TAFISA) that is still fresh in the minds of sports lovers, it is definitely the hosting of the World Netball Youth Cup in July that will remain in the hearts of Batswana for many years to come. Twenty nations descended on Gabo-
50
rone for the week-long event when Botswana became the first-ever African country to host the premier competition in international netball under the famous hashtag # ‘Re a ba Tsaya’. As spectators, Batswana also proved how much of a sporting nation they are by turning up in large numbers to the games, especially when their beloved Dinaletsana were in the field. The International Netball Federation (INF) gave the organisers the thumbs www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
up from for an event well run. But the cherry on top stellar performance of Dinaletsana, Botswana’s Under 21 team who finished lived up to the expectations of a hosting team even though they failed to advance to the next stage of the competition. They failed to make it to the quarterfinals after losing to Jamaica on point superiority after the two were tied. Holding the spectators agog throughout, Botswana finished ninth in the 20-nation tournament. Softball conference Also for the first time, the World Baseball Softball Conference was held in Botswana where over 300 delegates, especially from Western countries, converged at the Gaborone GICC for three days. The highlight of the event was the appointment of Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president, Tirelo Mukokomani, to the World Softball Committee (WSC), making him the first Motswana to make it to the elevated position. Mukokomani’s presence on the committee is expected to give Botswana a voice in international softball, thus helping the country grow the ball game.
Reikeletseng appointed to TAFISA The Chairman of the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng, initially wanted to run for the position of Vice President in the 11-member committee but had to settle for a board membership position after the structure of the committee was changed. Like Mukokomani’s appointment, Reikeletseng’s is viewed as a huge development for the country. By having a representative on the committee, Botswana hopes to influence world sports decisions in favour of Botswana and the African continent. His presence should also give the country an opportunity to learn how sports is run at the international level. Softball world champions Botswana team made history by advancing to the last eight stage of the competition. The team’s last best finish was 9th in 2000.
Luza appointed to AAC
IWG award
The 2012
Commonwealth Games silver
medalist boxe,r Lechedzani Luza, was
appointed to the Commonwealth Games
Federation (CGF) Athletes Advisory
Committee (AAC).
He, together with former South African swimmer Natalie DU Toit, will represent Africa on the committee for four years. Luza formerly set on the Botswana National Olympics
As the country prepares to host the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sports conference in 2018, the organising committee’s efforts to prepare for the event have not gone unrecognised. The country wishes to host a conference that will leave a legacy for girls and women in sports. Recently the committee received the Association for International Sports for All’s (TAFISA) Sustainability Award at the TAFISA world assembly in South Korea. The committee was given the award for its recognition of the Mentorship Empowerment Programme (MEMPROW) that brings girls and young women between the ages of 14 and 18 together and provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful, confident and self-reliant individuals. The IWG conference will be held in Gaborone in May next year.
Committee (BNOC) as a representative of athletes.
The AAC was established to represent the views of athletes and to provide advice to the CGF executive board in order to plan and deliver athlete-centered and sports-focused
games with a view to providing the best possible sporting
experience for all participating athletes in the Commonwealth Games.
Basketball World Club Cup qualifiers Although local teams faired badly in the competition that was held by Botswana, the country did well as far as hosting the event is concerned. Through the competition, the country
proved that it has world-class venues. The competition, which was held at Lobatse Sports Complex and the University of
Botswana (UB) Indoor Sports Arena, marked the preliminaries
for the first stage of qualifications to the 2018 Basketball Clubs Cup.
www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 16 | 2017
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BA ISAGO'S P64 MILLION FACILITIES OFFICIALLY OPENED
P
resident Ian Khama has commended Ba Isago University for being one of the first local institutions to answer the government’s call for establishment of home-grown institutions of learning. He recognised Ba Isago for heeding his call early when he officially opened new facilities at the university‘s main campus at Block 7 in Gaborone recently, The P64 million facilities include a 200 dinner seating capacity convention centre, a cinema setting, a 500 capacity sports complex with change rooms, a 200 seat pavilion with a bar and a restaurant and a garden. The Chairman of the Ba Isago Board, Ruth Gabasiane said completion of these facilities represented an unwavering commitment and faith of both shareholders and funders in the future role and viability of the institution. She described the facilities as modern and noted that they depict contemporary architectural designs befitting of a 21st century institution of higher learning. “We trust that they will withstand the test of time in terms of their long-lasting quality and functionality,” said Gabasiane. After a long and winding search for financing (which included external financial lending institutions), Ba Isago obtained assistance from the Botswana Development Corporation for which Gabasiane said the institution was most thankful. The university’s Acting President, Rumarayi Tadu, said Ba Isago
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had grown from a small institution that commenced operations with 50 students and six staff, both academic and non-academic. Its product offerings were at the certificate level, adding the diploma level in the course time before upgrading and diversifying to the degree level. Tadu said during the journey, Ba Isago had grown from a university college to a fully-fledged university that it presently is.
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The growth, though not exponential, had been steady and continuous. “(But) contrary to the misconception that sometimes exists, the establishment of these private tertiary educational institutions were not an opportunistic or predatory step but was in response to a clear invitation by our government for partnerships with the private sector,� he said.
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RE GO FA THUSO KA NAKO E O E TLHOKANG THATA. A o amegile mo kotsing ya koloi kana o itse mongwe o o amegileng mo kotsing ya koloi. MVA Fund e ka go thusa fela thata go go busetsa mo botsogong jo bo eletsegang. Re tlhaloganya thata seemo sa motho yo o amegileng mo kotsing ya koloi, re itse fa a tlhoka thuso ya potlako ebile e le maleba, ke moo re itlamileng go go fa thuso e e tshwanetseng mo nakong e e khutshwane. Mongwe le mongwe yo o amegileng mo kotsing ya koloi o ka bona dithuso tse di latelang: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE / THUSO YA BONGAKA FUNERAL ASSISTANCE / THUSO YA DITSHENYEGELO Re go thusa mo di OurengTSA tse diPHITLHO ferang bobedi
E ke thuso e e fiwang ba ba bonyeng dikgobalo mo kotsing ya koloi. Maikaelelo magolo a thuso e ke go busetsa yo o gobetseng mo botsogong jo bo eletsegang. Re go thusa mo Oureng e le nngwe fa ele thuso ya potlako kana malatsi a le matlhano fa e se ya potlako.
A ke madi a a ntshiwang go thuso mo phitlhong ya motho yo o tlhokafetseng mo kotsing ya koloi. Madi a a ka se fete P7 500. Re go thusa mo di Oureng tse di ferang bobedi.
LOSS OF EARNINGS / THUSO YA TATLHEGELO ITSHETSO LOSS OF SUPPORT / THUSO YA BA BA LATLHEGETSWENG KE MOTLHOKOMEDI
Thuso e e fiwa ba dikgobalo tsa kotsi ya koloi di bakileng gore ba latlhegelwe ke pereko kana ba seka ba tlhola ba kgona go itshetsa. Re go thusa mo bekeng tse thataro.
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Rail Park Mall 3911180
Thuso e e fiwa ba ba latlhegetsweng ke motlhokomedi mo kotsing ya koloi. E ka nna bana, batsadi, monna kana mosadi, kana mongwe le mongwe fela yo o ka supang gore one a tlhokomelwa ke moswi. Re go thusa mo kgweding tse pedi.
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MVA Fund Botswana
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