My Career Path

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BANK OF BOTSWANA Issue 3 | Volume 2 | November 2020

MY CAREER PATH

Meet Ms Elizabeth Kopelo, as she shares her career path leading to her position now as Manager, Banking and Administration, in Banking and Currency Department.

Achievements

I joined the Bank as a Clerk after completing my Cambridge now known as BGCSE. I had to develop myself academically to keep improving my chances of career progression. As such I studied CABS at BIAC, joined BIOB where I completed Associate Diploma II followed by successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking with the University of Pretoria. The Bank also invested in my professional development through training in other aspects.

ELIZABETH KOPELO

I joined Bank of Botswana in 1980. During that time, there were limited forms of communications to advertise any job vacancies. At the time, one had to go around organisations to drop applications with the hope of being called for an interview, or just being called to come to work without going through the interview process, which was very common at the time. In my case, I dropped the letter at the Bank and was called for an interview, after which I was informed that I had been successful and I immediately joined the Bank.

I grew with the Bank, being my only known employer as I never worked for any other organisation. I joined the Bank as a Clerk in the Banking Department and progressed through the ranks to the current position of Manager, Banking and Administration. My career was enriched by rotation thorough other departments in the Bank, namely Banking Department, Treasury Department (currently Financial Markets), Administration Department (Human Resources) and finally Banking and Currency Department.

Inspiration

I have always wanted to work with figures, since mathematics has always been my favorite subject, and I am happy that my job involves doing so.

A thought

My stay in the Bank has been good. That is not to say I have not had challenges. Challenges will always be there but they make you grow.

A place I would like to visit

I feel more comfortable and enjoy travelling within Botswana. But someday I may visit the Seychelles.

On the softer side

My favorite dish is samp and oxtail.

Word of encouragement

“Stay focused, be patient and derive satisfaction through giving the best you can in your assignments. Always be yourself. Do not change your personality to suit any individual, rather adjust to accommodate others.”

BANK OF BOTSWANA

WHISTLE BLOWING

The Bank has established a reporting hotline, Deloitte Tipoffs Anonymous that enables staff and the public (whistleblowers) to anonymously report any perceived wrongdoing related to the business of the Bank. The hotline guarantees staff and members of the public anonymity, if they so choose. A caller may elect to be fully or partially anonymous by revealing their identity to Deloitte but not to the Bank. In a case of full disclosure, the individual’s identity is, with their permission, given to the Bank. The Bank will take reasonable precautionary measures to protect the individual’s identity.

All disclosures/reports made/received to/by the Bank will be treated seriously and fully investigated. Disclosures/ Reports made will be identified by way of a reference number that will be used to communicate results or requestfurther information.The caller can request progress from Tip-Offs Anonymous based on the reference number of the call given to them. Reporting personal grievances, false, malicious or frivolous information is not permitted.

What can be reported?

The following unethical behaviour or unlawful acts can be disclosed/ reported through the Deloitte Tip-off Anonymous (Please note that list is not exhaustive): · misconduct; · corruption, theft, fraud and bribery; · control violation; · nepotism; · abuse of Bank Property; · discrimination; and · anti-money laundering/financing of terrorism.

When reporting on unethical behaviour, the whistleblower should provide the following information to the extent possible: · the wrong-doing/incident; · date, time and place of incident; · name(s) of person(s) involved, if applicable; · proof/evidence, including name(s) of witnesses, where possible; · frequency of occurrence; and · reason for concern and background information.

Short Code/Toll Free number

A call can be made directly using any mobile / cellphone or fixed telephonelineto thetoll free number 16181. The number can be accessed through Mascom,Orange, BeMobile and BotswanaTelecommunications Corporation.

The reporting service at Deloitte Tipoffs Anonymous is available 24 hours daily, 365 days in a year, inclusive of weekends and holidays in English. Reporting in Setswana is available from 0800 hours to 1700 hours from Monday to Friday, and a voice prompt service for leaving a report in Setswana is available between 0800 hours and 1700 hours