Ram mulls fresh faces for the Choppies board
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Suspended Choppies CEO who is also one of the company’s major shareholders, Ramachandran Ottapathu, has made a proposal that the company’s Board be strengthened at the highly anticipated upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
Ram in his capacity as a shareholder has further proposed that Oabona Michael Kgengwenyane, Tom Pritchard and Carol-Jean Harward be added as new faces to the Choppies board. On the other hand, certain institutional shareholders with further consent from the Choppies Board have suggested that Goleele Mosinyi and Kenny Nwosu be enacted to the retailer’s board of directors.
According to a Circular released by the Botswana Stock Exchange(BSE), Ram’s proposal suggest a complete clean-up of the entire Choppies Board as shareholders are allowed the discretion to elect a strengthened board of directors. Ram also suggested the strengthened Board may include the current directors or not, it all to the discretion of shareholders at the EGM to decide who is fit to be appointed to the board. This is despite all the old directors, save for Mogae, offering themselves for reappointment.
Ottapathu, Farouk Ismail and Choppies employees collectively own 46 percent of the company stock while institutional investors owns about 26 percent, while the rest is owned by the public. “It is the combined view of Mr Ottapathu and the Board that the current Board requires strengthening by inclusion of additional independent non-executive appointees to it. It is for this reason that the Board (including Mr Ottapathu), have put forward the Proposed Resolutions, to allow the Shareholders to elect a strengthened Board (whether it includes current Directors or not) which will direct the proceedings and affairs of the Company going forward,” said communication seen by this publication last week.
Choppies current board included former president Festus Mogae, acting CEO and shareholder Farouk Ismail, executive director Ottapathu, chief financial officer Heinrich Stander, Wilfred Mpai, Dorcas Kgosietsile and Ronald Tamale. In a cleanup, according to the proposal prior to the company’s EGM, none of these heads will be spared except maybe for the executive directors.
While Ram proposed a fresher board, Choppies long-term chairman Mogae announced on the same circular that he will be stepping down before the EGM. Mogae who turns 80 years next week Wednesday attended only two board meetings out of the four in the last financial results which were published Choppies in 2017. According to the Choppies circular, Mogae had notified shareholders at last year’s Annual General Meeting of the company at which the 2018 Audited Financial Statements are received and approved by shareholders. The former state leader will retire just before the upcoming EGM.
On 4 September the shareholders will hold an at the Grand Aria Hotel and Conference Centre situated at Plot 32943, Block 3, WestGate, Gaborone, Botswana on 4 September 2019 at 10h00. This week Choppies published a circular for its shareholders on the BSE and this communication comprised of important information in connection with the audited annual financial statements of the group for the year ended 30 June 2018. This circular also contained a notice convening an extraordinary general meeting.
At the 4 September EGM Ram’s proposal of electing directors will be considered. A forensic investigation conducted by Ernst & Young Advisory Services (Proprietary) Limited, an auditing firm based in South Africa which probed certain transactions to which the group was party in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe will be presented. Also a Legal Report issued by Desai Law Group into certain matters which were referred for investigation, analysis and advice, and which involved a number of commercial agreements to which the Group was party in Botswana during past years will be presented before shareholders.
Also to be discussed is Ram’s suspension which is said to be pending disciplinary charges and investigations. According to the latest circular by Choppies, Ottapathu has not had an opportunity to respond in writing to their respective contents nor have disciplinary charges been put to him after he was suspended. The Board is however in the process of instituting such disciplinary proceedings and Ottapathu has reserved his rights in respect of such proceedings, according to communication by the retailer.
According to Choppies circular, if disciplinary charges are put to Ottapathu as arising from the Legal Report or the Forensic Report, he will be afforded the right to defend himself fully. “Such right includes, but is not limited to, the right to respond to the Legal Report and the Forensic Report so that his side is on record. Mr Ottapathu has been afforded the right to record a written reply to the Legal Report and the Forensic Report, which reply shall be circulated on X-News and SENS (JSE news platform) by the Company on or before 27 August 2019,” said the Choppies circular.
Board composition
As according to the Choppies constitution, the existing board members have offered themselves for reappointment to the board, save for the outgoing chairman Mogae. Other new members have been nominated by shareholders to join the board. One of the resolutions to be considered is resolution 1 is to resolve to reappoint Farouk Ismail as a director of the company by ordinary resolution in accordance with the provisions of clause 20.3 of the company’s constitution.
According to Choppies constitution, Wilfred Mpai can also be retained as a director by ordinary resolution 2. Ordinary Resolution 3 to be considered at the EGM is that Dorcas Kgosietsile also be retained. Ronald Tamale (ordinary resolution 4), Heinrich Stander (ordinary resolution 5) and Ram are also up for reappointment to the board. Suggested to join the board are; Kgengwenyane, Pritchard, Harward, Mosinyi and Nwosu.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.