BPOPF talks massive plans after trashing CMB in court
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Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) is picking up the pieces after their recent high profile court victory against Capital Management Botswana (CMB) and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rapula Okaile.
In the judgement of the case which BPOPF were in pursuance together with Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA), three Court of Appeal Judges; Justice Ian Kirby, Justice Singh Walia and Justice Jacobus Brand ruled that “the appeals of both the first appellant (BPOPF) and the second appellant (NBFIRA) are allowed.” They also set aside Justice Omphemetse Motumise’s judgement and replaced it to confirm appointment of Peter Collins as Statutory Manager of CMB.
In light of the appointment, BPOPF CEO Boitumelo Molefhe told Weekend Post in an interview this week following a press briefing in Gaborone that Collins has taken charge and BPOPF is banking on him to direct way forward. “We are now going to be guided by CMB new Statutory Manager Peter Collins; he is a very important and key person going forward for all of us,” Molefhe said.
She emphasised that “Collins is going to make recommendations for all of us and they will be looked at by Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) and if they agree with them they will be implemented.” The BPOPF CEO also said Collins will lead investigation into a proper inquiry on how they lost close to 500 million pula of pensioner’s funds that was invested in CMB.
“We need a proper inquiry (that will be led by Collins) into how on earth this whole thing happened and that are we likely to receive the lost assets, and which one, including finding out if we can recover further assets beyond Okavango Wilderness and Cell city,” Molefhe highlighted.
According to the pension Fund CEO, they drew some lessons from the whole circus that put 60 billion worth pension fund into risks. “We learnt that next time there should do a thorough due diligence and make sure that they know the customer very well before any partnerships agreements.”
Why BPOPF committed to increase assets: P500 million to P880 million
The BPOPF CEO further told this publication separately after the press conference that initially they had wanted to increase assets they invested at CMB from P500 million to P880 million because they felt it was reasonable. Molefhe explained the transaction: “it was at a time in which the relationship between us as BPOPF and CMB was in good health. They were compliant. They were doing the draw down and they were laying down the money, they were actually investing the money. So we thought it would make a lot of sense to increase the capital which under weighed the dividends and increase them.”
She further observed that they wanted to allow CMB to make that capital rising for the company so as to allow for additional money in which the Advisory board approved it about three months later and that was also done in accordance with the partnerships agreements, Molefhe pointed out. “But shortly after that they started breaching those agreements and that’s when we started reminding them that they have to comply and do their quarterly reports to see their valuations and that is when they disagreed and refused saying they won’t do that.”
Molefhe added: “That is when we went ahead and told them that because of the major breaches and even that additional capital of P880 million is now null and void because there were conditions that they should give the valuation reports and even the auditors were concerned about it asking why they are refusing the valuations.” Private equity, she said, when they come and raise capital with you they need to show you that they have a pipeline and you have to be confident in the pipeline.
Will BPOPF locate the assets and repossess them?
In terms of the assets the BPOPF CEO said, “I think for these two; Okavango Wilderness and Cell City — am still confident that we will repossess them because they were/are still subjects of the court that is they are under Statutory Manager, they were even frozen, there was no trading allowed on them. It is a lot of money to the tune of P150 million and the share keeps increasing and there is also dividend.”
BPOPF appoints new board chairperson Solomon Mantswe
According to BPOPF CEO the Pension Fund has dully constituted new board with 11 trustees. They have also “appointed Solomon Mantswe as Chairman of the board effective 1 July 2018.” He will serve for a 5 year contract. “New board under Mantswe supports us as was evident in the just ended court case. There is a very cordial relationship,” Molefhe told this publication.
CMB wanted to settle matter outside court
In an interesting twist of events, BPOPF CEO also mentioned to Weekend Post in the interview that she heard CMB had wanted to settle the matter outside court although she denied it in the press conference. When asked separately she said “there may have been some kind of attempts to settle the matter outside court. This happened after the matter was lodged before court.
In fact it happened recently, I just heard recently. I heard it was from the CMB side and not BPOPF. It is certainly cannot be from our side as we believed in this case and had great prospects of winning as it turned out.” She insisted on the matter: “From our side we could have engaged our legal team. We never talked about wanting to settle. You just can’t settle by street talk without following due process and rational.”
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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.