BOPEU President takes government head on!
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BOPEU’s new President, Masego Mogwera, has come out with guns blazing that Government cannot and must not abdicate its primary responsibility and priority.
Mogwera has pointed out that, by abdicating its priority, its primary responsibility, the Government will then have no role to play in the lives of the citizens, the welfare of the nation and the future of the country and thus its purpose and relevance will be questionable. BOPEU’s iron lady was addressing members of the media two days after the presentation of the 2017/2018 budget speech.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Kenneth Mathambo, has during the 2017 / 2018 National Development Budget proposals in the National Assembly remarked that, “with regard to employment creation, it is important to clarify that the principal role of Government is not to create jobs directly, but to provide a conducive macroeconomic environment to facilitate the development of the private sector”.
BOPEU has come out openly to differ with the Minister of Finance on his assertions that it is not Government responsibility to create jobs. BOPEU President, Masego Mogwera has fiercely went on an outrage that “BOPEU vehemently rejects this preposition and characterize it as an abdication of state responsibility”. The statement by the Finance Minister is a departure from the stance of Government in the 2016/17 Budget.
Further the stance of the Minister of Finance on job creation is contrary to Government’s international obligations under the DECENT WORK COUNTRY PROGRAMME, entered by and between the Government of Botswana and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the 17th of February 2011 where amongst other things, employment creation was identified as Botswana’s top priority.
It is for this reason that during the last national budget speech, Government remarkably outlined some of the economic activities undertaken by Government with potential for creating employment such as infrastructure backlog eradication, road networks and maintenance, wildlife and tourism initiatives among others. Mogwera thus lamented that, “it was therefore utterly shocking and devastating to hear Minister Mathambo abdicating the Government from its number one responsibility. And one may wonder what will be the role of Government if it is abdicating itself from its number one priority”?
BOPEU’s iron lady further contents that, the 2017/18 budget speech statement on the role of Government in job creation and the 2016/17 budget speech employment creation strategies depicts what she terms “glaring contradictions”. She further contents that the 2016/17 Budget approach to job creation by Government was very commendable despite the lack of specific and measurable targets and sustainability of the jobs alluded to.
The approach resonated well with listing job creation as a national priority. In BOPEU’s view, Government should have endeavoured to improve this approach rather than opting to eliminate it and deciding to occupy the back seat to watch as business ‘presumably’ takes place.
When this publication quizzed Mogwera whether there is a distinct difference between job creations and creating an environment for equitable job creation she hit back that, “Government’s effort to provide a conducive environment to facilitate development of the private sector is not a new phenomenon and has never seen the light of the day. The promised improvements in ICT, electricity and water supply and land policing and servicing among other things as efforts to create a conducive business environment are not justifiable and adequate for job creation initiative.”
Though BOPEU iron lady concurs that Government should create a conducive environment for the private sector to create employment, she is however of the firm view that Government has a direct responsibility in job creation without necessarily ballooning the wage bill by identifying strategic sectors such as tourism and mining with a potential for employment creation. And she emphasises that Mathambo must be clear if this new view is his or it’s a collective Government view because it is a total deviation from last year’s budget and economic plan.
To further compound this contradiction, Government has further committed itself to employment creation in the context of the NDP 11 theme; ‘inclusive growth for realization of employment creation and poverty eradication’. This theme was aptly crafted and befitting to national priorities.
Impressively in good accord with the NDP 11 theme, the 2017/18 Government has set a timeline target for the eradication of abject poverty by December 2017; a commendable approach which Mogwera says should have been adopted for employment creation as well. Mogwera is firm that it is for this reason that BOPEU leadership has resolved to call on Government to retract the statement and reconsider its position in so far as job creation is concerned.
BOPEU has also indicated that it has made some proposals in light of the 2017 / 2018 national development budget and will be sending them to Government for consideration. Amongst these proposals is that Government should assume a leading as opposed to a back-bench role with job creation. “We believe that Government should lead job creation initiatives by identifying appropriate and strategic industries to leverage on and inject capital for job creation initiatives” noted Mogwera.
It is BOPEU’S assertion that in this way Government, nurtures small businesses with growth potential to expand into big businesses and in turn create employment opportunities for local people. This ‘hand-holding’ and ‘incubation’ of small and medium scale businesses is necessary where local business have persistently failed to position themselves as engines of growth.
Mogwera continued to tell this publication that they believe that small and medium sized businesses contribute immensely to self-employment and improvement of household incomes and livelihoods and hence setting clear targets is the sure way to working within the ambit of strategy monitoring and evaluation, a commendable new national priority government has identified in the 2017/18 budget. “The Government must take a leading and direct role in employment creation. In our view, job-creation is government responsibility”, Mogwera emphasised.
BOPEU’s new President has also indicated that they are once more sending a proposal to Government that as part of exploring various alternatives to job creation, Government should put in place tax incentives to encourage local companies to employ more graduates. This is not the first time that BOPEU has made this proposal to Government and BOPEU seems to be hell bent on pursuing this proposal until it sees the light of the day. This proposal was first made by BOPEU after the 2015 / 2016 budget speech during their then breakfast budget speech review.
It is through this proposal that BOPEU is asserting that through the Government should set a specific number of employees that should any local company employ, such an employer would be entitled to tax exemption. In essence, the more graduates a company employs, the more tax exemption it enjoys. In this sense, in their feat to avoid tax, local companies will be encouraged to employ more graduates.
This can help circumvent the rampant crisis of graduate unemployment and this is what Mogwera asserts is amongst the many ways of direct job creation by Government that Mathambo’s 2017/2018 seeks to abdicate the Government from as a number one priority and primary responsibility. Mogwera further contents that, in doing so, the Botswana Government as a signatory to the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Country Programme, should take all necessary measures to ensure that jobs created are decent.
Decent and sustainable jobs are emphasized in the Decent Work Country Programme of the International Labour Organization which Botswana Government’s international obligations under the Decent Work Country Programme, entered by and between the Government of Botswana and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the 17th of February 2011 where amongst other things, employment creation was identified as Botswana’s top priority.
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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.