The secret behind Boitekanelo College
News
Mampane and Saleshando saw a real market gap
Boitekanelo College represents the aspirations of economic diversification, citizen empowerment, quality education, employment creation, and human resource development – all in one basket!
This is one project Botswana should pride herself with in bridging the education gap as well as domesticating healthcare training.
In life most people have dreams of achieving epic things in their lifetimes but the dreams remain just that: dreams. However a very small segment of people will usually cross the Rubicon and do all that is necessary to achieve what they believe is their life purpose, changing lives in the process.
Way back in the early 2000s when there was an acute shortage of healthcare workers and the cruel hand of the HIV/AIDS was showing its hand, young medical doctors, Tiro Mampane and Gagoitsewe Saleshando set out to help Government plug the gap that existed by creating a new pool of healthcare workers that would serve all industries.
In a an exclusive interview this week, Dr Mampane, who worked at Princess Marina Hospital two years before going into private practice, decided to venture into healthcare business after ‘getting bored’ with the medical aspect of his work and in turn, went into the business side of it.
Mampane said that having been trained outside Botswana’s borders, together with Dr Saleshando, they were exposed to healthcare environments that were defined, with different role players doing work within the sector that they were trained for, unlike in Botswana where nurses are burdened with nearly all duties that are to be performed in a healthcare environment.
“All the programmes that we introduce are industry driven, we go out to the industry, including the mines because we do not want our students to be unemployed; we do a lot of stakeholder engagement. Our advantage is that it is a well fact that worldwide, ratio of health care providers to people needing the services is not enough and that is the need that we are addressing, unlike maybe other programmes offered at other institutions, which are possibly flooded with graduates.”
Mampane said: So far, we have close to 40 of our graduates at Gaborone Private Hospital and also about 40 at Bokamoso Private Hospital and private practices also use our graduates.”
“We are even training for Zambia and we will be receiving more students soon. The need for healthcare services is pronounced all over, even in the first world countries. In our industry confidentiality is very important,” said Mampane highlighting the need for properly trained administrators, and auxiliary services providers in a healthcare system, to know the right etiquette, professionalism and confidentiality, adding that healthcare sometimes starts right from the time a patient makes a call to the care giver, in an emergency situation.
“When we started our business, we didn’t even have trained paramedics in this country and emergency care operators were hiring just anybody,” said Mampane.
“Just to share with other entrepreneurs, you must know that even if you have this big dream, don’t say that you will start with that big dream otherwise you will never start; you have to start small knowing where you want to be one day.”
According to Mampane, winners are those who start, otherwise you will always plan. “So we started with one programme and very few employees but I can tell you that right now we employ over 200 people, we have two campuses and we are offering courses for certificates, diplomas and degrees,” said Mampane, emphatically.
Mampane said that indeed, the perception in Botswana towards Batswana who come up with solutions for problems that exist in the country and present them to Government, is very different from when you arrive in the country as a foreigner, particularly if you are white.
“We had a hard time getting accreditation from the then BOTA: they saw us as these young boys and they could not really understand what we are trying to do and it was that time that the perception was that young people get financial assistance and immediately buy expensive cars. However, it is important to mention that right now they are very supportive.”
The most important factors for doing business, according to Mampane, besides dedication and commitment, are stakeholder engagement.
Boitekanelo College is a mammoth achievement by any terms. All the linkages for success were present, including: a real need for healthcare workers and administrators, both in Botswana, the region and Africa as a whole; the promoters of the vision, Drs Mampane and Saleshando, were willing to draw expertise from other professions and give rewards that were commensurate with the input; Government as a facilitator, finally listened to the concept and gave all the support.
Dr Tiro Mampane told WeekendPost that it was very difficult to get the attention of authorities, such as the Ministry of Health as well as the authoriser of trainers, the then Botswana Training Authority, now Botswana Qualifications Authority.
“If you want to go fast travel alone; but if you want to travel far, go with others,” said Mampane, quoting a famous philosopher.
Mampane said that they did not have finance as is common with nearly all start ups but they got help from angel investors, particularly one Wendy Mookodi, who he still holds in high regard. He said that they were not afraid to recruit from established institutions, professionals who would bring their expertise to make the venture a success.
After eight years of being in existence, a P40 million pula campus facility in Tlokweng, two annual global healthcare conferences, a near complete school of nursing and over 2000 graduates later, the next frontier for the College to acquire University status, something that Dr Mampane says was College is well placed to do that after three years: “In terms of the number of faculties and students, we qualify to be a university; as for the number of years in existence, we will be in a position to be a university in three years time. In fact we have that strategy in place to become a university at that time,” said Dr Mampane.
Mampane also said that as an institution, they have acquired a 12 hectare piece of land in Mogoditshane and are awaiting necessary approvals to build a campus with a training hospital, student accommodation and other facilities, by the year 2020.
As a parting shot, Mampane expressed his thankfulness for having been given the opportunity by Government to carry the mantle in healthcare education hence the reason to employ a majority of Batswana, which stands at 98 percent at Boitekanelo College.
News
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.
News
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.
News
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.