Choppies revenue up to P5.4 billion amid new strategy
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Choppies Enterprises Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramachandran Ottapathu has said the retail giant is regaining its feet after tumultuous spell which saw the company being suspended on the stock exchange as well poor performance of its operations in some countries.
Choppies returned to trading on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), where it is primarily listed, on the 27th of July 2020 subsequent to release of its 2018 and 2019 financial results which have been backlogging for the past two successive financial years.
BSE suspended Choppies in 2018 after the company failed to publish its financial results pending changes in auditors as well as the legal and forensic investigations hence a subsequent boardroom fracas played before the media.
For the same reason, Choppies shares were also suspended in its secondary market, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Choppies remains suspended on JSE.
Speaking to WeekendPost on Thursday, the Choppies supremo said they have learnt numerous lessons over the past few years relating to operations expansion, expressing confidence that the strong financial performance that the company posted recently is a testament to creation of a new path.
The company had few loss making units that have been disposed of. The remaining places where we operate [Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia] are solid performers from all the four regions in spite of high inflation in Zimbabwe, we still continue to make money. Zambia is growing well and Namibia is also in strong footing, Ottapathu said.
Choppies recently decided to cease its operations in South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania owing to poor performance. Despite this divesture Ottapathu is confident other regions will be key in the growth of Choppies in the next few years.
We will get some growth in Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe depending on what the country is going through. We are not going to be in a hurry to expand in Zimbabwe but other countries we will do expansion in a phased manner, he said.
Asked on what went wrong in other regions Ottapathu said: It was too new in those countries. Nobody had the patience to wait, we had to go with a new tide that people have to make money immediately.
Ottapathu could not rule out the possibility of returning to the markets where they exited, indicating that only time will tell.
It is too early for me to make a comment on that. We will be expanding in a cautious manner and we will do an expansion programme in a very thoughtful process, he said.
In the latest financial results, Choppies indicated that it is in the process of restructuring its debt. The Debt Restructuring Plan will allow the Company to repay the lenders in smaller tranches than the previous structure which will release some cash to the Company and improve the cash flow going forward, the statement stated.
The Choppies board is of the view that the buffer that has been provided by lenders coupled with improved profitability levels will go a long way in keeping the Company as a going concern for the short, medium to long term.
That is one of the lessons we learn in the whole thing, debt is a killer. We want to reduce the debt. We will repay the debt even if dividends are delayed by a year, we will rather pay the debt, Ottapathu said.
Despite events of the past few years, Ottapathu is self-assured that shareholders are confident about the future of the company.
At the height of Choppies saga, Ottapathu was suspended as the CEO of the company pending investigations resulting from allegation of wrong doing that have been raised by one of the previous auditing team members.
Majority of them are confident, that is why they put us back in the driving seat. We brought in new board members and they are working well with us, said Ottapathu.
As he previously indicated, Ottapathu said his suspension followed his proposal to the then board led by former President Festus Mogae to have the company board refreshed to bring in people with relevant experience in the retail business.
After garnering support from majority shareholders, the board was refreshed, with Mogae and other board members comprising of Dorcas Kgosietsile, Heinrich Stander, Ronald Tamale and Wilfred Mpai resigning their seats in September 2019.
During the year under review there has been changes in the Board of Directors of Choppies and the current board, which is led by Uttum Corea and comprises of among others; Farouk Essop Ismail, Ramachandran Ottapathu, Carol Jean Harward, and Tom Pritchard.
CHOPPIES FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Choppies negative equity increased from P80.1 million at June 2019 to P467.1 million as at June 2020. The main contributor for the increased negative equity is the P469.6 million loss from discontinued operations.
Group revenue, for the year ended June 2020 comprising of sale of goods, from the continuing operations, increased by 1.1 percent to P5 421 million (2019: P5 359 million).
This increase was inflation driven in Botswana and Zimbabwe against a backdrop of negative sale volumes in Botswana and Zimbabwe due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Groups continuing operations revenue is estimated at P190 million.
The Board has considered it prudent to not declare a dividend for the period under review.
Botswana
The Botswana business continued to show strong resilience in an increasingly competitive and disruptive market due to Covid-19. This year was a period of consolidation, rationalising and balance sheet management with only 3 new stores opened totalling 91 stores.
Revenue grew by 2.7 percent to P4 260.1 million (2019: P4 147.2 million) despite sale volumes reducing by 4.7 percent. The gross profit margin improved to an impressive 24.4 percent (2019: 24.1 percent) with increased consumer demand in an economic environment of low interest rates and a weak Rand. In addition, improved buying and further addition of house brands contributed to profitability.
Financial services and value-added segments contributed well to the bottom line with significant effort and resources placed behind these to improve the service delivery and profitability.
EBITDA (i.e. before accounting for IFRS 16) grew by P58.2 million or 22.5 percent to P316.6 million (2019: P258.3 million).
Zambia
Choppies is becoming a significant player in the Zambian market and is currently number 2 in its market segment with a total of 21 stores (2019: 21). Revenue grew by 3.5 percent to P604.1 million (2019: P583.5 million) and the gross profit margin to 17.6 percent (2019: 17.2 percent). In the rapid declining currency situation, input costs are not sufficiently recovered by sales proceeds in Kwacha. This situation is made worse by some overheads like rent which are normally fixed in US dollars, a situation currently been re-negotiated.
EBITDA losses (i.e. before accounting for IFRS 16) reduced significantly by P33.6 million to a P4.4 million loss (2019: P38.0 million loss).
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is one of the most challenging markets to operate in, with hyperinflation in three digits, concerns surrounding the economy, changes in the money market and public disturbances. Revenue declined by 18.6 percent to P414.1 million (2019: P508.5 million) resulting from an 87.5percent weakening of the local currency against the Pula during the previous 12 months.
Gross profit margins improved slightly to 19.0 percent (2019: 18.8percent) with EBITDA on a comparable basis (i.e. before accounting for IFRS 16) at P15.7 million (2019: P15.1 million). The abrupt changes and volatility in the currency makes operating in Zimbabwe extremely difficult. This resulted in all the gains obtained at country level getting eliminated when converted at group level due to the weak currency when compared to the Botswana Pula.
Despite all these issues, the business remains self-sustaining without any cash flow constraints. However, repatriation of profits to Botswana will continue to be difficult until the economy undergoes a structural change.
Namibia
The Namibian operation is still relatively small, with five stores (2019:5), and is yet to reach a critical mass needed to generate sustainable profitability levels. Revenue increased by 18.7 percent to P142.1 million (2019: P119.7 million) with gross profit margins improving to 18.3 percent (2019: 16.6 percent).
The trends in sales growth and substantial improvement in gross profit levels are indicative of the future potential of the region. Based on the trends and similarities this market has to Botswana, the Namibian operation is expected to be a substantial contributor to the profitability of the Group in the longer term.
EBITDA losses (i.e. before accounting for IFRS 16) increased to P11.3 million (2019: loss P9.2 million) due to the rental payment of three non-operational stores.
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Mascom, Letshego partner to deliver the MyZaka instant loan
Letshego Botswana has recently partnered with Mascom to launch the Mascom MyZaka Instant Loan, a customer focused mobile money microloan service designed to provide customers with swift and convenient access to funds, driven by the underlying theme of “Ithuse” meaning “help yourself”
The loan is said to have been developed through a partnership driven by a deep customer focus with the key objectives of access, convenience and flexible financial support to customers of Letshego Botswana and Mascom through instantly disbursed short-term loans from P50 to P1 500 over the period of one month.
Letshego’s head of transformation, Molebogeng Malomo highlighted that working through agile methodologies, the partnership was able to develop and be released as what they call a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or solution. “In keeping up with the spirit of design thinking and agile methodologies, the experiences and viewpoints of both Letshego Botswana and Mascom’s customers will be valuable to inform further enhancements to the Mascom MyZaka solution,” he said.
He further noted that the partnership and the development of the MyZaka instant loan will provide both the organizations to diversify their offering and customer base, while also offering the customer more choices and flexibility to initiate and be in control of their loan requests through the self-service mobile based application.
Mascom’s Chief Executive Officer, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni also alluded that their origins, priorities and initiatives are firmly rooted in Botswana and in the success of all Batswana, and that their strategy and intent is supported by embracing innovative problem-solving.
“The speed with which Letshego has grown over the years gives us confidence that we have partnered with the right service provider. Their expertise and most of all, innovation, a value we both share, will be beneficial to MyZaka Mobile Money for growth and for the convenience of our subscribers,” she concluded.
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DCEC granted warrant to arrest Khama twins
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been granted permission to apprehend the former Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, and his twin brother Anthony Khama.
Information gathered by this publication suggests that the DCEC is actively searching for the Khama brothers, this is in connection with events that transpired whilst Tshekedi was Minister of Environment. The duo is currently in exile in South Africa together with their elder brother, and former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Approximately two weeks ago, the corruption-busting agency discreetly filed for an arrest warrant that was approved by the Broadhurst Magistrate Court for the two to be taken into custody, according to a highly placed source within the government enclave.
DCEC is also said to have filed an affidavit signed by a high-ranking officer known to this publication. Reports indicate that after being presented with details of the case, the Broadhurst magistrate issued the agency an arrest warrant.
It is also believed that the agency has been conducting extensive investigations into the supposed suspects for quite some time. Furthermore, Weekend Post has it on good word that the DCEC has been looking for methods to summon the two for questioning but has been unsuccessful.
According to unconfirmed reports, DCEC met with attorney Victor Ramalepa, who refused to accept the summons, saying that he is not their attorney. Furthermore, it is believed that DCEC has enlisted the assistance of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in flagging the suspects’ names in the International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL.
Responding to WeekendPost enquiries, DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi said, “I am not in good position to confirm or deny the allegation,” adding that such allegations may fall within the operational purview of the DCEC.
When contacted for comment, Ramalepa briefly stated that he is unaware of the purported arrest warrant. “I know nothing about the warrant and I haven’t been served with anything,” he said.
Meanwhile, former president Lt Gen Ian Khama recently issued a statement stating that DIS is intensifying the harassment and intimidation of him, family, friends and office employees.
“It is reprehensible for state officials and agencies to abuse government resources to terrorise their own citizens for personal gain,” said the former president in a statement.
He also stated that his brother TK’s staff and security were ordered to falsely implicate him. “Their desperate tactics will never work, it only serves to motivate me more to pursue regime change and free Botswana from tyranny,” he said
This comes after the corruption busting agency wants to interview the alleged suspects as they are still hiding in South Africa since last year.
Despite the hostility between government and Khama family going unabated, last month, Masisi extended an olive branch to Khama in political rally, indicating that he hopes the two of them settle their differences, of which the former responded by welcoming the gesture.
Khama further said his brother, Tshekedi, will facilitate the reconciliation of his behalf. Many have indicated that Masisi did not say what he said in good faith, and was only scoring political brownies since he was in Khama’s territory in Shoshong.
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DCEC’s Tshepo Pilane still has his mojo
Tshepo Pilane silenced his critics after being named the head of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in May of last year and served his opponents humble pie. Many believed he would only last for a month, but almost a year later, he is still standing.
Pilane, a trained soldier whose appointment surprised both the general public and some officers within the DCEC walls, has never glanced back in his duty to steer the DCEC ship forward.
It is alleged that immediately after his appointment the man embarked on a nation-wide trip touring the DCEC offices across the country in order to confirm and reaffirm the DCEC’s mandate. Sources from inside the DCEC claim that Pilane won the hearts of many DCEC employees due to his humility and plain message; “people at the top of the DCEC will come and go but the mandate of the DCEC remains relevant and unchanged.”
Pilane was appointed the Acting DCEC Director General at a time when the organisation was undergoing turbulence through court proceedings in which the suspended Director General Tymon Katlholo had interdicted the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) from accessing the DCEC premises. At the time, the DIS had raided the DCEC offices in the absence of Katlholo claiming to be looking for high profile corruption cases allegedly held by Katlholo.
At the time Pilane was Head of the DCEC Intelligence Division holding the position of Senior Assistant Director General reporting directly to the Deputy Director General Operations Ms Priscilla Israel. Contrary to his detractors, Pilane who is a reserved and humble person by nature won the support and backing of many DCEC officers due to his unassuming nature.
In a recent questionnaire sent to the DCEC regarding Pilane’s term in office, the DCEC was resolute on its commitment towards the fight against corruption. When quizzed on allegations of rife corruption since he took over, Pilane through his Public Relations (PR) office stated that the corruption landscape in Botswana remains unchanged as the DCEC continues to receive reports on allegations of corruption with sectors such as procurement (tenders and supplies), Transport (licensing and certificates), and land (dubious allocation and collusion) still leading issues reported. This trend has been consistence in the DCEC database for more than 10 years.
When further quizzed on accusations that suggest that due to the infighting at the agency, particularly at the top management, Investigations of cases has dropped significantly the DCEC claimed ignorance to the matter, stating that they are not aware of any “infights” at the DCEC “at the top management”, further stating that, investigations of cases has increased significantly, contrary to the allegations raised. “The DCEC is currently seeking new ways of expediting the investigations in order to fast track its enforcement role,” said the DCEC Head of Public Relations Lentswe Motshoganetsi. He further stated that the DCEC is in pursuit of high profile cases involving money and assets valued over P900 million. Three companies are involved in the scandal and two cases have already been committed to court while on one, investigations are about to be completed.
When WeekendPost inquired about Pilane’s roadmap, the DCEC stated that in the past, anti-corruption interventions were reactive, particularly in dealing with national projects that involve large sums of money. It was further started that in most instances investigating such matters takes a long time and in most instances, the money looted form Government in never recovered. As a result, the DCEC has taken a deliberate stance to attach its officers from the Corruption Prevention Division to be part of the implementation of these projects before, during, and after implementation.
The DCEC cited the Economic Stimulus Programme which, although meant to grow the economy and uplift Batswana from poverty, yielded incidents of corruption and poor workmanship. To date, the DCEC is still grappling with cases as some projects were not done, or were completed with defects beyond repair. Currently the DCEC is involved at the Ministry of Education conducting project risk management in the Multiple Path Ways Program at Moeng College and Maun Senior School. This intervention will spread to other sectors of the economy as part of the DCEC’s corruption prevention strategy.
Of recent, the DCEC has been in the media for all the wrong reasons following leakage of high profile cases and allegations claiming that the executive management is at war with each other more particularly with some within the agency harbouring ambitions to dethrone Pilane from the Directorship.
Although the infighting was denied by Pilane’s Office, he acknowledged that leakage of information is a problem across Government and stated that it is a pain at the DCEC. He however stated that Staff has been cautioned against leakage of investigation information and that they have roped in the Botswana Police to assist in investigating incidents of leakage. He further stated that they have increased continuous vetting and lifestyle audits for DCEC employees in order to enforce discipline.
Pilane’s term comes to an end in May 2023 after serving the DCEC for a year on acting basis. It will be in the public interest to see who will be given the baton to continue the anti-corruption journey if Pilane’s contract is not renewed. The DCEC has seen arrival and departure of Director Generals having alternated the top seat five times in less than seven years.