REAL TEA makes its mark
WeekendLife
Botswana’s quest to empower her citizens to become business owners of note — though snail-paced — seems to be yielding results.
Motherwell Investment, a 100 percent citizen-owned company, last week awarded its competition winners prizes at G.S.S grounds in Gaborone.
Motherwell Investment is a company that started operating in 1997, supplying chicken. It ventured into tea production in 2018, producing hot and cold beverages; their popular product is REAL TEA.
The venture was funded by CEDA and is accommodated by Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) in Block 3 Industrial Gaborone, where they operate. Packaged in Block 3 Industrial and distributed across larger chain stores in Botswana, the company has employed 38 Batswana.
The company started a competition dubbed REAL TEA WIN A MORAKA, launched on the 16th of August 2021. Entrants had to buy any Real Tea product worth P20.00 or more. 1st Prize was one bull and five heifers won by Tlhoriso Motshabi; while 2nd prize was five goat heifers won by Sentsheng Letsile; 3rd prize was three heifers won by Neo Doctor.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Business Botswana, Norman Moleele, said it is their desire to see this company grow to greater heights. He said they are so deliberate in ensuring a smooth way for businesses in the country.
“We have worked on removal of impediments to business” he noted. Therefore encouraged Batswana to board in their digital platform dubbed “Market Information Intelligent System” that has on board at least 5000 enterprises linking them to other African Countries platforms.
For his part, Acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the BITC Malebogo Morakaladi said Motherwell Investments is a company which BITC prides itself.
“This compettion goes a long way in improving the livelihoods of Batswana.This competition came at an opportune time when the government is coming up with measures to help Botswana become food-self-sufficient,” she noted.
The Deputy CEO Operations at Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) James Moribame explained that their journey with Motherwell Investments dates back to the inception of the idea of producing tea.
He said they did not as CEDA lose patience when the company hit a number of snags in the process, as the company was the first of its kind.
“We provided mentorship in form of technical expertise in different areas of business. Mostly with Financial Management and Marketing so that out-reach is realized within the country,” he stated.
Moribame applauded the company for choosing to give away prizes that are generational and would help grow the agricultural sector.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Tiny Diswai said, this competition is significant to the winners as well as the economy of the country.
She urged the winners to take care of the livestock. She further noted the significant role the company plays in the economy of the country.
“This company produces approximately 50 000kg of tea per month and this has to some extent reduced the country’s import bill of tea” she explained.
Diswai noted that agricultural produce is key to any country’s economy and her ministry is trying to encourage existing farmers and emerging ones to increase their production.
She further noted that, in 2020 Agriculture contributed 2.14 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Manufacturing 25.03 percent while 63.04 came from the services sector. She emphasized that they were gathered to witness a product of partnership between agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Director of Motherwell Investments Gibson Ntibi said their intention is to become manufacture of repute, not only of cold and hot beverages but agro-processed products and to sell across borders, at an affordable price.
“At the bare minimum different parastatals, ministries and government related entities should procure at least 70 percent of our tea” he said.
The competition was intended to create awareness of their brand, build loyalty in their customers and an act of Corporate Socially Responsibility.
Ntibi appealed to different stakeholder, amongst them CEDA, BITC, Business Botswana, retailers and government.
“We have passed the test, we have shown our tenacity, and it’s time you invest with confidence, knowing that the money will be put in good use,” he said.
“We passed the toddler stage, we are ready to fly with you across borders, we can fly and you won’t be disappointed and we will trade where the big guys are swimming”
Ntibi said for three years their products has been in the market, it has made a mark therefore appealing to retailers, wholesalers to give their product the seriousness it deserves.
“We would like you to take this message to the government, we request the Government to give us 70 percent of all its tea procurement, we have got the capacity, we have got the knowledge, and we can make it,” he said.
“Taking into consideration that we are the only local tea manufacturing company, 100 percent owned by citizens. We are short of you government, support us. Given your support we promise to double our numbers of our employees.”
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.