Connect with us
Advertisement

School uniform conundrum: Textile Association takes retailers head on

It is back to school and parents and guardians are running helter-skelter around stores in a bid to buy school uniforms. However, it has not been smooth sailing unlike previous years following government’s decision to impose ban on importation of school uniform by retail outlets.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]

The decision by government has not been without consequences — from shortage of supply, to court battles and over pricing — Textile and Clothing Association insists the decision was necessary to boost locals and support economic growth. Amid the chaos, the association is adamant that the locals will meet the demand, and everything will normalize.

Vice chairperson of Botswana Textile and Clothing Association, Candida Montsho disclosed that, they had previously embarked on a two year market research period to determine school uniform pricing by their competitors, PEP and Ackermans stores

When addressing the issue of over pricing of uniforms by the local sellers, Montsho revealed that as the Association, they have moved to adopt the same pricing structure as their retail competitors, in the same vein, the association is also selling uniforms at giveaway prices to establish a form of trust in the consumer since they have been used to imported uniforms.

She continued to say they have engaged the Ministry of Trade and Industry and BURS to make sure that no retail clothing shops in Botswana are selling imported uniforms. “As far as we are aware there is no imported uniform allowed to enter Botswana in the year 2022/2023.”She said.

Furthermore, Montsho called on Batswana to report anyone selling imported uniforms to their Association, BURS or Ministry of Trade and Industry. “We are ready to go and confiscate,” she declared.

“As much as Batswana complain about the locally produced uniform, the government is doing its best to build and grow the economy of Botswana. Fashion designers, textile manufacturers and tailors in Botswana have not been earning just a bare minimum of salaries where they can support their families, own plots or land or be bankable, because we have not given them opportunity to grow their businesses to an extent where they can hire other Batswana.”

Montsho stressed that they should not just think of buying their children uniforms from luxurious shops like Woolworths but also think of where they want to see the economy of Botswana in the next ten (10) years.

“It is not about the individual uniform, rather it is about the economy at large,” she said.

Botswana Textile and Clothing Association is fighting for local manufacturers to grow, they said, because they want Batswana to know that locals have the ability to produce.

When commenting on the issue of PEP and Ackermans taking the government to court, Montsho said: “Unfortunately PEP and Arckermans were not able to meet with the local manufacturers and suppliers and have an agreement, but CB stores met Batswana suppliers and had an agreement, that is why there is uniform in their stores because they buy it from local suppliers and manufacturers.”

“PEP and Arckermans when we were trying to litigate with them the two (2) year period that we were given, that we all knew about the ban of imported uniforms since 2020, they were not willing to come to the party.”

Montsho says the reasons PEP and Arckermans were refusing to buy uniform locally was; they wanted to know capacity of Batswana manufacturers and suppliers, however because most Batswana do not have manufacturing warehouses that can occupy two hundred (200) to three hundred (300) machines and the ordinary manufacturer has eight (8) to ten (10) machines, they are still tailoring in their back rooms, but PEP and Arckermans wanted to meet manufacturers or suppliers with three hundred (300) or more.

“When we tried to ask them to group Batswana and work with them as clusters, they refused. And also the prices they wanted to buy from Batswana were ridiculously low, which means the manufacturer will be making a loss. Unfortunately Botswana is a land locked country, we don’t have an easy access to the fabric used for making uniforms, we will need to intergrade our fabric purchases through other countries, for example; for a person to buy a school shirt at fifteen pula (P15) that will not make sense to an ordinary Motswana manufacturer,” said Montsho.

She added that PEP and Arckermans were also not willing to change their prices and they were hoping the government will give them the license to import the uniforms.

In August, the government made a decision to ban the importation of school uniforms and this was backed up by the Ministry of Trade and Industry coming up with the Statutory Instrument no.76 of 2021, which currently restricts the importation of school uniforms.

[/ihc-hide-content]

News

BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

Continue Reading

News

Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

Continue Reading