Strides July 2021

ISSUE 11 JULY 2021

Stanbic Bank Botswana:

Offering Cutting edge Global Markets Solutions You can survive financial difficulties

Bomaid celebrates Golden Jubilee

Botswana Bwp 25 Other countries $ 3.50

Q. Are there side effects for the COVID-19 vaccines?

A. COVID-19 vaccines are fairly new but the following side effects have so far been reported:

PAIN

FEVER

HEADACHE

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES/LUMP ON THE ARMPIT

* The benefits of the vaccine outweigh the side effects.

#ArmReady #FAQ’s Ministry of Health & Wellness COVID-19 CALL CENTRE: 16649 Vision: A Healthy Nation by 2023 Values: Customer Focus, Botho, Timeliness, Equity, Teamwork

Launches Mobile App; a world of possibilities.

Currency is central to the world of trade and finance. We bring you the eMarketTrader Mobile App to give you Forex Solutions on-demand and on the go.

• • •

Keep track of live currency rates in real time for 24hours Buy and sell foreign currency on the move Stay up-to-date with the latest market commentary, enabling you to proactively manage your risk.

Contact us at: 3618195, GlobalMarketsSales_BW@stanbic.com

Available on Playstore and iOS

CONTENTS

JULY 2021

ISSUE 11 VOL 3

Stanbic Bank Botswana:Offering Cutting edge Global Markets Solutions Bomaid celebrates Golden Jubilee, pledges unparalleled healthcare solutions

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Adapt or Die, and the Changing Nature of the Insurance Industry 14 Doctors Union and First Sun Insurance ink partnership 16

Tribute: Linah Kelebogile Mohohlo Bank Of Botswana Former Governor 18 BotswanaPost goes virtual on Post Boxes

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BTC launches first ever telecommunications museum

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Leading like a lion or lioness in uncertain times part two

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How to financially survive difficult times Part 1

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Putting Education at The Heart of The AU-EU Partnership For A Better Future

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Detaching from one Gender Pedestal to Allow for Balance: The World Needs the Unity

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Bushra Stud Breaks Two Botswana National Records at Voorslag Auction

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Lucara upbeat on Karowe mine expansion

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Botswana makes historic large stones recoveries in 2021

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What you should know before getting married in Botswana

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Gosmartvalue an exciting and convenient proptech shift: Vantage Properties

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Dumelang!

My name is Araba Holladine.

I am Hollard Life’s WhatsApp Customer Service Agent and I am here to help you connect to the world of Hollard Life!

To get a hold of me, send ‘Hi’ to +267 76 230 009 any time and I will be glad to assist with any of the following; • • • • •

General information about Hollard Life Hollard Life products Access to your Policy information Submitting and tracking claims Submitting KYC documents

I can also connect you to any one of my colleagues, for further assistance! Looking forward to hearing from you.

#EnablingBetterFutures

www.hollard.co.bw Hollard Life Assurance Company of Botswana (Pty) Ltd, BW00000415081

Tel: +267 363 3060/3000

Fax: +267 319 1706

Office: Private Bag BR 203, Gaborone, Botswana Plot 64511, Fairgrounds, Gaborone, Botswana

PUBLISHED BY Strides Publications (Pty) Ltd EDITOR Ephraim Banda WRITERS Wame Mhlanga Henry David contributors Aobakwe K. Sentle Dr. Wilbert Mutoko Tumelo Sejo Boitumelo Chikumbutso Chapusa MARKETING & ADVERTISING sstridemagazine @gmail.com CONTACTS +267 73319723 +267 77625030 DESIGN/LAYOUT Jon +267 71362491

All information is supplied without liability. Although the publisher has taken all precautions to ensure that the information is correct at the time of publication, the publisher and their agents do not accept any liability, direct or indirect, for material contained in this publication.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the copyright owners.

expand your business horizons

77625030 stridesmagazine 73319723 sstridesmagazine@gmail.com

from the editor

Is your New Normal Strategy Inclusive?

I

t’s undeniable that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedent change.

This change has given leaders a daunting task to ensure survival and devise strategies that will help their organisations thrive and excel in the New Normal.

Although challenging, this, I believe, is a great time for leadership to capitalise on the great opportunities presented by the change.

To ensure top-notch strategies, there is need for leaders to engage lateral or design thinking in their approach. This will help in eliminating blind spots that may have resulted in exclusions and other challenges in the past which we are yet to overcome.

As we adopt new solutions, which I believe are innovative and bespoke, we need to ask ourselves challenging questions. One of the questions centres on inclusiveness.

It is worth noting that we still have agendas aimed at empowering the marginalized.

These include financial inclusion, youth and women empowerment etc. These agendas are being driven despite the fact that great financial solutions, services and products from banks and other establishments have been on the market for millennia.

The crux here is, leaders need to pay more attention to inclusiveness as they draft strategies for the New Normal or else, we shall continue leaving multitudes behind in areas of engineering, finance, education, technology, insurance, leadership and many more.

Inclusion will aid in bringing a majority of people on the wagon of progress and I believe result in sustainable growth and profits for businesses as well as uplift communities and nations.

Well, as you continue contemplating on this line of thought, thank you for grabbing a copy of our July issue. We have an array of informative articles which we believe will enlighten and empower you in several fronts of your life and business.

For those interested in venturing in international business and trade, I recommend our cover story on Stanbic Bank Botswana’s Global Markets Division. It will give you a picture of what is available for you as regards the resources and solutions for your business.

Enjoy your copy of Strides, Focus on Possibility and remember to ask yourself as a leader if your New Normal strategy is inclusive or not and act accordingly. You are blessed!

Ephraim Banda

Contacts: (+267) 72548402 Email: iaw2twoo@gmail.com

COVER STORY

Lebea Sephuma

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Stanbic Bank Botswana: Offering Cutting edge Global Markets Solutions By: Ephraim Banda

F

ueled by a culture of excellence and a strong belief that dreams are the flames that power the future, Stanbic Bank Botswana has been making bold strides to wield true impact and change lives for customers across Botswana as a key player in the Nation’s Financial Services industry; it is not simply about standing out, but about creating meaningful progress on transforming dreams into lasting realities. Thanks to its cutting edge and customer-centric solutions, Stanbic Bank has earned itself international accolades reflecting the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the global financial community.

Global Markets is one of the Bank’s divisions that has been in the limelight for its bespoke solutions. Strides had a tête-à-tête with the Head of the division, Lebea Sephuma, a man with international experience and great treasure of acquaintance and expertise in the Bank’s Wholesale Clients segment to garner insights on Global Markets.

“We offer FX and interest rate products.

Our solutions assist clients to manage their foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Our clients are individuals, businesses and large corporates. We are committed to supporting them across the full spectrum of services, committed to helping transform their dreams into lasting realities and to fueling their growth stories,” says Sephuma.

As an expert, Sephuma notes that those businesses have diverse nuances and unique requirements. Therefore, due to such insight, there is a demand for the Bank to be strategically positioned

to deliver holistic solutions to cater for diverse growth ambitions, financial objectives as well as help businesses and individuals navigate intricacies of international trade.

“We pride ourselves on client-centricity and analyse the clients’ needs to identify the most suitable solution for them.

This is how we work to create true and sustainable value. We are also on hand to offer our expertise and insights into Global Markets, for we have a wealth of expertise and experience to share,” says Sephuma.

To facilitate real-time access to Forex for its customers, Stanbic Bank recently launched the eMarketTrader Mobile App. The App follows the previously introduced eMarketTrader web and desktop platform launched in 2019.

Sephuma says these innovations are a demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to bring dreams to reality by partnering with clients through their growth journeys through uncharted paths.

“When we first offered eMarketTrader, it was a web-based, desktop platform.

We listened to the feedback from our clients and also wanted to enhance our clients’ user experience on eMarketTrader and hence introduced the eMarketTrader Mobile App. Amongst others, with the eMarketTrader Mobile App, clients are able to keep up to date with live exchange rates and have access to market commentary published on the App. Users can also set alerts to be notified if and when a particular rate is reached. This brings more real-time functionality, convenience and simplicity,” explains Sephuma.

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As the business world is fast embracing technology in all operations, Sephuma indicates that the division’s other services are also digitally accessible. “Our products are available across various platforms, for example Internet Banking and Enterprise Online. This is in line with our digital transformation journey, bringing greater convenience, inclusion and access for our customers and clients in line with our overarching desire to fuel Botswana’s growth and build the bank of the future,” he says.

In addition to the Bank’s expertise, Sephuma notes that Stanbic Bank is engaged in a number of exciting collaborations for progress.

One of these progressive collaborations is with the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) with whom the Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate seamless importation of goods and services from China by CEDA-funded clients in 2020.

Speaking about the partnership with the Stanbic Bank, CEDA Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Thamane said, “The partnership with Stanbic Bank Botswana will enable CEDA clients to source their inputs, raw materials and machinery from China with reduced risks and challenges. Stanbic Bank Botswana will use the ACAP facility to provide solutions to challenges that CEDA-funded projects encounter when importing goods and services from China.”

He said some of the challenges the partnership with CEDA will solve includes language barriers, price negotiations, non-delivery of goods and supplies

COVER STORY

Accelerate event for Girls4Girls

of sub-standard goods. “Through this agreement, CEDA-funded projects will be able to connect with reputable suppliers to ensure seamless trade. In the past, we have had very unpleasant experiences where CEDA funded projects struggled with non-delivery or poor-quality goods from suppliers in China,” said Thamane.

Stanbic Bank Botswana’s Africa China Trade Solutions offering aims to assist CEDA clients to source and validate quality goods safely and efficiently from the most competitive suppliers in China. The facility will also empower clients with sight and control of the entire importing and logistics process.

Operating through accredited trade agents from China will grant CEDA clients access to thousands of suppliers who will provide them with better quality goods and favourable terms.

Through the MoU, Stanbic Bank Botswana will also facilitate procurement of goods from other markets such

as South Africa and India by issuing guarantee/a letter of credit for payments on behalf of CEDA clients.

Another noteworthy collaboration by Stanbic Bank is with diamonds giant, Debswana, as part of efforts to further advance the lives of local entrepreneurs and ignite dreams.

The agreement will see Stanbic Bank as the financing partner for Debswana’s Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP), through the provision of credit facilities, and other banking capabilities covering digitised solutions for their business, transactional and investment capabilities to support the expansion of SMEs or any entity that is on the programme.

“This MOU provides a framework of cooperation, facilitates and strengthens collaboration between Debswana and the Bank on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of common interest, specifically building innovative, productive Strides Magazine

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and competitive small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enable them to effectively and efficiently supply Debswana,” elucidates Sephuma, adding, “The Bank will provide skilled Relationship Managers for the day-today business needs of suppliers on the CEEP programme. The suppliers will also be granted access to the Stanbic Bank Accelerate Incubator as a shared facility to work from and hold meetings. In addition, suppliers are offered Stanbic Bank’s Trade Club solution as the Bank recognises the need for the identified participants to diversify their product offering beyond the Debswana CEEP contracts in order to achieve exponential business growth. This extends beyond Botswana’s borders through exports thus providing local suppliers with access to markets.”

The Bank has also taken intentional steps to empower Botswana youth through products and collaboration at its flagship incubator, Accelerate.

Botswana businesses should ensure they have a quality product that can compete on the international markets.

- Sephuma “At Stanbic Bank’s Accelerate Incubator, we have a strong focus on youth employability and entrepreneurship, in line with the Social, Economic and Environmental (SEE) strategic value driver of the Bank. Working with key partners and stakeholders across the public and private sector to realise this ambition, we recognise the mandate, ambition and delivery model of Accelerate through its 4-pronged approach: Incubation, Acceleration, Access to Funding & Access to Markets. We want to make a tangible and indeed sustainable difference for Botswana’s youth through Accelerate, we appreciate the importance of preparing youth enterprises to thrive post incubation not only in terms of technical business skill relevant to their desired craft, but with real-world skills to be able to effectively represent their enterprise, pitch and present to potential clients or funders, and engage with strategic stakeholders in an effective manner. Equally, these are skills that would benefit any individual desirous of becoming more attractive to prospective employers, i.e., enhances employability. We have a number of key collaborations and workstreams under Accelerate all aligned to this key mandate,” elaborates Sephuma.

With the help of the Bank’s cutting-edge Global Markets solutions,

Chief Executives, Thabo Thamane of CEDA and Samuel Minta of SBB

Sephuma believes that the opportunities for Botswana-based businesses and enterprises are endless. However, he is quick to advise that they need to brace themselves and offer products and services of international quality.

“Botswana businesses should ensure they have a quality product that can compete on the international markets. The resources and support are available and around, but we need to ensure feasible, strong ideas that satisfy true needs and gaps, and then fight with fierce determination to take these to market. We are an innovative and determined people – we must remain committed towards excellence and success,” he says.

Commenting on the opportunities brought by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Sephuma said, “AfCFTA should open up new markets to Botswana businesses, boosting economic activity and diversifying trade alternatives. It is a momentous development and with the input, involvement Strides Magazine

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and collaboration of key players, is truly a potential gamechanger for us all.”

Sephuma joined Stanbic Bank in 2003 as an FX Trader. After a stint as Corporate Sales Dealer and Head of Trading, he was then seconded to Johannesburg to work on the AR rollout of the GM dealing system. Upon completion of that assignment, he was retained by Standard Bank South Africa to assist on the Money Markets and Fixed Income desk for the South and Central region, based in Johannesburg. In May 2015, he was attached to Standard Bank Eswatini as Head of Global Markets and, in September 2020, he joined Stanbic Bank Botswana as Head of Global Markets.

“It has been a rewarding and incredible journey thus far, and I look forward to more great efforts as we work to bring our purpose to life: Botswana is our home; we drive her growth. It is about tangible outcomes in this regard to improve lives for all.” says Sephuma.

HEALTH

Bomaid Board Chairman Emmanuel Maite

Bomaid CEO, Moraki Mokgosana

Bomaid celebrates Golden Jubilee, pledges unparalleled healthcare solutions

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stablished in 1970, Botswana Medical Aid Fund (Bomaid) prides itself on 50 years of impacting people’s lives through providing access to quality healthcare. The organisation aims to improve or maintain its members’ health and contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 3 and ensuring that its members will continue to enjoy unparalleled access to healthcare.

Bomaid clocked 50 last year but could not celebrate the occasion due to the Covid-19 outbreak and movement restrictions enforced by government to curb the spread of the virus. To celebrate the anniversary this year, it will

run a testimonial campaign in which some of the members will be sharing the companionship Bomaid offered them at the time of need.

Bomaid Board Chairman, Emmanuel Maite said despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, they have entered 2021 with much optimism about the future of Bomaid.

“I am proud to report that through the foresight of the 2017-2021 Strategy we have realised, and in some cases exceeded, much of what we aimed to achieve. As we have started to plan for the next five years, we are excited and reinvigorated by the opportunities that we see in the horizon,” said Maite.

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By the beginning of the first lockdown in Botswana in April 2020, Bomaid board had approved the enhancement of benefits to support our members who were at risk of exposure. These included a variety of interventions and provided for supplements, testing, emotional support and hospitalisation. This is in addition to the existing arrangement that was in place for evacuation of members to health facilities.

Additionally, in support of government’s initiative to combat the pandemic, the Board also approved a P2 million donation to the Presidential Covid-19 Fund.

“We also proactively, set aside a sum of

BWP 30 million aimed at managing the potential risks posed by this disease to our members,” said Maite.

Maite said their intention is to strive to achieve the singular goal of positioning Bomaid as “The companion, for healthier happier lives.”

He also expressed gratitude to the past boards reiterating that they are privileged for the opportunity to continue to grow Bomaid from strength to strength. “We are also honoured to play a role in contributing to the wellness, health and, ultimately, the happiness of Batswana and to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Bomaid’s strategic initiatives are underpinned by its technology and innovation strategy which is a key part of the successful achievement of becoming a self- administered fund.

The new core system manages the company’s transactions, contributions and claims amongst other key functions.

Maite highlighted that they achieved implementation within budget and set timelines.

“We believe this is a key initiative that will reduce costs and increase efficiencies and support better service delivery to our members. The shift was in line with modern business trends that rely on digitization and technology to support business strategy. Despite great strides made in this regard, cybersecurity is an emerging risk that requires close monitoring and mitigation,” said Maite.

Bomaid COO, Thato Kubu

continue to share their success story in various media platforms, including TV, Radio, newspapers and magazines.

“In addition, we intend to recognise, in a special way, some of the first Bomaid members and Healthcare Providers.

He also pointed that the company aims to improve the type of services they deliver to members. “With 10 months of claims cover at the end of 2020, we are comfortable that Bomaid is not only adequately capitalised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but to remain sustainable for another 50 years and beyond”.

In his remarks, Bomaid Chief Operations Officer, Thato Kubu said they will

Mokgosana answering questions from the media Strides Magazine

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We will also have a campaign where Bomaid leadership will take the lead in demonstrating the value of living a physically active life, something that resonates with the ethos of Bomaid,” said Kubu.

INSURANCE

Adapt or Die, and the Changing Nature of the Insurance Industry

By Teko Moumakwa, the BIHL Group Programmes Manager

S

ignificant events and shifts in geopolitics, global health, technology and climate change are transforming behaviours in the financial markets at an unprecedented pace. Investor confidence is challenged every day, and market trends are changing just as quickly. In true “adapt or die” philosophy, businesses continue to come up with strategies to respond to most of these trends, to mitigate against new and emergent risks, and to make their mark in an ever-evolving socio-economic climate.

Technology transformation is at the forefront of these market trends. Technological advances are accelerating not just how we live, but how we work, how we deliver products and solutions to market, and how our economy functions. Governments are also adapting their approaches to regulation and support, as we all strive towards the most conducive ecosystems possible. The insurance sector is no different, equally within the mix of balancing need and anticipatory desire to progress with agility and innovation approaches including but not limited to digital transformation, customer loyalty and people management strategies.

For context, we need to appreciate the reality that the Botswana insurance market is dominated by the life insurance sector. This sector

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is larger than the non-life insurance sector, with each accounting for 75% (life insurance) and 25% (non-life insurance) of the market, in 2018. Overall, written insurance premiums in Botswana remained relatively steady at P5,4 billion for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019 falling short of projected growth of 7,7%.

While the life insurance sector contracted for the second consecutive year in 2020, premium growth in the life sector is still expected to average 4,8% per annum between 2021 and 2024. The life insurance market in Botswana is therefore set to grow faster than non-life business and this will represent 82% of total gross written premiums by 2022. This is with consideration of rising non-communicable diseases, COVID-19 and other associated changes that have drastically shaped our industry. On the other hand, the non-life insurance segment in Botswana is considerably smaller than its life counterpart and is expected to account for merely 23,0% of total written insurance premiums by 2024. This will be driven by falling policy prices in the motor vehicle segment and low single-digit growth in the property segment, both of which are the largest non-life subsegments; together accounting for 63,6% of total non-life premiums in 2024.

The COVID-19 crisis shows no signs of disappearing any time soon, and will continue to affect the population’s disposable household income. This is therefore expected to weigh on demand for life and non-life insurance products in the short term. The non-life sector is more heavily exposed than the life sector as motor and property insurance sectors are heavily procyclical. Unforeseen slumps in the price of key exports and GDP growth may affect this segment growth.

Growth opportunities in varied aspects such as being innovative in distribution strategies, potential growth in financial inclusion and continued education of non-insurance takers will need to be

considered. A lack of insurable corporate or institutional risks and potential of widespread poverty may reduce demand for a range of insurance and investment products. What does this mean for us all?

The financial services industry is increasingly defined by an aggressive focus on digitally-based business models to unlock new value. New technologies are being adopted and incorporated into the fabric of business to boost operational efficiencies, enhance client experience and minimise human error. Technological advancements have created new opportunities for corporate partnerships to build out their digital experience. The rise of such partnerships has accelerated data-driven growth as artificial intelligence and data analytics are employed to inform decisions related to product development, distribution channel development and cost reduction. The order of the day is digitalisation for progress, all the while striving to ensure the necessary digital literacy investment and inclusion efforts to make sure that nobody is left behind.

The increasing competition and macroeconomic conditions can potentially result in consumers restructuring or cancelling some of the products on offer within the financial services industry. This has required companies to consider clients as more than customers but rather partners with shared objectives which create opportunities for mutually beneficial value exchanges. This is the value of the modern financial services provider: banks ought to be not just a place to put your money, insurance providers not simply those who receive and pay out claims, etc. etc.

As such, all client interactions may require companies to take active and intentional steps to create relationships that will foster client delight and therefore loyalty. The development of robust partnerships allows not only for client retention but also eases the cost of acquisition by creating opportunities for up- and cross-selling.

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The use of surveys has demonstrated that only 28% of financial services respondents expect to stay with their current employer for the next five years, with only 4% of millennials expressing a desire to work in the insurance sector. Attracting and retaining talent will be of great significance in the years to come, with millennials placing a premium on flexibility and positive working. There is increasing pressure on the financial services industry to regularly review policies to align with workers’ changing needs.

Within the BIHL Group, innovation and agility have not only become core values in the business and indeed across our Subsidiaries but are actively lived and demonstrated on a daily basis, be it through large scale project investments or smaller in-house process and mindset shifts. Our culture is shaped and continues to be shaped around the need to always be better, do better, and create more meaningful and sustainable value not only for clients and customers, but for colleagues, communities and the nation at large. It is about leveraging our strength in numbers and all that we have and all that we can, and to transform this into truly engineering more positive futures for all, and stronger legacies for and with each other.

We have entered the digital revolution, but with it comes an equally important need for human insight and consideration, empathy and the importance of creating shared value. Trends can teach us a great deal, and certainly continue to shape the future of the industry in many ways, but how businesses adapt and onboard new innovations and demonstrate the relevant agility planning and execution is what remains core towards ensuring actual change and true progress in the most sustainable way possible.

In the “adapt or die story,” those that do not move with the times and set or shape the trends rather than simply following them, and likely to find themselves as a cautionary tale on the latter part of the phrase.

INSURANCE

Paul Chitale - FSAIB Managing Director

Charles Muyela - Doctors Union Secretary

Doctors Union and First Sun Insurance ink partnership

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first-of-its-kind working partnership between The Botswana Doctor’s Union and First Sun Alliance, an insurance broker has been formulated. This is after the Botswana Doctors Union (BDU) and the First Sun Alliance Insurance Brokers agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding and in the case of FSI, chose to give financial advice to the men and women at the forefront of our health.

“First Sun Alliance Insurance Brokers is delighted and wish to express heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee of the Botswana Doctors` Union (BDU) for this opportunity to provide

a proposal for insurance broking services business engagement,” said Paul Chitate, The First Sun Alliance founder and CEO. During a press conference, the two entities agreed to work hand in glove after discovering their common purpose in the lives of people that is to help people improve their wellbeing, financially and medically. In a statement, FSA said “In pursuit of the above agreement, the FSA’s mandate is to Identify and propose relevant insurance covers to be packaged and identified as BDU umbrella schemes, benefits may only be enjoyed where one is a member of the Union.

With numbers, discounted premiums, terms and conditions can be achieved,”

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explained Chitate.

The BDU President Dr. Shingirai Muzondiwa said it was the overall objective of the BDU executive to come up with relevant support incentives and benefits to encourage and show benefit to membership. “A well-structured insurance program, with reasonable group premiums and best service can add value towards this objective.”

The BDU was constituted to represent the interests of Medical Practitioners and related support service staff on various areas including employment conditions and benefits. Insurance benefits forms part of the overall offering. Similarly, First Sun Alliance has

(L-R) Ndipapi Matenge - Matenge Law Firm. Shingirai Muzondiwa - BDU President.

Febby SLK Charles- BDU Public Relations.

been offered an opportunity to submit proposals on the various insurances packages available to the Union and how they can best be offered at best terms and service.

It was the overall objective of the BDU executive to come up with relevant support incentives and benefits to encourage and show benefit to membership. A well-structured insurance program, with reasonable group premiums and best service can add value towards this objective.

Gofaone Ted Tsimanyana, an FSA technocrat said FSA have so far obtained terms on the following insurance classes: Group Life: with ancillary benefits like dread disease, occupational disability, income protection, temporary and permanent disability, Group Funeral insurance, Group Mortgage insurances, with disability, Group credit life, with disability, Group Personal insurances including: motor insurance, personal

accident, householders, house owners and many others.

For practitioners not formally employed with government, FSA will design and propose, for consideration, an umbrella pension scheme to cover members and their employees, special provident fund where members prefer easier withdrawal options, as well as special investment schemes. FSA manages various investment options through unit trusts, stock exchange, offshore insurance companies and local fund managers.

“The FSA will also offer short term insurances and provide dedicated insurance broking services to Union members on all their insurance business in consideration of their strict and busy work

Gofaone Ted Tsimanyana - FSAIB Recruitment & Training Manager

schedules. FSA has in place qualified Financial Planners and will avail BDU members’ special personal services on aspects including debt management, rescheduling and counselling, personal financial planning training, needs analysis and estate planning.

The services will also cater for retirement planning and alternative scheme options, wills drafting and hosting, all fiduciary services including executorships,” Tsimanyana added.

The Botswana Doctors Union which was established in 2019 January is comprised of Dr. Shingirai Muzondiwa as President, Dr. Charles Muyela as Secretary General, and Dr. Febby Seleka-Charles Public Relations Manager. Anthill News Agency.

Tribute

Lina Bank Of B

The Bank of Botswana Board, Management, and entire staff, both current and retired, join the Mohohlo family and the Nation at large in celebrating the life of a remarkable Motswana woman, Ms Linah Kelebogile Mohohlo, who we affectionately called Mmaagwe-Tumie. Ms Mohohlo was a remarkable person, with a demonstrably strong personality as well as a passion for excellence. She seized opportunities availed to her to rise to the lofty heights of international recognition as well as to be the longest serving Governor in the history of the Bank of Botswana.

Ms Mohohlo was truly a “home-grown” central banker, who made a sterling contribution to the establishment and growth of the Bank of Botswana as one of its founding members. She served the Bank of Botswana with exceptional energy and diligence in various capacities and at increasing levels of responsibility, spanning overfour decades.

Ms Mohohlo joined the Bank of Botswana on April 20, 1976 as Secretary to the Deputy Governor. During her time in the Bank, Ms Mohohlo worked in the Governor’s Office (as Secretary, Personal Assistant, Special Assistant and Board Secretary), Deputy Director in the Human Resources and Research Departments, and, in 1989, established the Foreign Department as its founding Director (the current Financial Markets Department). From 1994 -1996, Ms Mohohlo was seconded to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Special Appointee Programme where she worked in the African Department and the Monetary & CapStrides Magazine

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ah Kelebogile Mohohlo Botswana Former Governor ital Markets Department. Upon her return she was appointed Deputy Governor and subsequently Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank on October 20, 1999, a position sheheld for 17 years until she retired from the Bank in October 2016. Her meteoric rise to the position of Governor within a period of 23 years, having joined the central bank asa member of the secretarial cadre, without any University education at the time of entry, is a remarkable achievement unparalleled in the central banking community. The trajectory of former Governor Linah Mohohlo’s career, including being the first woman to occupy the position, is testimony to her perseverance, singular focus and uncompromising leadership that insisted on excellence and command of respect by subordinate staff. She commanded that aura of presence and charisma that she was “feared” yet respected within the Bank and in the broader financial sector, both here at home and internationally. A mention of her name in the corridors of the IMF, for example and other international organisations, always sparked interesting conversations!

Academically, Ms Mohohlo self-developed through part-time training, acquiring a Certificate in Accounting and Business Studies and a Diploma in Accounting and Business Studies from the University of Botswana in 1981 and 1983, respectively. She further acquired, through Bank sponsorship, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and MSc degree in Finance and Investment in 1985 and

1990 from George Washington University (USA) and University of Exeter (UK), respectively. Ms Mohohlohas also received the Executive Management training from Yale University. During her stay in the Bank, she authored, lectured and published several papers and book chapters in economics, finance, investment, reserves management and governance.

Ms Mohohlo commanded professional respect regionally and internationally, evidenced by her involvement in several international engagements. Regionally, she was a respected member of the SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors (CCBG),Association of African Central Banks (AACB) – during which period she was the Chairperson for the Southern Sub-region for 10 years. At the CCBG, together with her committee, she was instrumental in facilitating economic convergence in the region, and establishment of the the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) that provides payments and settlement system in the SADC region. Notably, Ms Mohohlo was appointed as one of the Eminent Persons by the then Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, charged with responsibility of overseeing the evaluation of the UN New Agenda for the Development of Africa. She also served as a member of the Commission for Africa that was chaired by the former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Ms Mohohlo had also been a member of the Melinda & Bill Gate Foundation’s Committee on Financial Services for the Poor; the Lancet Commission Strides Magazine

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on Investing in Health chaired by Larry Summers and UN High Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing. She was also a member of the Africa Progress Panel, chaired by former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and a member of the Investment Committee of the UN Staff Pension Fund.

Ms Mohohlo was an immensely seasoned and highly experienced central banker, and thus received several national and international awards, including Botswana’s highest Public Service Award for efficient and devoted service, the Presidential Order of Honour; the Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa Awards for the years 2001,2003 and 2008 bestowed on her by the Financial Times Magazine and the Euromoneypublication; the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 from the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum; and in 2011 Forbes Africa ranked her among Africa’s 10Women of Note.

Her leadership, professionalism and dedication to the Bank and, indeed, the broader central banking and global community, were exemplary and inspirational.

In her 17 years at the helm of the Bank, Ms Mohohlo took the Bank to greater heights, ensuring that the Bank’s vision of being a world-class central bank with highest standards of corporate governance and professional excellence was realised. Among the many achievements is the modernisation of the monetary policy framework, where she was instrumental in ensuring that the Bank benefits from the best in setting up the institutional capability for economic model-

Tribute

ling, forecasting, policy analysis and communication approaches; hence, the transition to low inflation within the 3 – 6 percent medium-term objective range, or lower since June 2013. Yet, another milestone during her Governorship was the introduction of the new family of banknotes in 2009, where she was intimately involved the with exemplary meticulous attention to details; a lasting legacy indeed.

Overall, Ms Mohohlo made a significant impact as a firm, practical, inspirational and visionary leader, inculcating a high-performance culture, loyalty and devotion to duty.She was forthright and took a very hard line on matters she believed in; and would explain her position with clarity and a certain amount of vigour and conviction. Ms Mohohlo would put her neck out to protect the Bank, even at risk to her own personal position.

She believed, and held this belief strongly, in an independent, autonomous central bank, as necessary and precondition for sound and durable

macroeconomic environment.

Ms Mohohlo paid great attention to detail and had a hands-on approach and clinical interrogation of every plan, proposal, concept or a draft one-page letter! Her uncompromising attitude towards perfection was always directed in the very best interests of the Bank; and for the significant contribution to the institutional and personal growth of many at Bank of Botswana. Much concerned about the slow pace in implementation of projects and structural reforms, she would often ponder about, may be, an “enlightened benevolent dictator”, citing examples in some parts of the globe (South Asia) being required to raise productivity and work ethic in Botswana.

The Bank also wish to relay messages of condolences from international organisations and other counterparties to the Bank of Botswana including the Executive Directors ofthe IMF and World Bank Group Africa Group 1 Constituency, Central Bank Governors in the SADC and other regions Strides Magazine

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of the African continent, the Bank’s Global Custodian for the foreign exchange reserves, Northern Trust Company, Fund Managers and financial institutions here in Botswana as well as many friends here at home and globally. As the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr Patrick Njoroge, succinctly put it “the trajectory of Governor Mohohlo’s career is an example to all central bankers in Africa and perhaps importantly to women in finance. She will serve as an inspiration for many, in decades to come”.

The Board, Management and entire staff of the Bank, convey heartfelt condolences to the family; and thank her family for allowing Mmaagwe- Tumie to serve the global financial and social communities with loyalty, dedication and excellence. The Bank will forever cherish her contributions; her legacy is immense and will remain engrained in the annuls of the Bank’s history.

May Her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace

COMMUNICATION

BotswanaPost goes virtual on Post Boxes Digitalisation is becoming the buzzword at BotswanaPost as it introduces its newest offering which is geared at enhancing the traditional post box as we know it. All this is in line with the post’s efforts of making a significant impact in the digitization of doing business in Botswana as envisioned by their biggest shareholder, the government of Botswana. Virtual Post Box (VPB) is a merging of the organisation’s core mandate – provision of postal services in an efficient and cost effective manner.

The Virtual Post Box affords customers to register their mobile phone numbers to be used as their designated Post Box number to receive mail and related services from BotswanaPost. The customer’s mobile number will be linked to a post office of their choice for mail delivery. Furthermore, the customer also has a choice to opt for home/office delivery.

“This is a departure from the commonly known old style postal box characterized by the uniquely addressable, lockable box located on the premises of a Post Office station. Post Office boxes are rented by individuals or by businesses on an annual basis and the cost of rent vary depending on the type of box which is private and or individual,” said the information provided.

This offering is of value especially to Small, medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as it provides them with the capacity to operate as one stop shops.

The Virtual Post Box places clients at the forefront of technology, resulting

in reliability of unmatched customer service.

The unique development of the Virtual Post Box fits into our strategy of bringing services to our customers with ease.

The service comes in at a time when the world is still dealing with the COVID – 19 pandemic and ensuring we operate within the prescribed protocol. This has necessitated transformation into the digital space.” Chief Commercial Officer – Clifford Lekoko explained.

“The virtual Post Box is in line with our Mission of “Providing affordable convenience through high quality profitable postal and diversified products and services” where we leverage on technology as a major business sustainability anchor in the face of diminishing traditional postal business. This will facilitate and enable E-Commerce for the diverse market we serve as it gives the customer power in terms of cost Strides Magazine

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and tracking of one’s mail.”- General Manager Courier & Mail Business – Tumelo Mereyotlhe.

The new service will give customers a smart and convenient way to manage their postal mail remotely. Besides that it’s more affordable compared to the normal postal box, it saves customers time to visit the postal branch due to mail incoming notifications. This also gives Customers an opportunity to re – direct mail to their current location and the mail is securely monitored via tracking system and safely stored in the post office for collection.

Above everything else, the online portal will give a history of all customer mail acting as a mail management system thus making it possible to monitor the customers’ mail volumes. Anyone above the age of 18 can open a virtual post box.

Anthill News Agency

COMMUNICATION

BTC launches first ever telecommunications museum

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new museum, and a rare one for that matter has been opened bt Botswana Telecommunications Corporation in the city. The Botswana Telecommunications Corporation celebrated its 40th anniversary with the launch of the inaugural telecommunications museum in Botswana. this is a brilliant initiative, as it reaffirms Government’s commitment to a digitally transformed and knowledgeable society.

This launch of the museum has been seen as significant in that it seeks to preserve knowledge in particular the history of technology that Botswana relied on in the past. “With the rapid trends and changing landscape of the telecommunications products and services it is essential to document every milestone, hence the museum comes at an ideal time.” Said Minister Tulaganyo Sekgokgo Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Communication during

the launch night.

He added further, saying the museum will document the country’s inventions, ingenuity and craftsmanship which is essential for leaving a legacy for its descendants. “It will also facilitate researchers, further educate the nation on ICTs, serve as a tourist attraction site and while preserving the telecommunications heritage.”

The Covid-19 crisis has compelled the government to focus efforts to embrace digital transformation. Today, digitalisation is a way of life during the “new normal”, to save communities from the virus by offering services online, and avoiding physical contact. This translates to convenience, improved customer service and enhanced operational efficiency.

“Through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, we will go a long way in transforming Botswana into a Strides Magazine

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digitalised economy as aspired by His Excellency the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi and proclaimed by the Nation Vision 2036 pillars,” added Sekgokgo.

BTC has made great strides from offering analogue telephony in its early days to now becoming a converged telecommunications operator offering both fixed and mobile broadband services covering a majority of areas in Botswana. “It is worth mentioning that BTC has survived the ever evolving telecommunication landscape, managed to prosper despite fierce competition from reputable international companies.

Through the Universal Access Service Fund, BTC and other operators continue to connect internet to schools and bring services closer to rural settlements. To date 22 schools in the Ghanzi area and 85 in the North West District have been connected.

Anthill News Agency

LEADERSHIP

LEADING LIKE A LION OR LIONESS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES PART TWO

By Dr. Wilbert R. Mutoko (PhD, FHEA)

A Dr. Wilbert R. Mutoko (PhD, FHEA) is a business doctor, researcher and senior lecturer for Leadership, Strategy, Change Management and Entrepreneurship at Botswana Accountancy College in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University (UK), University of Derby (UK), and University of Sunderland (UK).

He is a dynamic and entertaining International Inspirational Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Certified eSpeaker & Online Facilitator, and Author for almost two decades.

Dr. Mutoko has empowered over hundreds of CEOs, directors, and managers to discover their strengths, sharpen their presentation skills, build self-confidence and emotional intelligence, and harness capabilities to build winning teams; to become peak performance leaders with increased profitability.

His three books on financial freedom and relationships are available at Exclusive Books (Riverwalk) and Bala Books (Rail Park Mall). Dr. Mutoko writes in his personal capacity.

For feedback, you can contact him on email: wilbert@wilbertmutoko. com or wilbertmutoko@ gmail.com. Visit Dr. Mutoko’s website: https://wilbertmutoko. com/

s a leader, by now you know how unstable your mind and emotions have become due to the current crisis.

However, as you saw in part one, the lion is bold and continues to thrive regardless of the challenges per time. Let me invite you to learn more on leading like a lion in hard times.

In part one, I wrote that the lion’s success characteristics that could help leaders are: vision, boldness, and focus. In this part two, we look at the other lion characteristics such as: building competent teams, defending territory, and ability to hunt.

Building competent teams The lion can live in a group or pride of 4 to 37, with an average of 15 lions in a pride. That means for a lion to succeed, it needs to learn to work well with others – being a team leader and team player.

Great leaders are those that realize that there is power in the ability to work well with others. Any leader who believes in solitary work will be limited in productivity, effectiveness, and leaving a legacy.

For example, as great as Steve Jobs was, if he were a one-man-band, Apple would not have grown to where it is today, especially after he left the world. Therefore, for your organization to thrive, you need to consciously put efforts into recruiting, coaching, mentoring, brainstorming, and training your teams to become more and more competent especially during tough times. Failure to do that will result in your organization closing.

Defending territory Each pride knows its territory, and each territory is clearly marked. The lions in each pride

fight vehemently to defend their territory, and in some cases to expand their territory. This helps to prevent lions from other prides from invading the area, while increasing opportunities for food and growth.

Every leader should know his/ her territory. What is the size of your target market? What is your market segment? How much of the market does your competitors have? How are you making sure that you keep your market segment? Is there a way you can increase your market size?

Hunting prowess Lions are known for hunting prey that range from very small animals such as rodents, to large animals such as the elephant, hippopotamus, or giraffe. However, in most cases, lions tend to hunt average animals such as antelopes and zebras. It takes boldness and strategy to hunt effectively. One of the main strategies is to target young or weak prey. It also takes working in teams for lions to win in hunting. Therefore, as leaders, we need to have clear tactics to lead effectively, working together in teams as lions do.

However, it should be noted that lions do not always succeed in

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hunting. One of the reasons for hunting failure is that lions tend to be careless, forgetting that the prey can pick the lion’s scent, depending on the wind’s direction. Another reason for failure is that lions get tired quickly.

Thus, leaders need to reflect and cover their weaknesses with the strengths of other team members.

While lions (males) also go hunting, lionesses are the main hunters. This teaches us as leaders to embrace diversity in the workplace. Some men discriminate against women, not knowing that women are very powerful, and they can contribute immensely to the workplace; and in many cases they contribute better than men.

Conclusion As a leader, you need to be consistently looking for ways to better yourself and to grow the organization. I hope that these lessons from the lion will inspire you be a better leader – vision, focus, and boldness. In the end, it does not matter how smart, fast, strong and connected you are; it matters how bold, focused, and long-term oriented you are as a leader.

I wish you the best of every success as a leader. Together we will sail through this crisis.

Personal finance

How to financially survive difficult times Part 1 Strides Magazine

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By Coach Princess - Award in Financial Planning (CII, UK), COP (ZW), ToT (BW)

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any people have the question, ‘What can I do to feed my family and pay loans in such a tough time as the current pandemic?’

It is a pity that tough times put most people under immense pressure. During times like this, people lose jobs and businesses dwindle or close. What should individuals and firms do in

“Be humble and look for odd jobs, ego does not pay bills” – Wise woman (WhatsApp status)

times like this to keep their sanity? In this series, I will share with you some simple and practical tips to gain and/ or maintain financial freedom. In this part one we discuss doing odd jobs, starting a business, and cutting down on costs as some crucial ideas during tough times.

In my opinion, Tom needs to find a suitable time to openly talk to Resego and let her understand the reality of the situation. Resego should stop comparing herself to other people. Each person runs their own race, hence comparing self to another person could cause one to make unbelievable mistakes.

The other day I had a discussion with a middle-aged man whom I will call Tom. Tom told me that he had lost his job due to the current challenges and he had to advertise his technical skills so that he can be self-employed.

I was impressed that Tom did not just cry foul and complain, but he took a step to run a small business. However, Tom told me how emotionally down he was because his wife, whom I will call Resego. Resego is putting pressure on Tom to get a bigger house for renting. When Tom explains that this is the wrong time to make such a move. Tom tells Resego that currently the business is struggling and making losses.

However, when the business grows, he will happily ensure that the family rents out a bigger house or even buy a house. Unfortunately, Resego will not have any of that. Her friends live in big houses, and she needs to join the club.

That has brought stress and misunderstanding in the home.

Another thing that Resego could do is to probably assist the husband by carrying out some business or even odd jobs to help the family, rather than demanding that the husband should get a bigger house which will cost the family more money.

Now back to you. Have you ever faced such pressure from your spouse, partner, children, or other loved ones? If you were Tom, what would you do?

What lessons can be drawn out of the story? If you were Resego, what would you do? What should people do if they lose jobs, failed to get jobs, or their businesses are struggling?

Furthermore, it is useful for Resego, Tom and all of us to be patient, humble and willing to reduce the standard of life. In tough times, you should be willing to downsize your standard of living.

For example, if you ate bread daily, you could make home-made bread or buy beans. If you ate three meals per day, you could reduce to two. When the worst comes to the worst, meals should be reduced to one meal per day. Where possible, downsize the car you drive, the house you stay in, and cut on off some unnecessary expenses.

When it gets worse, it can mean moving your dependants from private schools to government schools. Tough times call for tough measures. Remember that tough times do not last forever, so it pays to adapt to change and be resilient.

You should make up your mind to do things for yourself, start your own business - no matter how small; to become financially free. You should not be afraid to start small in business and in career.

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We can learn from the story that challenges can catapult one into taking steps to acquire financial freedom.

What thoughts and actions do you need to tackle the current trying times?

During tough times, humble yourself and be willing to do jobs or activities that are of lower level than your former level to get by. I wish you the best for the remainder of the year as you pursue financial freedom. See you in part 2.

Coach Princess is a director for Success Training Africa. She is a seasoned Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Author. Coach Princess is passionate about transforming the mind-sets of Africans and building successful businesses and happy homes. Over the past 20 years, she has spoken in many conferences, workshops and seminars in Dubai, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana. Coach Princess has also spoken for organisations including and not limited to Government departments, Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board, Botswana National Olympics Committee, Mapleton Finance and on Yarona FM. She has spoken and taught in bible schools in various churches such as Winners Chapel and Forward in Faith Ministries International. For comments contact Coach Princess on coachprincess5@ gmail.com or raisinggreatleaders@ gmail.com Disclaimer: The content of this article is for information purposes only and is done as a social responsibility. The author has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the information within this article is correct and no liability is accepted for any loss arising from reliance on it. The names of people and organizations used in this article are fictitious and for illustrative purposes.

International Cooperation

Jutta Urpilainen EU Commissioner for International Partnerships

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Putting Education at The Heart of The AU-EU Partnership For A Better Future T he COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the learning crisis in Africa by severely limiting access education. By early April 2020, the crisis had left more than 20 million pre-primary, 160 million primary, 56 million secondary, and 8 million tertiary level learners out of school with no access to continued learning and teaching facilities across the continent.

that digital learning opportunities have immense potential to transform education and training through greater accessibility, affordability, and relevance. Furthermore, hybrid learning models and the application of modern technologies in other aspects of education beyond delivery is essential to guarantee the quality of learning, while reducing inefficiencies.

Our people are the most important resource we have. In the next 15 years, 450 million young Africans will be looking to either find or create a job for themselves. Will they be able to build a career in one of the emerging sectors? Will they have the right skills and competences to meet the evolving demands of the labour market? The answer is yes – yes, if we act now.

Partnerships will be another key part of the solution – including partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and global education partners. In the new EU–Africa Strategy, under “Partnership for sustainable growth and jobs”, the European Union aims to focus on education, skills, research and innovation in Africa. This means improving access to inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

It is crucial that we invest in the future and allocate adequate funds to education today, enabling the necessary reforms.

The European Union (EU) intends to increase spending on education in partner countries covered by the International Partnerships portfolio from 7% to 10%.

The African Union (AU) encourages its Member States to increase their budget allocations for education, and to improve overall domestic resource mobilisation.

Mobilising more resources and improving spending are central to quality education systems and to improving resilience to future shocks.

Partnerships will be sought for developing innovative approaches and improving learning outcomes that can meet future demands, including in emerging fields such as the digital sector and green and climate-friendly technologies. The EU will focus on supporting the availability and quality of teachers at all levels of education – it is estimated that around 17 million teachers will be needed in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 to achieve universal primary and secondary education.

There is also a need to innovate the development, provision and delivery of education at all levels, taking advantage of digital learning. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) emphasises the need to harness the capacity of ICT to improve access, quality and management of education and training systems in Africa. There is no doubt

The EU is committed to working with its Member States in a “Team Europe” spirit to deliver maximum impact. In Mozambique, for example, the EU and Member States are preparing an ‘E-YOUTH’ Initiative, which will help better match competence-based vocational education and training with the needs of the market, so that young Mozambicans can access jobs more easily. The Initiative will also empower girls and women by supporting them to enter science, technology, Strides Magazine

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engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study, and by promoting coding.

Promoting innovations that safeguard gender responsive education and education for refugees, persons living with disabilities and special needs, and those living in underserved communities should also be prioritised in order to ensure these children are not disproportionately affected by the current changes in education delivery. Adopting sustainable innovations in education delivery and management in Africa means improving education quality for all, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

The education event “Building Skills for the Future” hosted by the AU, EU and UNICEF on 20 April marked a major milestone in the partnership of the EU and AU, and in our joint work on education. We fully agreed on the importance of quality, inclusive and equitable education for all, at all levels, and the critical importance of increased investment and partnerships in achieving that. Our joint actions will focus on strengthening education systems at all levels. We will pay particular attention to protecting the gains that Africa has made in addressing the learning crisis, to addressing inequalities in access and learning, and to matching skills with jobs. We will seek to harness the potential of digital learning and to build digital competencies while bridging the digital divide.

Decisions on the future relationship of our two continents will be taken the EU-AU summit, but this we can say already today: education will be a top priority of our partnership, as the foundation for a successful, prosperous and sustainable future for both our continents.

Women empowerment

Detaching from one Gender Pedestal to Allow for Balance: The World Needs the Unity

S By: Chikumbutso Chapusa

ometimes, what hurts the most is the repetition of cycles and continuously finding oneself in a pattern.

It can feel like a plague. I observed the news of Bill and Melinda Gates’ divorce with keen interest, the reaction to Melinda leaving Bill caught my attention. Social media was awake with both men and women that believed Melinda should have stayed where the money was.

I have grown up seeing women stuck in toxic marriages. They fail to move on because of the notion that leaving means an end the life style their husband afforded them.

While a breather can be necessary, most of the women cannot even afford themselves a week away from their master.

Seeing people want Melinda to stay for the money scratched an unhealed scar whose wound runs deep in my being. We are still functioning with mindsets that say women cannot make money.

Besides Melinda having a lot of accolades attached to her name; society chose to focus the light on Bill. What a way to inspire our daughters to stay curved in a box. While most women do not carry Melinda’s achievements, it’s high time we

started recognizing their commendable job by nurturing the lives of their husbands.

“Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.” – Nancy Pelosi For one to excel, surely the ground must be well leveled and allowing for growth, there is not a ground more essential than the home ground. May stay at home wives and moms be equally celebrated for their sweat, energy, emotional support, wisdom and knowledge.

I pray that we get the grace to coexist without demeaning each other based on our biological make ups and our generation after generation hailing of patriarchy. We seek equality between men and women that is not based on toxic competition but on human worth. The idolization of one counterpart in society creates structures of oppression for the seemingly less powerful, the woman. Without embracing balance, society then fails to make room for unified existence.

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“The woman leads a twofold existence indeed, the depth of her social ostracism being equally only by her stoic endurance. To live in harmony with the society of man, to conform with men’s demands, she resigns herself to a self-effacement that is demeaning, she sacrifices herself,” Thomas Sankara, Women’s Liberation and the African Freedom Struggle.

Finding out that we are still wedged in a society that overlooks the great intelligence that women possess felt like the cycle has still not come to an end. Perhaps it is high time we acknowledged without reservation the fact that women have throughout history played such great roles and that they have only gotten better with the years.

As the saying “If you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” suggests, maybe it is time the emancipation of women was no longer left to women themselves and the few other men that dare to tip the scales of justice to balance.

“I’m very conscious of the fact that you can’t do it alone.

It’s teamwork. When you do it alone you run the risk that when you are no longer there nobody else will do it.” –Wangari Mathai

Agriculture

Bushra Stud Breaks Two Botswana National Records at Voorslag Auction to the continual rise of the smallstock industry in Botswana, together with more successful auctions, more ability to welcome international online bidders, to growing our genetic pool and quality locally as well as from our sister countries and indeed exporting to them alike.”

The full results from the Voorslag Auction, presented by Nico Vos of Stockman’s Choice, are per the below:

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aturday the 26 th of June 2021 saw a truly historic auction take place in the form of the Voorslag Auction at the Red Bull Crush in Letlhakane, with famed local breeders Faheem Kala and Sethula Sethula of Bushra Stud breaking two Botswana National records in the small stock category. Both records were broken with locally bred animals: a new Botswana Record Price for a Boer Goat Female at P60,000.00 a new Botswana Record Price for a Kalahari Reds Female for P41,000.00, breaking the P30,000.00 record by Bushra Stud at the Tholo Holdings auction on 21st November 2020

Said Faheem Kala, “A truly successful auction. Thank you to Voorslag, the auctioneers Stockman’s Choice and the Meerkat online bidding platform, and a hearty congratulations to breeders/ buyers and sellers for making this platform a success. The quality of animals on auction is something to truly marvel at. Both well established and new entry farmers bid on auction animals, a true

testament to the growing community in the small stock and especially goat space.”

Boer Goat Bucks: 1st Highest: P33,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 2nd Highest: P29,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 3rd Highest: P25,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud Average Price: P26,500.00

Increased local activity and education for breeders has certainly taken root and continues to deliver excellent results as more breeders get involved, more auctions and indeed more successful auctions are held, and the true value of these beautiful breeds is clear for all to see.

Kalahari Reds Bucks: 1st Highest: P21,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 2nd Highest: P21,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 3rd Highest: P18,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud Average Price: P18,250.000

Continued Kala, “It’s clear that goats are going somewhere in Botswana!

Our industry is growing, the smallstock community is getting closer and the true value of animals is now clear to see. We’ve been privileged at Bushra Stud to have had an excellent sale at the Voorslag Auction in Letlhakane, and what’s most important for us is not simply that greater prices are being paid for goats, but that their worth is being recognised, that new and established farmers are coming together and that WE are all playing a role in ensuring greater genetics and quality for the industry in our country! Here’s

Boer Goat Does: 1st Highest: P60,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 2nd Highest: P54,000.00 by Breeder Keitumetse Bob Modori 3rd Highest: P35,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud

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Kalahari Reds Does: 1st Highest: P41,000 - by Breeder Bushra Stud 2nd Highest: P37,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud 3rd Highest: P32,000.00 by Breeder Bushra Stud Average Price: P31,500.00

MINING

Lucara upbeat on Karowe mine expansion • Invested $18.7 million on expansion in 2020 • Karowe mining license also extended to 2046 • Lucara Botswana MD Lahri buoyant on growth Strides Writer

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he giant diamond company Lucara says during 2020 has spent $18.7 million over (P200 million) on its Letlhakane based Karowe mine’s underground expansion project and executed a mandate for a senior secured project financing package of up to US$220m to fund underground expansion of mine.

Lucara Diamond Corporation revealed the developments on in its annual 2020 sustainability report.

A Canadian multi listed company is embarking on mining underground at its wholly owned top gemstone producer based in Botswana at Boteti region in effort to expand mine’s output level.

Lucara indicated that a syndicate of five international financial institutions, including ING Bank N.V., Natixis, Societe Generale, London Branch, Africa Finance Corporation, and Afreximbank will act as the Mandated Lead Arrangers.

Closing of the facilities is targeted to be mid-2021, with financing in place for the second half of 2021.

According to Lucara, the feasibility study on extending the life of the richer Karowe mine by transitioning from an open pit to an underground mining operation was published in December 2019.

“This expansion project, which has an estimated capital cost of $514 million, has continued to advance in 2020 focused on time critical-pathitems, detailed engineering and design, and the limited earthworks and geotechnical

studies,” the company said giving update on expansion.

Furthermore, the company says the government of Botswana swiftly approved the proposed power line route and granted a 25 year extension to the Karowe Mine License to 2046 as well.

Lucara Botswana Managing Director Naseem Lahri said when she think about 2020, the words resilience, adaptability, innovation and community immediately come to mind amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The year tested us all, in every aspect of our work and the personal lives.

The Government of Botswana deemed mining to be an essential service, and, despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucara Botswana was able to stay fully operational through the exceptional efforts of our entire workforce,” said Lahri confident of a continued resilience in the year 2021.

Lahri went on to say that with a total workforce of 1,108, which comprises nearly 99%Batswana, we remain extremely proud of continued contributions to the socio-economic development of Botswana.

She said the financial contributions totalled $125.78 million, including royalties, taxes and community investment ($14.73m), employee compensation ($19.64 million), national procurement ($91.24 m).

“While much of our community investment was directed toward COVID-19 assistance and relief, we were able to continue to support the Letlhakane Abattoir and three Karowe Village Strides Magazine

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Initiative (KVI) projects: the Mokubilo Integrated Farm; Khwee Small Stock Farm; and, the Mmadikola Hardware Store. In early2020, we commenced construction of the Letlhakane Sports Complex,” said upbeat Lahri.

Sadly, Lahri said Botswana witnessed rise in incidence of gender based violence (GBV) during pandemic.

Meanwhile, Lucara CEO and president Eira Thomas2020 marks the 9th year in Lucara’s sustainability journey, committed to operating their 100% owned Karowe diamond mine safely and reliably.

She said they also, focused on protecting the environment and maximizing a local employment and social benefits within their communities of interest hence continued to empower communities.

“2020 was an unprecedented and challenging year around the whole world and Lucara worked quickly to implement a crisis management plan in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of the first quarter. Designated an essential service by the Government of Botswana, we all quickly adapted and the KaroweDiamond Mine remained fully operational,” said Thomas on CEO report

Botswana makes historic large stones recoveries in 2021 • Debswana, Lucara mines recover historic gems Strides Writer

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otswana, long a major supplier of diamonds to the global markets, is positioning itself as an international diamond hub after big diamonds recovered by Debswana and Lucara mines respectively.

Lucara Diamond Corporation recovered the 1 174 carat diamond from the Karowe mine and it represents the third +1000 carat gem recovered from the South Lobe of the AK6 Kimberlite since 2005.

Debswana Diamond Company, a 50/50 partnership between Government of Botswana and De Beers Group also discovered a rare 1 098 carat diamond at its lucrative rich diamond Jwaneng Mine.

According to the mine, the 1 098 carat diamond is the largest diamond discovered in Debswana’s history and one of the largest known discoveries of a gem-quality diamond anywhere in the world.

Debswana said diamond discoveries at Jwaneng and Orapa Mines have earned Botswana a reputation as a global success story in transforming finite resources below ground into infinite opportunities above ground.

The massive diamonds discovery by Debswana and Lucara according to experts is a great step in enhancing Botswana’s competitiveness in the global diamond value chain as it boosts her image.

Local Economist Mosimane Rammika has said that the diamonds will do

encourage the growth and development of the downstream diamond industry in Botswana by attracting the investors.

“Botswana is without doubt stamping her authority in the global markets value chain and will also dictate the quality of the diamonds. The Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the local mining streams but the discovery of carats of this magnitude indicates that the industry is poised for good recovery in 2021. It is important for the country to create more necessary jobs the diamonds,” said Rammika stressing that economic diversification is still key away from diamonds.

Also, the relocation of the De Beers diamond sales functions from London to Gaborone was also viewed as good opportunity to solidify Botswana’s position as a distinguished global diamond centre.

As a result, the Botswana Diamond Hub was then established which is intended to offering the world-class facilities and services in all aspects of the diamond industry, including the trading of rough and polished diamonds as well as cutting and polishing hence facilitates job creation locally too.

Botswana through diamond hub welcomes diamond dealers, experts in the cutting and polishing, and providers of specialised services for vast diamond industry, such as banking and secure transport.

A superlative diamond industry park located near the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Block 8 in the Strides Magazine

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capital Gaborone is expected to boost investor confidence in the local diamond industry.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi during the appreciation ceremony of Debswana 1 098 carat stone said that government is committed to support the diamond industry in its efforts to grow economy.

Masisi noted that Botswana is very committed to build its reputation as one the world admired mining destinations in Botswana adding that Debswana has placed the country on a global map.

The Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2020 report has placed Botswana as the highest ranking country in Africa as far as attractive mining policies are concerned in Africa.

Fraser mining survey has indicated that no country in Africa is rated before Botswana when it comes to boosting exploration in investment as per survey’s investment attractiveness index indicator.

Law

What you should know before getting married in Botswana

B

By: Beaven (Llb, Llm Sa)

otswana has got a lot of pristine wedding venues sanctuaries of tranquility with impeccable environment and sceneries. All these entice potential weds to think of getting married in Botswana. Not a bad idea at all. A wedding needs to be a memorable one it should be

beautiful after all. However, one needs to understand a bit more about the Matrimonial Property Regime of Botswana before they say I do. Unlike South Africa which has Community of Property as the matrimonial property default regime upon marriage, Botswana’s default matrimonial

Strides Magazine

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regime is ‘Out of Community of Property’.

In community of property means that the property becomes co-owned by the couple upon marriage.

Out of community of property means each party keeps their

to the property?

Most people get married under the banner of love, they have faith that nothing bad shall happen to them as long as love leads. Oh! forewarned is forearmed all divorces we see were once unthinkable because of the blistering love those who died were not stupid and those we see broke, and their property being attached and they earn a place on the blacklist did not plan it even companies get sequestrated although they have managers.

Upon termination of the marriage by death or divorce the assets and liabilities need to be divided. What this means is that people should understand and be ready for proprietary consequences of marriage, even before they get married; save this information for the rainy day! Even those in life partnerships and other forms of unions, “hear oh hear!”

If the couple is domiciled in Botswana the Married Persons Property Act 2014 (MPPA) provides for two interesting issues that we shall talk about in this article: Firstly, the default regime is out of community of property.

property in their name, that which they had before they got married and also that property they shall acquire during the subsistence of the marriage.

Some couples just wed they will not even enquire or let alone understand what property regime they are getting into when they get married. Wedding bells are exciting but they have a time to fade then parties will begin pondering on what property regime they got themselves into. What if the spouses want to acquire property borrow money or (God forbid!) death of one spouse or divorce? What will happen

Secondly, the new Act allows the spouses to change their regime from out of community of property to ‘in community of property’. If the couple needs to change their property regime, they have to apply for leave from the High Court. All creditors should be notified in order to protect them, this is done by publishing in the Government Gazette and a newspaper of national circulation. It is a requirement of the Act that good faith and reasons should be forwarded to the High Court in the application to change the matrimonial property regime. The change of a Matrimonial Property Regime can only be done once, in the subsistence of the marriage, it is not permissible to Strides Magazine

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change to ‘in community of property’ today then tomorrow change again to ‘out of community of property’.

Besides the Married Persons Property Act 2014 there is a judicial precedent set out by the Judge President of the High Court of Botswana in 2013 where he set out three possible regimes for couples; Marriage in Community of Property (Varied by an ante nuptial contract(anc) (which was by default until 1 January 1971).

Customary Law Regime.

Marriage out of Community of Property (which is the current default regime). A spouse who has contributed to the improvement of the other spouse’s estate for instance extending the house belonging to the other spouse, labour or expertise contribution has a claim but would only need to prove such a contribution towards the said improvement.

If therefore a South African man goes to Botswana with the intent of being domiciled there or make it his permanent home or stays there for a period exceeding 12 months, marries a Tswana woman and weds in Botswana, by default, they get married out of community of property. After two months, the man changes his mind and wants to return forever to South Africa, the marital regime will not automatically change to the South African default regime of ‘in community of property’.

It is important to understand the marital property regime before getting married otherwise some people will regret after already having entered into a matrimonial property regime they never intended. Marriage is great but people should get into it fully understanding the legal consequences attached. billy.bliss@live.com

Property

Gosmartvalue an exciting and convenient proptech shift: Vantage Properties • Technology is shaping the real estate industry • Digital innovation awardwinner sets tone of the future • Property valuations on a click of a button • Simple property valuations on a click of a button

T

he rise of technology has seen several developments in the local and regional economy.

Technology innovations have grown and improved lives over the years and they continue in Botswana. Thus, Vantage is driving technology adoption in the real estate space. Several technological advancements that have come over the years catapulted the industry capabilities to another level.

Gosmartvalue is an automated property valuation platform, that supports decision making through availing critical real estate information such as land rates and sales trends. The platform enables self-service Instant Valuation Reports and Detailed (Traditional) Valuation Reports. The platform which is widely used by property valuers is a flagship solution of local real estate firm Vantage Properties led by real estate guru Sethebe Manake. Using proptech any industry player, investors, real estate valuers, general public or property owners.

“The future of real estate is a bright one, the technology that’s now available to valuers is an exciting and convenient shift that is making life easier for the industry players and their clientele. Traditionally most of the work valuers did was manual and time-consuming which was often less efficient both in terms of service turnaround times and

operational efficiencies. With Gosmartvalue valuers can reach a wider clientele. The strength of the platform lies in the data analysis and research tools that we use”, said Manake.

Vantage Properties is the only company which has taken this route Sethebe argued further stating that the world is living in a digital era which has resulted in the majority of the population having easy access to digital platforms that can easily assist them with acquiring vital information about real estate. From the statistics, 43% of buyers start the home buying process by looking online, 92% Strides Magazine

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of the buyers use the internet, 50% of buyers use a mobile website or app in their home search.

“In pursuit of simplifying and offering the best technology-driven services to consumers, Vantage developed Gosmartvalue, an instant valuation platform that estimates the value of one’s property for residential property.

We designed this platform for the general public, investors and financers, developers so that they have a simpler way of determining and assessing opportunities”. added Manake

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