Noble Magazine • July-August 2020

BWP 20.00 | USD $2.00 | ZAR 25.00 July - August 2020 The Backbone of Letshego Botswana - Fergus Ferguson

INSURANCE Innovative Solutions and Advisory Services 2 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

Botswana Life www.noble.co.bw Progressing INSURANCE Successfully Amid COVID-19 Pandemic 3Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 After successfully executing and running the business’ brand positioning campaign last year, Botswana Life is excited to announce the re-launch of the Life & More 2.0 campaign coming soon. Life and More illustrates some of the challenges faced by Batswana and how these can be remedied by having Botswana Life as a partner. This is part of the Company’s commitment to being Botswana’s first choice in life insurance based financial solutions and advisory services. According to Botswana Life Public Relations, Communications and Marketing Manager Gabriel Tlagae, the re-launch of this content lead campaign will further assist stakeholders in fully understanding the Company’s product offerings and services including the different digitalisation initiatives it will also be announcing. “Botswana Life has featured on the Most Admired Brands this year by Brand Africa, listing number four within the financial space and number one on the insurance platform,” added Tlagae. Botswana Life Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Samuels dedicated the award to all Batswana highlighting that without them Botswana Life would not be the successful legacy brand it is that prides itself with always putting its customers first. Some of the innovative solutions & precautionary measures being executed during this pandemic include Botswana Life improving existing innovations that enhance the business interactions with clients. Furthermore, the Company has undergone a rigorous Contact Centre transformation which sees the easy to reach 3263700 line now offering an extensive bouquet including email, fax-to-email capacity, direct contact centre social media interaction, WhatsApp access and webchats. To add on, it is also working around the clock on other exciting digital features which will truly delight customers and provide ease when transacting with the Company. “Botswana Life continues to adhere to official guidance by relevant authorities, with the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders being the business’ utmost priority. Continued COVID-19 precautionary measures that include but are not limited to registration of all visitors, staff and customers, temperature checks, hygiene and enhanced sanitization in line with Government advisory are always communicated, advised and practiced in all branches countrywide,” concluded Tlagae.

Editor’s Note www.noble.co.bw Ulla Setswalo Although businesses are facing DIRECTOR OF MARKETING challenges due to the COVID-19, we Herine Lilian Amuki are glad to have loyal clients who have been supportive through this time. The EDITOR-IN-CHIEF resilience of our business community inspires Ulla Setswalo us to work harder and publish the e-magazine. We are excited to have Letshego CEO, Fergus CONTRIBUTORS Ferguson on our cover page. Merero Partners Letshego is one of the leading home-grown Chris Douglas financial services providers in Botswana and has a footprint across Africa. As if that wasn’t CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES excitement enough, this issue is filled with Hotwire interesting reads that address issues that businesses are dealing with during this pandemic. Horizon Ogilvy The Bank of Botswana article will highlight what Incepta the Bank stands for. The Dialogue Group Subsequently, we tackle banking, financial topics Red Pepper by local banks as well as business development PR Practice articles by various companies. Chris Douglas brings another interesting money laundering Native Impressions piece and he has partnered with Merero partners. DESIGN & LAYOUT On the aviation section, we bring good news Ulla Setswalo about the resumption of Air Botswana and Ethiopian Airlines flights. For the first time in ABOUT THIS ISSUE the magazine, we have profiled a health care July - August 2020 professional, a young successful Dentist. Volume 4, Issue 20 Further to that, we also bring you motivating ONLINE ISSUE and thought- provoking articles in the hospitality www.noble.co.bw section. We hope the positive story on how ISSN 2520‐4610 (Online) Staywell Hotels is coming up with ways to do ISSN 2520‐4602 (Print) business in the new normal will inspire the sector and others to persevere during these trying times. NOBLE is published Bi-monthly, Remember, this too shall pass! by Noble Insider (Pty) Ltd, Plot 863, Extension 2, Gaborone Botswana. From me and the team at Noble– stay safe, wear your mask and practice social distancing! We have an Online publication which is published monthly. 4 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 CONTACT INFORMATION Tel / Fax +267 3116681 For Subscriptions: visit www.noble. co.bw; write Noble Subscriber Service, P.O. Box 402462 Gaborone Botswana or call +267 73 048 407 For Article Reprints or Permission to use Noble content including text, photos, illustrations, logos, and video: e-mail nobleulla2020@ gmail.com. Permission to copy or republish articles can also be obtained through the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com. Use of Noble content without the express permission of Noble or the copyright owner is expressly prohibited. Copyright © 2020 Noble Insider. All rights reserved. Printed in Botswana

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SIGN, THIS IS IT! IF YOU’REBLUOYOOKRINRGEFNOTRAAUSNIIGTNIN, THIS IS IT! || FFrraannBcciiUssSSYttooeerrOwwooRnnwwRGGeeE||eeNrrTaaTTllAdduuUtt||uuNTTmmITaaeeIttNii SSiiddiinngg LOCATION TOTAL NO. RENTAL PRICE PURCHASE PRICE CONTACTS LOCATION OF UNITS TOTAL NO. RANGE RANGE Tutume OF U24NITS RENTAL PRICE PURCHASE PRICE Maikano Komanyane Tutume 24 RA_N__GE P6R00A,3N20G.0E0 - Francistown Gerald 31 770C0O25N80TA| 2C4T15S080 ___ P695,320.00 Francistown Gerald 31 P4,000.00 - Mr Keithusitse Ookeditse Serowe 37 P5,000.00 P600,320.00 - 7kM7oa0oik0kae27nd52o8it20Ks1e4o|@m521b4a7hn15cy0.ab8nw0e P4,000.00 - P695,320.00 Serowe 37 P5,000.00 Mr Keithusitse Ookeditse Tati Siding 46 P2,200.00 - P6,000.00 Maikan7o22K14o5m1a7nyane [email protected] Tati Siding 46 P2,200.00 - P6,000.00 P924,000.00 - Mr Keithusitse Ookeditse P981,120.00 P1,840.00 - P2,640.00 Mk7oa2oi2kk1a47en75do01it7K0se|[email protected] P924,000.00 - Mr Keithusitse Ookeditse P1,840.00 - P2,640.00 P981,120.00 722L14im5b17o|S2e4le15lo080 7ko4o15k5e8d1i0tse|@4b9h2c10.b7w5 P452,000.00 - Mr Khumoetsile Bagai P1,092,225.00 74k1g5L5ai7m8b21ab80io@79|Sb54eh1l9ce52.lbo10w75 Mr Khumoetsile Bagai P452,000.00 - Maika7n2o8K7o9m51a5nyane P1,092,225.00 P585,000.00 - Mr7K7ke0gi0tah2bu5as8ii0t@se|b2hO4co1.b5k0we8d0itse P719,000.00 7kM7oa0oik0kae27nd52o8it20Ks1e4o|@m521b4a7hn15cy0.ab8nw0e P585,000.00 - Mr Keithusitse Ookeditse P719,000.00 72214517 [email protected]

Contents July - August 2020 The Backbone of Letshego Botswana - Fergus Ferguson ...on the Cover 08 14 45 Standard Chartered Botswana Bouncing back to Business – donates masks to the Botswana Staywell Hotels Police Service 14 16 Tlou Energy Funds Building of Transmission Line 39 33 36 6 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

Letshego offers financing up to ACCESS FINANCE AGAINST PURCHASE ORDERS AND INVOICE DISCOUNTING TO SERVE YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS WITH A SHORT TURN AROUND TIME AND COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATE. /////////////////////// WHO CAN APPLY? /////////////////////// Micro or Small Entrepreneurs Botswana Citizen or majority with a valid purchase order shareholder is a Motswana citizen Caution: Borrowing more than you can afford can lead to financial difficulties *Terms and conditions apply FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: www.letshego.com + 267 364 3300 / +267 398 4733 + 267 398 4705 / +267 398 4734 or visit your nearest Letshego branch.

FEATURE on the COVER ACCESS FINANCE AGAINST PURCHASE ORDERS AND INVOICE DISCOUNTING TO SERVE YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS WITH A SHORT TURN AROUND TIME AND COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATE. /////////////////////// WHO CAN APPLY? /////////////////////// Micro or Small Entrepreneurs Botswana Citizen or majority with a valid purchase order shareholder is a Motswana citizen Caution: Borrowing more than you can afford can lead to financial difficulties *Terms and conditions apply FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: www.letshego.com + 267 364 3300 / +267 398 4733 + 267 398 4705 / +267 398 4734 or visit your nearest Letshego branch. Letshego Botswana CEO Fergus Ferguson 8 Noble Magazine // May - June 2020

www.noble.co.bw on the COVER The Backbone of Letshego Botswana - Fergus Ferguson Letshego’s legacy more than 21 years of improving lives since first opening its doors in Gaborone in 1998 testament to commitment to delivering sustainable value in all the communities. Achieving a measurable social impact is central to the Company’s strategy, which is why it encourages its customers to use funds for productive purposes such as such as education, healthcare and business expansion. Letshego’s annual ‘Improving Life Campaigns’ demonstrate the value in using funds for productive purposes by rewarding those customers who have managed to not only improve their own life with a Letshego loan, lives of many others. Noble Magazine interviewed the man in the big seat, Letshego Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Fergus Ferguson to get an in-depth into what he is doing in terms of business continuity. After studying Accounting at Letshego Botswana three years ago. digitise our lending processes in truly the University of Botswana, Letshego is one of Botswana’s leading innovative ways that benefit Batswana,” Fergus Ferguson entered the financial services companies, having highlighted Ferguson. financial services industry the opportunity to lead the group’s and discovered his passion, in consumer largest subsidiary has been a great Letshego’s Response to credit risk, an area of expertise he has opportunity. Being at the forefront COVID-19 since specialised in, given the enabling of developing and driving strategy impact effective credit can provide for for Letshego Botswana, building a With the world feeling the effects of emerging and growing economies. As compelling for colleagues and other COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has the backbone of Letshego Botswana, stakeholders has been challenging and had an impact on the lives of Letshego Ferguson believes commercial strategies yet fulfilling,” noted Ferguson. staff, customers, government, economy can and should be structured to bring and society at large. Ferguson stated tangible sustainable benefits to broader According to him, in the last year, that their top priority remains the communities, hence his synergy with Letshego has maintained a strong book, health and wellbeing of their staff and Letshego – a Botswana-born entity that improved the risk profile by enhancing customers, and as a result, Letshego has always sought to expand access to the Company’s ability to manage has implemented pandemic response credit and financial services with the solutions with customers’ unique levels of plans, health interventions and objective of promoting productive loan affordability and expanded its offering to precautionary policies to protect their use, and ultimately improving the lives Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. Last people, customers and stakeholders. of individuals. year their profits passed the P500 million mark for the first time. “The future is In line with social distancing guidelines, “Having spent several years in bright as Letshego journeys to become a Letshego Botswana continues to operate the Group’s credit risk division, I truly world-class retail financial services moved to my current role as CEO of organisation - watch this space as we Continues in Page 10 9Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

FINANCIAL SERVICE Business Continuity Continued from Page 9 Letshego offers financing up to Continued from Page 9 their existing digital channels and as we create new ways to overcome with a limited staffAcoCmCpElimSeSntFinINthAeirNCEilanucAlnucGdheAedUINSnSeSDwT, oWPnehUsa.RtsACTphHpesAaenScdEhaonOnnliRenlesDERcthoSendAcithNioanlDlsenwIgNeinnVgoOwlIifvCiinnEdgouarnsdelvwesoirnk.ing offices and branDchIeSs,CwOitUh NcuTsItoNmGersTO aSpEplRicaVtEionYWOeUbfRormBsUthSaItNenEsuSreSthNeiEr EDS WITH A SHORT being able to access aTllUtRheNir AseRrviOceUs NDabTiliItMy tEo AdeNlivDerCvOaluMe PtoEeTvIeTnImVEoreINTFEerRguEsoSnT nRoAteTd Et.hat the financial via digital and online channels from the customers, despite the pandemic. “I services sector has become increasingly safety of their homes. Customers have am delighted with the strong customer challenging, with financial markets /////////////////////// been offered/re/p/a/ym//en/t/h/o/li/d/ay/s/t/o/h/el/p///u/p/takeWoHf oOurCdAigNitalAcPhaPnnLelYs ?that proving to be increasingly sensitive and them through the current challenging are not only useful during the current less predictable, as characterised by conditions, and the Group has doMwnaiitcthreoadovraSlimdcpoaulnlrEdcnhittairsoeenporser,dnbeeruurts also serveBshotaotrsewshuaonpldapeCoriritstizaeMn ooinrtscmwraeajaonsraeitcdyiticzuernrency volatility, as well as over P3million to pandemic relief efforts our digital strategy well into the future. the need to adjust to the continuously across the region, with P1.2million I am inspired by the ways that the evolving financial regulations – however, oBfottshwoasneafCuOndVsIDb-e1i9nRg edlioenf FatuenddC.taouttihone: Borprouwblinicg mhaovree tchoalnleycotuivcealny aefmforbdrcaacnedleatdheto finhaenceiaxlpdrieffsisceudltieths at the opportunity that merits of technology to mitigate the technology provides to the financial New and Enhanced Digital r–iskssupapsos*rTotecirnimagtseadhnedawlctiothnhdcittahiorienss pappraopnlvydidemerisc, sector far outweighs the challenges, Platforms patients, members of the community, especially in light of the innovation Letshego Botswana can deliver through FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: as well as local businesses. This includes their new customer solutions, and ease in the current opportunities that have access , all thanks to their digital channels CToomepn++asn22uy66r’se77 33ss69eo84alum43t37iloe00sn05ss //a++ac22nc66des77s33s99etro88vi44ct77eh33se,43 been given to local tech developers, to and portals, as well as the increased speed LetsheogroviBsitoytoswuranneaarehsatsLebtsohtehgoenbrhaancnhc.ed demonstrate thwewirw.ilnetnshoevgaot.icvoem capacity with which it can deliver value. 10 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw FINANCIAL SERVICE Letshego offers financing up to Dealing with Competition To add on, Ferguson explained that Strategic Social Investment Competition in thAe CfinCaEncSiaSl sFeIrNvicAesNCELtreatAnsshGfeogAromINatiiSsonTaulPndUerRjoguoCrinHngeAy,SitEs wOhoRiwcnhDERFrSomANDa INcoVmOmIuCnEity investment sector is increaDsiInSgCwOitUh NthTeINenGtryTO iSnEcluRdVesE aYOreUviRewBUofSIitNs EsStrSateNgyE, EDpSersWpecItTivHe, ALeStsHheOgoRTBotswana has of more FinTechs TanUdRNtradAitRioOnaUl NDorTgaInMisaEtioAnNalDdeCsiOgnMaPnEd TCIuTsItoVmEerINTsEupRpoErSteTd RthAe TenEh.ancement of non- banks expanding their segment focus. Value Propositions across its various communicable disease identification, However, at Letshego, Ferguson and markets and segments within the group. care and treatment. Since 2017, /////////////////////// his team con/s/id/e/r/t/hi/s/t/o/b/e/a/p/o/s/it/iv/e///T/h/is wWill HseeOLeCtsAheNgo ABoPtswPaLnaYb?eing Letshego has partnered with the indicator of the evolution aofwMgiiotcthorhoadeovraSlimdmvpaauolllurrEceenh,ta‘rAnseegopiotrlereodn’neearulnyrsdfoerffcicuisetnotmiBsnehoradtsrseewblhiuaovntledaraeCilrnsiitogsizaeMn ooM(r“tsMmiwnaoiajsoHntrarWiytcyit”i)zoefn Health and Wellness financial services sector and and Primary Care opportunity to offer greater choice for their staff, in terms of training and International (“PCI”) to improve the and value to customers. With the development opportunities. From a delivery of non-communicable disease digital age and increased avaiClaabuitliiotny: Borsreocwtoinrg amdovroectahcayn ypoeurscpaencatfifvoer,d Lcaentslheaedgoto fin(aNncCiaDl)dihffeicaultlthiecsare across 8 districts in of information, customers are now Botswana played an integral role in Botswana through their Healthcare isnudpeppoerntid*nTegenrtmthsceeanndtdrcaeolvnerdleoitgpioimsntseenrapttphloyrfouagnh more empowered to make informed Innovation Programme. “Non- financial decisions, increasing Communicable diseases such as heart the responsibility of financial collective government consultation. disease, diabetes, and hypertension This engagement has resulted in sector FOpRrMoOvRidEeINrFsORtMoATIeOnNsCuArLeL: greater pose an increasing threat to the health tprraonvsipd++ain22reg66n77scu33ys69ta48ainn43da37b00l05aec//scoo++lu22un66tit77oanb33si99li88ftoy44r77ai33nll34 the incorporation of BOTUSAFE, of our communities. By ensuring customorevriss.it your nearest Letshego branch. Botswana’s first central register in Continues in Page 12 2006. www.letshego.com Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 11

FINANCIAL SERVICE Business Continuity Continued from Page 11 conditions. Longer term outcomes is the inadequate level of financial will depend on the resilience and literacy in Botswana. For the company, the health of our communities adaptability of financial services sector financial literacy is more than simply against preventable diseases, we can participants,” expressed Ferguson. understanding how money works; it strengthen our communities and the is the ability to comprehend the power health of future generations. Letshego “Being part of of prudent financial management and Botswana’s sponsorship, valued at a group with a how customers access and use money in over half a million Pula, trains and footprint across 11 productive and value creating ways. In mentors healthcare workers with sub Saharan countries November 2014, Letshego launched a the latest trends and policies in the in Africa, we gain focused financial literacy campaign that administration and management of from best practice empowers individuals with the basics effective non-communicable disease in technology of personal financial management such (NCD) frameworks for primary health implementation, as budgeting, financial planning and care, across Botswana,” said Ferguson. centralised research discipline in order to promote prudent financial management practices. Impressively, Letshego established and product Corona Crisis Committees at Group and development, Further to that, Letshego also equips country level to ensure that executives marketing trends and its customer-facing employees with are directly responsible for managing efficiencies as well financial literacy tools, including the multiple risks associated with the as opportunities for budgeting, debt management and pandemic, and monitoring rapidly our own people to investing, to support themselves and changing conditions. Letshego adopts take up permanent customers. The company’s Facebook the latest national and international or temporary roles in page also features regular updates for health guidelines, regularly reminding other exciting growth the community on money matters. employees and customers on the best markets to broaden ways to maintain safe standards in their experience and For Letshego Botswana, expansion hygiene and social distancing. The career horizons.” means increasing access, so they Company premises operate on a ‘Cohort’ continue to expand their offering and system to minimise the spread of potential Ferguson added that, “In line with reach in order to be inclusive and infection, while ensuring hygiene and Letshego’s commitment to continue provide their financial solutions as well social distancing protocols are adhered diversifying our products and customer as support to more people across the to at all times. Customers and employees segments, we are developing and country. In addition to the digital access have embraced safety initiatives and enhancing solutions for MSEs or channels for customers, they have also protocols, as they understand the value “Micro and Small Entrepreneurs”. launched a mobile application (App) in collective collaboration in preventing MSEs remain a valuable growth for field Direct Sales Agents (DSAs) the risks of the pandemic. segment for our economy, but many to process loan customer applications, small businesses typically struggle to enabling flexibility and allowing Outlook of the Financial access funding and traditional financial customers to apply for loans from the Services Sector services. Cash flow and stock are often comfort of their homes. The DSA App the top challenges for many small has reduced historic turnaround times The Botswana financial services sector businesses, and Letshego is focused on by 50%. is robust, well regulated and attracts supporting business owners to bridge healthy competition. Competition is this gap by offering working capital and In conclusion, Ferguson said, “Being a welcome factor in enhancing the supply chain finance.” part of a group with a footprint across sectors’ development and value for 11 sub Saharan countries in Africa, we customers. “We are fortunate to have Increasing Financial gain from best practice in technology a strong regulatory environment for Inclusion implementation, centralised research both bank and non-bank sectors, as and product development, marketing this ensures general sector stability, Letshego understands that one of trends and efficiencies as well as especially during more challenging its core financial inclusion realities opportunities for our own people to economic conditions. The pandemic will take up permanent or temporary roles have a downward impact on the growth in other exciting growth markets to of financial services sector this year, broaden their experience and career the extent of which remains difficult to horizons.” predict with ever-changing pandemic 12 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw BANKING Accountability of the Botswana economy, including and Transparency the related challenges of slow progress Key to Bank of on economic diversification, evidenced Botswana by continuing over-reliance on a single The Bank of Botswana commodity for exports, government (BoB) hosted an economic revenues and growth. Notwithstanding briefing on 14 July 2020 the current environment of extreme which marked the launch volatility and uncertainty in global and dissemination of the 2019 Bank economy and markets, the presentation of Botswana Annual Report, in will also cover economic outlook for 2020 fulfilment of the Bank’s accountability and prospects for recovery in 2021. The to its key stakeholders. The briefing review also indicated that the locomotives which included a few presentations of the Botswana’s economic growth by key BoB leadership showed just performance, namely, the diamond how communication is increasingly revenues and catalytical role of the becoming key in the Bank’s policy “tool- government activities, would be severely kit”, as they use it as a means to meet constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic public expectations of a transparent amidst a macroeconomic shock which, and accountable central bank as well as according to many commentators, is anchoring policy credibility. estimated to likely lead the global, regional and domestic economy into a recession of The Bank continues to explore ways uncertain magnitude and duration; most and means to increase channels for likely not experienced since the Great sharing information with the public, Depression of the 1930s. on various aspects of its operations. Therefore, in addition to the revamping The last presentation summarised of the Bank’s website in 2019, other platforms, such as social media, are the theme topic for the 2019 Annual under consideration. Supervision Report to the Minster of Report, on “Central Bank Governance BoB Governor Moses Pelaelo said, Finance and Economic Development “The Annual Report is published by June 30, each year. I am happy and Functions in Pursuit of Price in compliance with the Bank of to confirm that these statutory Botswana Act and, as a statutory requirements have been consistently and Financial Stability” by Deputy requirement, contains a report on adhered to throughout the existence of the Bank’s operations and audited the Bank.” Director in the Research and Financial financial statements; therefore, the Annual Report is the primary vehicle The Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Stability Department, Innocent for accountability to the nation on the Daniel Loeto, provided highlights of operations and financial performance the Bank’s financial performance and Molalapata. According to Pelaelo, of the Bank. Also, as a statutory operations in 2019 and updates, where requirement, the Bank publishes relevant. Second, it is a tradition that this theme explains the role of central a monthly Statement of Financial the Annual Report also includes a Position in the Government Gazette review of economic developments banks in the economic management and submits an annual Banking and outlook. The review provides an analytical context and explanations of any country, evolving institutional for economic developments and prospects, as well as background to structures, mandates and objectives. policy conduct and operations by the Bank. This was presented by BoB Among others, Molalapata highlighted Director of Research and Financial Stability Department.Tshokologo Alex the importance and linkages of the Kganetsano, triad of central bank operational Interestingly, Kganetsano’s presentation included an overview of structural features autonomy, transparency and accountability in facilitating effective discharge of the central bank mandates and maintenance of macroeconomic stability, attainment of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He also reinforced the need for central bank adaptability in an environment of fast and disruptive developments in financial technology, aligned to the nation’s aspirations for digital transformation and knowledge-based economy. Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 13

BANKING Donation Intervention Standard Chartered value of P500,000 to the Sir Ketumile Botswana donates Masire Teaching Hospital. masks to the Botswana Police Service Standard Chartered Botswana recognises the critical role that the Standard Chartered Bank continues to support the efforts of all involved Botswana Police Service continues in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As global numbers of to play at the frontline in managing COVID-19 cases continue to increase, Botswana continues to be on the the pandemic through various alert. For this reason, Standard Chartered has donated 5,000 N95 interventions, which include, but are face masks to the value of P510,000 to the Botswana Police Service for use by not limited to; crowd control and police officers nationwide. maintenance of social distancing protocols, manning of traffic and This donation forms part of Standard Chartered Botswana’s ongoing interzonal boundaries as well as commitment of being “Here for good” for the people of Botswana. playing the pivotal role of escorting Standard Chartered has to date, contributed approximately P5.6 million trucks supplying Botswana with to Botswana’s COVID-19 Relief efforts. The donation included a P1 million essential goods. contribution to the National COVID-19 Relief Fund, a USD 300,000 (approximately P3.6 million) contribution to the Botswana Red Cross Speaking at the handover, Standard Society and a donation-in-kind of Personal Protective Equipment to the Chartered Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Masupe expressed gratitude to the Botswana Police Service for their dedication and hard work, saying; “Often times when we think of the frontline workers, our focus is on those in the Medical fraternity, today we would like to pay tribute to the disciplined forces for their unwavering commitment to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, it is because of you, that we feel safe and protected. Discipline has been maintained due to the incredible work you are doing. We also wish to recognise that the BPS has once again been recognised by the World Internal Security and Police Index Report as the Best Police Service in Africa, and for this reason, our donation serves as encouragement for you to keep serving diligently.” When receiving the donation, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Solomon Mantswe remarked; “The donation will go a long way in assisting us to continue to protect and serve, and to do so whilst ensuring our officers are protected.” He highlighted that the masks will assist as the county continues to protect itself against the onslaught of this pandemic. 14 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw BANKING YYoouurr ssaaffeettyy iiss oouurr top concern. During these challenging times, we understand that you may like to find alternative ways tDoudriongyothuer sbeanckhianlgle.nging times, we understand that you may like to find alternative ways Wtoedwoaynotuerdbtoanrekminign.d you that with digital banking, you can still get most of your transactions dWoenweaqnutiecdktlyo,rseemciunrdelyyoauntdhactownivthendiegnittalyl bfaronmkinthge, ysoaufectaynasntidll gceotmmforsttof your thraonmsea.ctions done quickly, securely and conveniently from the safety and comfort of your home. Access over 70 services, from anywhere with the SC Mobile app oArccOenslisneovBearn7k0insgervices, from anywhere with the SC Mobile app or Online Banking OaOaccppcceeoonnuuaannttnneeww oorr aaddddiittiioonnaall Your safety is ourTiiTnnrrttaaeennrrssnnffaaeettrriioommnnooaannll bbeeyyeennttooeefflliioocccciiaaaarrlliiee&&ssRequest your statement Pay bills (Electricity, DSTV, Activate your card and PIN Mobile Money) Activate your card and PIN Apply for a personal loan Apply for a personal loan Block and replace a lost/stolen card top concern.UpdateyouKYCdetails Block and replace Update you KYC details Baoltosswt/asntaolAenppcard Download the SC Mobile sc.com/bw Download the SC Mobile Botswana App Here for good Terms and Conditions apply Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 15 Here for good sc.com/bw

BANKING Mitigating Strategies Bringing Possibility to Life During a Crisis By Vimal Kumar, Chief Executive: with regulators and governments It is increasingly evident that the bank Retail and Business Banking, acknowledging that we need to navigate of the future will be known not for the Chief Digital Officer and Customer the Covid-19 crisis together. products it sells, but for the creativity, Experience at Absa Regional These solutions have been carefully agility and openness to co-creating Operations (ARO) thought through to assist those most solutions with clients and partners. in distress during the initial wave of Everything we do speaks to our ability When a crisis of the the Covid-19 economic slowdown. to find solutions to our customers’ magnitude of Covid-19 Although we live in an era of social needs – this is even more relevant at a strikes, it is our role as distancing, geographically segregated time when our very concept of ‘normal’ a responsible lender to interaction, and government- is being challenged and revised put forward various immediate and enforced lockdowns, our technology constantly. medium-term solutions to proactively and the array of digital products we combat the downturn it brings. As an offer have enabled us to continue to Support for SMEs African business, we have sought to serve all our customers efficiently position ourselves so that we can offer and effectively. One of the things we are very conscious not just tangible relief in this time of of is that small and medium enterprises distress and global upheaval, but also Leading digitally (SMEs) are vital to economic growth true value in an ever-changing world. across Africa, and we need to support For any indebted individual or It is inevitable that a post-Covid-19 and nurture the entrepreneurial energy business, servicing debt during such world will see us emerge into a and innovation in that sphere. We difficult times is a source of angst. Absa more digitally-driven space. Absa further recognise that the informal reacted swiftly to the pandemic by is actively driving the roll-out of economy needs to be as much designing, offering and implementing digital infrastructure and offering our protected as the formal economy, smart solutions and offering significant customers more innovative solutions. because this makes up a large portion financial respite during these times. Customers can bank in a variety of of employment in Africa. Relief measures have included ways: internet banking, apps, e- and Therefore, we ensure that our SMEs repayment breaks, moratoriums on mobile commerce, and contactless and our business banking customers capital repayments and the waiver of payment capabilities. benefit from our relief programmes fees on interbank transfers through One of the key pillars of our growth during these turbulent times as much internet banking and bank-to-wallet is to build a scalable, digitally-led as our individual customers. There is transactions, among others. business. When we launched the no doubt that when the time comes to A payment holiday – which also defers new Absa brand across Africa, we rebuild our economies, SMEs will play the tenor of the repayment – is just spoke about “bringing possibilities a leading role in spurring such efforts. one option available and is primarily to life”, and we are stretching digital According to the World Bank, Small designed to offer immediate relief boundaries to meet and, indeed, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and ensure a continued cashflow exceed the needs of our clients in a play a major role in most economies, for a household or business facing rapidly evolving landscape. particularly in developing countries financial hardship, while at the same Our digital transformation towards where SMEs account for the majority time protecting credit worthiness. a low-touch, low-contact future is of businesses worldwide and are The option to exercise a payment accelerating at a fast pace. In driving important contributors to job creation holiday is a conversation between the this, we will make banking and ways of and global economic development. customer and the lender based on the payment cheaper for all our customers. SMEs represent about 90% of profile and individual circumstances We are already seeing a massive surge businesses and more than 50% of of the client. in digital use and pick-up by customers employment worldwide, while formal All of this has been done in consultation in all our regions, which reinforces SMEs contribute up to 40% of national our conviction that we are on the right income (GDP) in emerging economies. track. These numbers are significantly higher 16 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw BANKING when informal SMEs are included. Vimal Kumar Noble Magazine https://www.worldbank.org/en/ Absa Group Limited topic/smefinance Chief Executive: Retail & Salutes Acting responsibly Business Banking, Digital and Frontline We have been heartened as a banking Customer Experience (Absa Workers for institution by the responsible Regional Operations) resilience in behaviour of many of our customers the fight who have continued to service their Vimal is the Chief Executive of Retail against debt as their situation allows, which and Business Banking; Digital and Covid-19 is a very positive story in these Customer Experience (RBB, Digital uncertain times. &CX) for Absa Regional Operations, at Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 17 Our customers see us as a bank that Absa Group Limited overseeing RBB is responsible and willing to assist; franchises across nine markets: Zambia, that offers help when they are truly Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, in need. Yet they have adjusted Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius and their thinking and behaviour to the Seychelles. the existing environment and are Vimal joined the Group as Head responsibly only calling on us when of Lending in 2011 based in Dubai, they really need us. providing strategic leadership Absa has a balance sheet in excess achieving profitable growth in the of almost R1 trillion and is well- Consumer Lending and Credit Card positioned to withstand financial businesses. Additionally, he was storms, and as a significant bank instrumental in the expansion into new on the continent, we play a big part segments and markets for the business in ensuring stability to financial Vimal has over 26 years of experience systems, as well as being able to offer in Business Banking, Credit Cards, clients and customers a reassuring Consumer Loans, Retail Liabilities sense of stability and confidence. and Wealth Management and has But more than what we represent as worked with leading banks including a continental banking institution, Standard Chartered, ANZ Bank, Absa is also Africa, and the essence ABN AMRO in Asia, Middle East and of caring for others underpins Africa. everything we do. Our commitment He has served as an Advisor on to helping save lives and contributing the CEMEA board for VISA, the meaningfully to the fight against International Advisory Board of this coronavirus pandemic has seen UnionPay International and member us make substantial donations to of the APMEA Chip Sub Committee of national governments and various MasterCard International. He speaks Covid-19 relief efforts. on Consumer Banking and Payment We believe in getting things done, for global organisations such as the and in helping people find a way Lafferty Group, Fleming Group and to get things done. And in these European Financial Management & extraordinary times, we also Marketing (EFMA). understand what it means to be African: that our common humanity and our compassion towards one another in the spirit of ubuntu, is what will ultimately carry us through and be the panacea in this fight against this pandemic.

FINANCE Dealing with Economic Shocks Coronavirus Crisis lasting negative economic and social will leave Africa consequences. There is evident sovereigns with reduction in terms of growth forecasts diminished capacity to for the African sovereigns that we rate absorb future shocks in response to the coronavirus crisis (see Exhibit 1). Botswana (A2 negative), The coronavirus outbreak and weak fiscal metrics and lower the Namibia (Ba2 negative), South Africa its wider impact on global resources available to repay debt. (Ba1 negative) and Mauritius (Baa1 trade, commodity prices and Immediate credit risks are elevated negative) face the sharpest declines in financial markets present for those facing financing and external real GDP growth because the impact severe economic, financial and social stress. Although international support of domestic restrictions on economic challenges to many African sovereigns. like the G-20 Debt Service Suspension activity and the impact of a fall in global Many governments have limited Initiative (DSSI) will provide modest demand on key sectors such as tourism financial and institutional capacity to liquidity relief for a number of countries, and mining. Senegal (Ba3 RUR-), absorb the current shock. The longer- those sovereigns with large borrowing Mozambique, Ethiopia (B2 RUR-), lasting negative effects on the region’s requirements or weak revenue bases and Uganda (B2 stable) will also see credit profiles will leave them with like Mozambique (Caa2 stable), slowdowns, but will still experience diminished capacity to absorb future Zambia (Ca stable) and Ghana (B3 growth given their more limited shocks. negative) face the most severe liquidity exposure to sectors more vulnerable to The outbreak will trigger a recession stress. At the same time, the falls in falls in global demand. in Africa that will have long-lasting foreign-exchange reserves, foreign For almost all African sovereigns, negative economic and social direct investment and remittances the border closures and broader consequences. The deep disruptions have elevated external risks for those lockdown measures have significantly to global supply, cuts in demand and countries with low reserves like Ghana, slowed small-scale trade across falls in commodity prices triggered by Tunisia (B2RUR-), and Zambia. Africa, which is a crucial source of the outbreak will lead to a slump in Long-lasting consequences of income and employment on the growth. While growth will resume later the coronavirus shock threaten continent. With 86% of the population this year in concert with the rest of the governments’ capacity to reverse the employed informally, the scope for world, the recovery will be slow and increase in debt burdens. Assuming government intervention to protect there is a risk of longer-term scarring that growth returns and that this jobs1 and incomes is limited. The fall from the crisis. year’s wider deficits can be reined in commodity prices and international Pressures on already weak fiscal in subsequent years, most African demand is exacerbating the impact positions will intensify. The fall in governments’ debt burdens will stabilise for oil producers like Angola, Nigeria, revenue from the economic slowdown, after a material rise this year. However, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo spending on measures to support the few governments have a track record and copper exporters like Zambia economy, and a rise in healthcare of reversing debt increases. If fiscal and the Democratic Republic of the spending will widen fiscal deficits strength is not restored, sovereigns will Congo (Caa1 stable). Similarly, weak sharply and increase borrowing be left with heightened vulnerability to global growth is weakening demand requirements. Oil-exporting economies a shift in private creditors’ sentiment for diamonds, with production cuts to like Angola (B3 RUR-), Nigeria (B2 and weaker capacity to absorb future support prices resulting in a significant negative), Gabon (Caa1 positive) and shocks. slowdown in Botswana’s diamond Republic of the Congo (Caa2 stable) The outbreak will trigger a recession sector. A decline in international have already seen a fall in revenue that in Africa that could have long- demand will also weigh on Namibia’s will further aggravate their already mining-dependent economy. By contrast, the impact on soft commodities like cocoa is likely to be limited, which will insulate economies like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire (Ba3 RUR). Meanwhile, export of gold, of which Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania (B1 negative) are the primary exporters, attract prices that are typically inversely correlated to procyclical commodities like copper. 18 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw INSURANCE Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 19

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Crisis Management Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) Response to Covid 19 The advent of the 4IR The 142 (37%) enterprises that SUPPORT EXTENDED TO has introduced business remained operational faced the SMMEs BY LEA disruption as a strategy for following challenges that jeopardised market entry and penetration. their viability. Business Continuity: The COVID-19 pandemic has however brought about disruption on a scale that • Challenges in importing raw LEA assisted enterprises that supply is unprecedented. At the end of March materials. essential services to procure permits 2020, LEA conducted a snap survey for their staff, as well as facilitating to assess the impact of COVID-19 on • Reduced revenue due to COVID-19 imports of raw materials for the LEA registered SMMES across the LEA related restrictions. production of hand sanitisers and branches country-wide. medical gowns. Businesses were also • Inability to pay fixed costs (salaries, assisted to collaborate so as to optimise The survey covered 382 enterprises, rentals, loans etc). resources. and revealed the following notable highlights; Employees by sector Market Access • 63% of businesses surveyed had LEA facilitated enterprises to expedite suspended operations, with an the testing and certification of essential average reduction in monthly products at Botswana Bureau of revenue of 47%. The 382 enterprises Standards, to ensure that they could have 2,669 employees, with a total supply products of the required wage bill of P5.9 million. quality. Thereafter, the businesses were supported to secure orders in • The tourism sector, which accounts the amount of P2 312 519.35 for for 27% of the jobs in the survey, COVID-19 related goods, ranging from bore the brunt of the impact, with hand sanitizers, surgical gloves and a 72% revenue loss in March 2020, masks, face shields, cleaning chemicals which put 729 jobs at risk. as well as foodstuffs and horticultural produce. Average monthly decline in revenue in March 2020 Access to Financial Relief Of the 382 SMMEs surveyed, 209 had loans, with a total loan balance of P130,197,045. Three Hundred (300) SMMEs have been assisted with applications to BURS for the wage subsidy, which helped avert job losses, especially in the tourism sector, which accounts for 61% of the loan balance. A further 19 businesses were assisted to apply for working capital and loan repayment holidays at CEDA and commercial banks. 20 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

Proportion of loans by sector www.noble.co.bw BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Loans by Institutions Assistance to SMMEs forfeit their sitting allowances for the cropping plan to facilitate import Operating In LEA Incubators 2020/21 financial year. substitution. Rental holidays of between three (3) FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES • Small-Stock Training and and six (6) months have been extended Production Incubator to Twenty-four (24) SMMEs operating Whilst COVID-19 has wreaked havoc at the LEA Incubators who have been in the economy, it has also provided The small stock incubator is planned adversely impacted by COVID-19. an opportunity for enterprises for Ghanzi, and will provide training This will assist in protecting jobs and to adapt, innovate and exploit with production to small stock expediting business recovery post new opportunities. Thirteen (13) potential farmers. Graduates from COVID-19 related restrictions. enterprises have been identified for the incubator will be supported assistance with scaling up to compete to set up commercial small stock Donation Towards COVID-19 sustainably in the production of production businesses across the Fund medical consumables and personal country. Furthermore, LEA plays a hygiene products. This support will role at the Lobu small stock farm, Through the Glen Valley Horticulture also be extended to enterprises that and will support farmers through Incubator LEA has donated 170kg of provide goods and services that are virtual incubation to ensure business tomatoes to the Government COVID-19 imported in large quantities, and will growth. Relief fund, to be used at health facilities be supported through the following and other Government institutions. projects. HARNESSING ICT The farm continues to produce, and supplies retail stores in Gaborone • Horticulture Promotion It is imperative for enterprises to trade to alleviate shortages of vegetables. Projects through digital channels in order to LEA has partnered with BIUST to remain relevant in the 4IR. LEA is manufacture soap and liquid detergent Plans are at an advanced stage, working towards availing access to as contribution towards the fight againt and partners have been identified online resources tailored towards Corona virus. 5000 bar soaps and to develop the horticulture sector building SMMEs capabilities, with 4000 (750ml) bottles have already at strategic locations across the focus on business continuity, to assist been donated to the Government to county, through provision of with business recovery. On the overall, distribute amongst communities in the infrastructure and expertise that in order to leapfrog and leverage on Central region. will enable the farmers to produce ICT as a business enabler, we have various crops for the local and partnered with stakeholder institutions Also, the LEA Executive and Senior export market. Three locations to collectively explore value chain Management have contributed 10% have been identified for this opportunities for digitization and of their basic salary for three (3) purpose and clients with potential online trading platforms for producers months to the COVID 19 Relief Fund. to scale up are being considered to link with the retailers and other Additionally, the LEA Board Chairman to occupy the land. LEA will use a sources of markets. The plan is to pilot and Vice Chairman have offered to cluster model and coordinate the with the horticultural produce. Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 21

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Innovation and Technology Orange Botswana customers within SoHo and SMEs, launches New and are appreciative of the very unique Business lines for circumstances and characteristics in the SOHO & SME play here. It is based on insight and Market engagement with these customers that these offers have been developed, so · Orange Botswana introduces new offers to support Small Office that we can provide very real, relevant, Home Offices (SoHo) & Small Medium Enterprises (SME) and impactful assistance to enhance · Orange Botswana remains committed to providing solutions their businesses.” that are both impactful and relevant · Orange Botswana strives to support the sustainability of For SoHo customers, Orange Botswana Botswana’s business community through tailor-made innovative has introduced the Prepaid Pro offer, solutions “SIM ya Moipereki. This offer caters primarily for businesses operating Orange Botswana has seen the in the informal sector, such as street need for sound, reliable and hawkers, mechanics, farmers, working affordable communications in informal areas, from their homes, or platforms that enable the from small rented office spaces. SIM Small Office Home Office and Small ya Moipereki offers them generous bonus rewards which vary monthly Medium Enterprises to continue based on their consumption. These benefits include data bundles and/or making profitable business moves in free off-net & on-net minutes and an opportunity to open an Orange Money the “new normal”. A total of three new account. SIM ya Moipereki is available at all Orange Shops for only P10. offers have been launched, Prepaid For SME customers, established Pro, Hybrid Pro and Sellecta Pro, all enterprises that are fully operational and primarily trading in formal sectors of these have been designed to suit as, for instance, local retailers, garages, manufacturers, construction, retail the unique needs of Small Office business service providers and the like, Orange Botswana offers the Hybrid Home Offices (SoHo) & Pro and the Sellecta Pro. These offers are flexible contract lines that allow Small Medium Enterprises businesses to enjoy prepaid services when their monthly allowances finish. (SME) customers while In addition to the monthly benefits, both the Hybrid Pro and the Sellecta affording them an Pro offers have optional extras such as data vouchers, device vouchers, or opportunity to enjoy a Postpaid Konnecta device rental at a small fee. generous incentives “The new offers are available while doing business. throughout all Orange Botswana stores Nationwide and are a first in market, a Orange B2B & Fixed development from Orange Botswana Broadband Director, to show true business community. Dennis Mmolai “Business, as they say, must go on. We said, “We have are here to help our business customers looked at the as a true communications partner and typical profiles we are invested in their growth for of our business years to come,” concluded Mmolai. segment

Revamped PULA Website for www.noble.co.bw Self Service & Social DistancingBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Our revamped Website has various functions designed to meet the needs of our members, offer Self Service and support Social Distancing. The Website allows you to send a Call Back, Get a Quote, Calculate Premiums, make Online Submissions, Log on to your Account, Live Chat, etc. Contributions Calculator Call Me Back Online How to Join Login LiveChat Function Submissions Function Function Function Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 23

HEALTH CARE BUSINESS ‘A Smile Goes a Dental Practice Long Way’- Dentistry 24 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 Expertise is Key Dentistry has been impacted greatly by Covid-19 due to its nature of working in close proximity with patients and this increases the rate of transmission. A lot of precautionary measures have had to be taken in order to resume services in the dental practice, PPE being top priority. Procuring it is a challenge but also an unexpected expense for a small start up business but the business has managed to ensure that all is in place. The owner of Smiles for Miles Dental Practice, Katlego Goaletsa Setlhare holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry from the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Pedodontics from the University of Pretoria. Having worked in the public sector where she was privileged to get a lot of experience in Hospital Dentistry, which also exposed me to working with a great Maxillo-Facial surgeon from whom she have learnt a lot of surgical techniques that once in a while she gets a chance to use in her own clinic. As a General Dentist, Setlhare practices a vast number of procedures. General Dentistry includes procedures such as tooth extraction, tooth restorations, filling (as it is commonly known), tooth replacement such as with dentures, bridge and crown, the list is endless

www.noble.co.bw HEALTH CARE BUSINESS and that’s the beauty about General reach,” added Setlhare. with vast experience when it comes to Practice you get to explore all the areas setting up a company and running it of what Dentistry has to offer. “My Post Dentistry has evolved over the years because for me, previously, I was just Graduate Diploma has given me an and it continues to do so every day. happy and excited to just see patients added advantage as my practice sees As a believer of self-development but input from the former makes you a lot of children who require dental and empowerment, Setlhare is understand the business environment treatment. I love working with children, therefore regularly attending short better,” explained Setlhare. it’s always been a passion of mine. So courses to learn about new trends and your little ones are most welcome at my sharpening her skills. For instance, Although the business is still growing, Practice,” said Setlhare. tooth replacement is now moving away Setlhare has big dreams and the from crown and bridge work to now the focus of the business has always been Setlhare explained that her business is more preferred implants, and she gets towards being socially responsible and fully self-sponsored and this means she patients who ask about such options. impactful. “I just love people, positive used her entire life’s savings but she For now she refers those patients but energy, I laugh a lot and always aim to does not have any regrets, as it is worth in future,she would like to also be make my patients dental experience, it. To add on, she is also grateful for the able to place implants. According to fun and relaxed. I love kids and believe financial investment from her husband, Setlhare, teeth whitening is now one of I have a God given talent when dealing who is also a Director in the business and the big trends, it’s safe when it’s done with them. Am a big believer in basic assists with business development and by a professional and patient selection oral practices. Brush, floss, rinse, strategic leadership. “With Covid-19 is absolutely key for good results. regular dental visits and yes avoiding being our new normal, our clinic set Currently, she cautions patients to too much sugar. Am realistic and up had to also change starting with our always consult a dental professional respect that not all can afford expensive reception area which is now adhering who is best positioned to even explain dental care but if we can respect this to social distancing requirements. This to them what it all entails. This is not basic foundation a lot of oral diseases now means we encourage patients easy because the world is so far ahead can be prevented. Our clients can still to come for their appointments as but there is little she can do. look forward to great service going scheduled to avoid having too many forward. I am also looking forward people in the Clinic at a given time. “As a new entrepreneur, I am still finding to my own personal growth as well We keep registers of all who access our my way as well. I found that developing - sharpening my skills. Dentistry is clinic and we record temperature and a business strategy has really helped to all in the hands, so precision is key,” we provide sanitizers as instructed. We create some certainty and direction for concluded Setlhare. have also started being more active on me. The strategy has helped pave a way our Social Media platforms so that we forward for the business. I would advise are able to increase our coverage and other businesses to have directors Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 25

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY COVID-19 Solutions Botswana Innovation Fund Announces Covid 19 Innovative Solutions B otswana Innovation Hub process, five projects were selected to scan once they arrive at the service (BIH) has announced receive funding. provider. QFlo allows organisations recipients of the Botswana to better control the flow of clients to Innovation Fund (BIF) The solutions are; A remote queuing and at their premises. It also allows Third Call for Proposals. A total of system developed by Creative clients to manage their time and 395 applications were received in Insights (PTY) Ltd safeguards their health and safety. response to the BIF Call for Proposals The need for social distancing and Beyond COVID 19, QFlo will help for solutions addressing the COVID reduction of crowds, especially in high organisations manage their customer 19 pandemic and its associated socio- traffic areas, is imperative to curtail flow more efficiently, ultimately economic  effects.    Proposals were the spread of COVID 19. Creative improving customer experience. evaluated based on the proposed Insights are developing a QFlo App solutions’ unique value proposition, that enables end users to book a A First-Aid Counselling App social impact, commercial viability, spot in a queue virtually through being developed by First-Aid technical viability and the individuals’/ WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Counselling teams’ ability and capability to develop SMS. The end user receives a virtual and commercialise the solution. ticket confirming their spot in the One of the effects of the extreme social Following a rigorous assessment queue with a QRCode which they distancing protocols put in place in 26 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY response to the COVID 19 pandemic A Digital Social Welfare System their preferred doctor. Consultation is a rise in mental related issues. Our developed by Spectrum Analytics will be done by way of text or video call experience in Botswana has shown through the application. Online Doctor that there is a need for technologically The use of manual and paper-based Consultation will reduce congestion in advanced health and wellness solutions processes created an opportunity for medical facilities and allow for effective which can operate even during times digitizing data to improve turnaround social distancing. Beyond COVID 19, the when social isolation restrictions are in times in registering and delivering App will reduce the burden of travelling effect. First Aid Counselling is an App food relief packages to households to access a doctor. Doctors E-Consult that allows users to get professional through the COVID-19 Food Relief takes convenience and confidentially to mental health help within minutes. Programme. Spectrum Analytics is a whole new level as it is easily accessed Under normal circumstances, access developing a Social Welfare System that within the comfort of one’s home. to a counsellor or psychologist can take provides a dashboard with actionable up to 2 weeks. First Aid Counselling insights for not just monitoring and Commenting on the announcement, will enable one to receive help from evaluation purposing, but for planning, BIH Chief Executive Officer, Alan anywhere, anytime, by simply logging designing and delivering evidence- Boshwaen said, “We are pleased to have into the App. based interventions on programmes. received an increase in the number of Post COVID-19, a similar system can applications (395) compared to the be used for the management of relief First and Second Calls for proposals programmes by the Ministry of Local indicating a significant level of interest Government and Rural Development, and efforts to innovate by Batswana at regional and national level. particularly in the backdrop of the COVID 19 pandemic. Our journey of A Public Transport Passenger Digital Transformation necessarily Alert System developed by requires that Botswana move swiftly Corrugated Minds towards the digitisation of services for improved efficiencies. We are Solution: Public Transport encouraged to see that the funded Passenger Alert System digital solutions introduce efficiencies The use of public transport is across counselling, healthcare service considered high risk for COVID 19 provision, queue management, social transmissions. Corrugated Minds are work services through paperless developing ShareAride; a mobile and processes hence positioning us well for web application solution that makes it the 4th Industrial Revolution.” easy to access public transport, book a seat thereby eliminating long queues “...Our journey of at travel times. Commuters are able to Digital make virtual payments for their tickets. Transformation When fully operational, the solution necessarily requires will digitize the public transport that Botswana move system, hence enabling easy contact swiftly towards tracing of commuters. This solution will the digitisation enable the public transport operators to of services efficiently manage their operations and ”for improved provide best service to their clients. efficiencies. An online doctor consultation application developed by Doctors E-Consult Solution: Online Doctor Consultation Online Doctor Consultation is a mobile application, which will be a doctor- patient consulting room on a phone or device. The application will house doctors around the country and patients can book virtual appointments with Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 27

EDUCATION Money Laundering Schools Must Mitigate Money Laundering Risk Aschool is probably the An accountable institution is defined Once the AML/CFT risk assessment last place you would as “any legal entity registered or has been completed, and it should be consider being used as a incorporated under any law” and appreciated that it is a living document vehicle to launder illegal includes any associate, subsidiary, or any and must be reviewed regularly, money. However private schools and employee. Legal entities in Botswana an organisation can then set about universities, just like most businesses, captured by the definition include trusts implementing the other important can be used as instruments of financial and companies. A trust is required to be measures including: crime. Schools and universities caught registered with the Master of the High • AML/CFT policies, programmes, up in money laundering are usually Court pursuant to the Trust Property unwitting participants. The amount Control Act 2018, while a private procedures, and controls to of money laundered through a school company must be registered with the educate and guide staff on what the is not significant compared to other Companies and Intellectual Property organisation and they must do to techniques, but the volume can be Authority. If a school or university in comply with the law. The AML/CFT increased with the help of school Botswana operates as a trust or as a frameworks should be more than just administrators who receive a kickback private company or a combination of a a compliance exercise undertaken or “commission” from criminals trust with a company as the trustee, then by an educational institution. For a to move illegal money through the it is an accountable institution and must system to be effective, it is important school. making the funds returned to comply with the FIA and regulations. to build a culture within the them appear to have originated from a It is beyond this article to state all the organisation where managers and legitimate source. AML/CFT obligations a private school or employees of all levels understand Last year, private schools in the UK university as an accountable institution the threat posed to their country, were identified as being soft targets for must comply with, but a summary of the community and organisation by money laundering. While in the US, the core compliance obligations is briefly criminal activities and will therefore recent nationwide college admissions discussed here. do the right thing and go beyond the scandal involving many prominent When designing any anti-crime minimum required by law; people has highlighted the risk of an measure, the first step is to assess the • Development and maintenance education facility, in that case the criminal risk the institution is facing. The of an independent audit function University of Southern California, being assessment of criminal risk is important to examine and evaluate the caught up in financial crime. Parents not just for a school or university but for effectiveness of the educational have been charged with conspiracy to any business. Understanding all risks, institution’s AML/CFT programme; launder money for concealing bribes including criminal risk, are important • Designation of AML/CFT compliance and other payments. With a charity, and a sound business planning strategy. officers at the management level to fake consulting agreements and fake This is acknowledged in global AML/ ensure a high level of ownership and invoices being some of the methods CFT frameworks and legally enforced in commitment to preventing financial used to conceal funds as legitimate the FI Act. The risk assessment must be crime. The largest fines imposed payments. done first because all other AML/CFT on financial institutions for failing In most countries, for example the UK plans and mitigation strategies hang to comply with AML/CFT law have and Australia, schools are not regulated off it. Some organisations in Botswana, occurred because of incompetent, by anti-money laundering and counter- to expediate their obligation to comply poor commitment, or a failure of financing of terrorism frameworks. with the FI Act and regulations are leadership by senior management; In Botswana a private educational designing their AML/CFT strategy and • Establishment of procedures to institution such as a university or policies first. This approach is thwart ensure high standards of employee school, if it is an accountable institution, with problems that will occur later. It integrity and a system to evaluate the is captured by the Financial Intelligence could result in some risks, including personal, employment and financial Act (FIA) and regulations which is the high risks, being overlooked and history of potential employees. In anti-money laundering and counter- resources wasted on low risks which conjunction with the development financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) law either did not require the degree of of Botswana. mitigation deployed or could have been Continues in Page 30 eliminated completely. 28 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw AV I AT I O N Noble Magazine // May - June 2020 29

EDUCATION Money Laundering Continued from Page 28 broad. The relevance for educational people, approximately 52% of the institutions would be entities based working population, are employed by of AML/CFT policies, an educational offshore especially in tax havens and Government in Botswana (25% by institution should review and where parents who operate businesses that the central government, 22% by local necessary interconnect its anti- are known to be high risk for money government and 5% by parastatals). bribery and corruption policies laundering or predominantly deal Before an educational institution enters and procedures. Overlapping both in cash. An educational institution a business arrangement with a PIP, frameworks significantly strengthens when dealing with a company or approval must be obtained from a senior the capability of an organisation to trust, particularly offshore, which manager and reasonable measures prevent financial crime. As we know usually means receiving funds from undertaken to establish both the source from global experience, where an it in payment for fees, must identify of the persons wealth and source of their AML/CFT framework or any internal the natural person behind the legal funds. The PIP must then be subject to control measure has failed, like the entity. Failure to do so could mean enhanced ongoing monitoring during US college scandal, it has primarily that the institution could be dealing the relationship. been due to corrupt staff; with a sanctioned entity, a person Finally, private universities and schools of high risk or a foreign prominent must adhere to the mandatory record • Conduct due diligence on entities influential person (PIP). keeping and reporting obligations before they become customers and required by the FIA. Records must be continue with ongoing due diligence Private education kept for a period of 20 years and an throughout the life of the business providers are advised institution is required to report to the FIA relationship. The question often raised to not take the risk suspicious activity it has identified and by educational institutions is who is of being caught in all cash transactions of or above P10,000 the customer? For universities and money laundering or in equivalent foreign currency. schools that would mean the parents and implement Failure by a private educational or guardians of children. Unless the measures to institution to comply with any of the university is only dealing with a student eliminate or mitigate provisions of the FI Act could result in of adult age and has not entered a the probability of it the imposition of a serious penalty upon business relationship with another occurring. the organisation. Serious penalties also adult, being a parent or guardian of apply under the FI Act for any person who the student. But what about children The definition of a PIP in the FIA is is responsible for ensuring compliance attending primary and secondary extensive and includes any person who with the FI Act who negligently fails schools run by private organisations? is entrusted with a public function in to take any measure that is reasonably The FI Act requires specified parties Botswana or by a foreign country and necessary to ensure compliance. And and accountable institutions to includes close associates and immediate if any manager or employee is involved identify and verify the identity of any family members. To be a politically in an act of money laundering, and beneficial owner. And under the law, exposed person under international note that in Botswana the level of a beneficial owner includes a natural AML/CFT standards requires that a knowledge required to convict a person person, who directly or indirectly person hold a “significant” position is low compared to other crimes, then through any contract, arrangement, in government or in an international penalties involving a fine not exceeding understanding, relationship or is organisation, but that is not the case P20,000,000 or imprisonment for a otherwise is involved in a transaction in Botswana. The word significant is term not exceeding 20 years, or both conducted on his or her behalf. This missing from the definition. This means could be imposed on that person. would appear to include children. any person employed by the government Private education providers are advised Universities and private schools are in Botswana is a PIP regardless of to not take the risk of being caught therefore required to implement CDD the position they hold. It should be in money laundering and implement measures for parents and for children noted that it not only includes senior measures to eliminate or mitigate the attending or who apply to attend the executive officers of public bodies and probability of it occurring. institution; and political parties but also from a private Article written by Merero Partners, entity. It is therefore highly probable a boutique advisory firm based in • Conducting enhanced due that a private university or school will Botswana offering Corporate Finance, diligence in relation to customers, engage a customer, a parent, or a child, Management Consulting and Risk products, services, and jurisdictions who is a PIP. This is because a PIP is Advisory Services. Contact us via email deemed high risk because of the usually able to afford the fees charged [email protected] for more risk assessment or from advice by private educational institutions information on our AML/CFT training received from the Financial and because a very large number of and consultancy services in Botswana. Intelligence Agency or other foreign organisation. The list of what is a high-risk business, or a high-risk jurisdiction as defined in the FIA is 30 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

Gaborone University College of Law & Professional Studies Government www.nwowbwl.en.ocbole.b.cwo.bw AV I AT I O N Sponsorship is available SPONSORED PROGRAMMES: DEGREE: - Bachelor of Law (LLB) (Hons) - Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Purchasing & Supply Chain Management - Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship - Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy - Bachelor of Business Administration in Occupational Health & Safety - Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention - Bachelor of Technology in Construction Engineering - Bachelor of Arts in Public Health - Bachelor of Arts in Law & Public Administration - Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education (BED) (Hons) - Bachelor of Commerce in Travel & Tourism - Bachelor of Arts in Human Development & Family Studies DIPLOMA - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) - Diploma in Court Administration - Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Law - Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply - Diploma in Transport Planning & Management - Diploma in Water & Environmental Engineering SNeRoHaewtugsriLrAsiytmv!eairitleadble - Diploma in Motor Vehicle Engineering - Diploma in Electronics Main Campus Delta Campus BBS Campus Main Mall Campus Mmopane Campus Francistown Campus Lot 6398, Lejara Road Plot 1283/4, 1st Floor Plot 13142/3 Plot 169, Queens Road Lot 4738 Lot 13393/4/5 Lot 351 Broadhurst Industrial Along Old Lobatse Road Professional House Sreeram Home Mmopane Botswana Life Building St. Patrick Street Tel: (+267) 318 5596 Tel: (+267) 390 1531 Tel: (+267) 391 8420 Tel: (+267) 318 5660 Tel: (+267) 396 0520 Tel: (+267) 241 7295 Tel: (+267) 241 5405 Fax: (+267) 318 6018 Fax: (+267) 390 1535 Fax: (+267) 391 8421 Fax: (+267) 318 5661 Fax: (+267) 396 0519 Fax: (+267) 241 7294 Fax: (+267) 241 5402 Cell: (+267) 72469089 Cell: (+267) 75965611 Cell: (+267) 76177224 Cell: (+267) 76230414 Cell: (+267) 76667708 Cell: (+267) 74736605 Cell: (+267) 74001331 P.O. Box 201095 Gaborone, Botswana, www,guc.ac.bw, [email protected] 31Noble Magazine // July -FAougruGsto20d2&0 C3o1untry

AVIATION Domestic Flights Air Botswana Recommences The Airline extends its Scheduled Operations heartfelt gratitude to customers, staff and The Air Botswana Board, an opportunity to reunite its valued the public for their Management and Staff have customers with their loved ones, immense support and announced the re-introduction their businesses and nature,” said Air understanding during of the airline’s scheduled Botswana General Manager, Agnes these difficult times. domestic operations effective 17 July Khunwana. To add on, the airline 2020. This resumption is subject to She further stated that Air Botswana has further encourages health and safety protocols and the a commendable record of the highest the public to take new ways of working. The Airline safety and operational standards and advantage of the shall gradually increase frequency of as such, safety remains at the heart of efficient point-to-point operations on the basis of demand and the business. “After the great set-back air travel services, that reinstate regional operations as soon as we have suffered as an industry, we are are conducted under current travel restrictions are lifted. counting on our customers to support strict protocols and “This is an exciting development, one us through this difficult period in the regularly supervised by that we have been eagerly awaiting! history of aviation. We will incorporate capable entities, such We are looking forward to resuming all industry best practices and national as the Civil Aviation operations and embracing our new ways regulations in the fight against Authority of Botswana of working. As we gradually reintroduce COVID-19,” added Khunwana. (CAAB) and Port operations, we will continually explore The Airline extends its heartfelt Health officials. other possible recovery strategies that gratitude to customers, staff and the address the commercial viability and public for their immense support and protocols and regularly supervised business sustainability of the national understanding during these difficult by capable entities, such as the Civil airline, without compromising the times. To add on, the airline further Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) health and safety of both staff and encourages the public to take advantage and Port Health officials. customers. Following the suspension of of the efficient point-to-point air travel operations towards the end of March, services, that are conducted under strict In furtherance of the fight to contain Air Botswana has been waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Botswana has put in place contactless booking and ticketing mechanisms through its online booking and ticketing platform (https://www.airbotswana.co.bw/) and encourages patrons to take advantage of the same. 32 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw AV I AT I O N Ethiopian Announces com/aa/travel-updates. As countries Resumption of continue to open their borders and Regular Service relax travel restrictions, Ethiopian is ready to increase frequencies to accommodate the demand by focusing on the wellbeing of customers and staff. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s measures to 42. As countries continue “These resumptions largest airline is resuming to open-up their airports for passenger will bring the total service to Dubai further to arrival, Ethiopian will announce list of number of destinations the ending of the lock-down these destinations in due course. to be served by and its opening for leisure travelers Ethiopian with enhanced as of 8 July 2020. Djibouti has also The Airline also announced for its safety measures to 42. announced that it will end lock-down esteemed customers that Facemasks As countries continue to on 17 July 2020. As a result, Ethiopian will be mandatory for travel and open-up their airports will resume normal service to Djibouti are requested to satisfy destination for passenger arrival, on the same day. The airline is also entry requirements such as health Ethiopian will announce resuming service to Douala and certificates and fill health declaration ”list of these de.stinations Yaoundé as of 13 July 2020. These forms if required. Up to date in due course. resumptions will bring the total destination entry requirements can number of destinations to be served be found on its website using the by Ethiopian with enhanced safety link https://www.ethiopianairlines. Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 33

BANKING AVIATION Managing COVID-19 Impact MINING & ENERGYBack to the Skies 34 Noble Magazine // May - June 2020

www.noble.co.bw BANKING Noble Magazine // May - June 2020 35

MINING OLDM Launches Boteti Tokafala Capacity Development Supplier Development 36 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 Programme Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager Bakani Motlhabani, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Tokafala, has launched the first Mining Suppliers Development Programme on 6 July 2020. The programme is run through Tokafala- a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana, Debswana Diamond Company, De Beers Group and Anglo American. According to Motlhabani the objective of the Supplier Development Programme is to develop the capacity and the competitiveness of citizen companies to improve their access to markets and ensure sustainable enterprises. He said that the programme will focus on improving skills in the areas of sales, operations, financial, strategic business management and further include a six months Aftercare Support programme. Motlhabani further said that a total of 100 participants have been enrolled on the Mining Supplier Development Programme of which 47 are from Boteti and 53 from Jwaneng/Mabutsane area. He expressed his happiness that that the programme has particularly made efforts to enroll as many female owned businesses as possible, with 31% of the participants being women.“Debswana’s commitment to continue to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana and communities around the mines, noting that the company has a Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP), which is aimed at capacitating citizen companies to participate in Debswana’s Supply Chain,” reaffirmed Motlhabani. In her part, Tokafala Programme Director, Montle Phutego explained to the participants that her organisation will work with them to develop strong businesses with diversity of product and market, further noting that they would conduct a diagnostic assessment of their businesses in order to set new goals and direct their energies and resources to areas of high impact. She thanked the Debswana team for their support towards getting the programme to fruition.

www.noble.co.bw SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY From Man to Machine BIC engineers your cover with precision. BIC understands the stress Engineers are faced with in order to protect their projects, reputation and machinery. We offer comprehensive engineering solutions that will help you deliver successful projects without the stress. Contact our office @ +267 360 0516 / 71350886 Email: [email protected] or visit www.bic.co.bw for more information. Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 37

MAVINIAINTGION Boosting Cargo Services Financial Results SUPPLIERS OF DRILLING CONSUMABLES. DRILLING EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLES FOR ALL TYPES OF DRILLING WORKS FROM DOWN THE HOLE HAMMER TO DIAMOND CORING. Particular Products Supplied are: KPJ Drilling also provide: • Drilling Fluids and Muds • Re-conditioning of Drill Bits • Diamond Coring Equipment & Manufacturing of Augers • Drilling Equipment • Overburden Drilling Systems KPJ Drilling • Geological Equipment • Core Trays forYSouupr pLolicearl Unit G 1 Plot 22055 Gaborone West Industrial Gaborone, Botswana P O Box 10039, Gaborone Botswana +267 319 0837 +267 319 1822 +267 74 294 929 [email protected] kpjdrillingsupplies.ws 38 DNoble R I LMagazineL I N G// May - June E Q2020 U I P M E N T , M U D S A N D A C C E S S O R I E S

www.noble.co.bw MINING Tlou Energy Funds Building of Transmission Line In efforts to raise P24 million with transform the company from explorer “We are pleased to which to speed up generating to power producer looks to be coming announce a partially electricity, Tlou Energy has to fruition. “The company plans to launched a partially underwritten commence work on the transmission underwritten non-renounceable entitlement offer to line to connect the Lesedi Project to entitlement offer its shareholders. the electricity grid as soon as possible. of up to 75,030,031 “We are pleased to announce a partially The environmental and social impact new offer shares underwritten entitlement offer of up to assessment for the project line has been at a price of P0.32 75,030,031 new offer shares at a price completed as well as route alignment (the issue price) per of P0.32 (the issue price) per share,” and associated surveys. We now plan to share,”. “Eligible Gilby said in a statement recently. progress to the design and engineering shareholders may “Eligible shareholders may subscribe of the 66kV overhead line and 66kV subscribe for one for one fully paid ordinary share for line feeder,” said Gilby. fully paid ordinary each six fully paid ordinary shares,” According to Tlou Energy, the share for each six said Tlou Energy Managing Director, Company is in advanced discussions fully paid ordinary Tony Gilby. with development funding institutions A non-renounceable rights issue refers interested in providing debt and/or shares”. . to an offer issued by a corporation equity capital to fund the next stage of to shareholders to purchase more the Lesedi Project. This work includes Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 39 shares of the corporation (usually but is not limited to drilling of additional at a discount). According to Gilby, wells, installation of generation assets, funds raised from the sale of shares purchase of capital equipment, and and existing capital will be used to installation of associated infrastructure fund engineering and designing of to develop up to 10MW of power. a proposed 66kV transmission line Listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, to connect the Lesedi Project to the the Australian Securities Exchange and electricity grid. London’s AIM market, Tlou is focused “Grid connection is key to get the on delivering gas-to-power solutions power project up and running and to Botswana and Southern Africa to start revenue generation. Development alleviate some of the chronic power funding can provide a vital financial shortages in the region. The company platform to help rapidly expand Tlou’s is developing projects using coal bed generation capability. Successfully methane (CBM) natural gas. Botswana completing these two items could has a significant energy shortage and prove to be a significant value driver generally relies on imported power and for the company. We are extremely diesel generation to fulfill its electricity grateful for the ongoing support of the requirements. As 100 percent owner of company shown by its stakeholders the most advanced gas project in the and in particular to our long-term country, the Lesedi CBM Project, Tlou shareholders,” explained Gilby. Energy provides investors with access He further added that after many to a compelling opportunity, using years of hard work, the potential to domestic gas to produce power and displace expensive diesel and imported power.

Hospitality and Tourism

www.noble.co.bw HOSPITALITY Reviving Botswana’s Tourism Industry after COVID-19 Countries which depend on tourism as a major revenue source have been struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The sun sets over the Okavango Delta, Botswana, April 25, 2018. Mike Hutchings/Reuters The Botswana tourism far reaching within the tourism sector. imposing entry bans, especially for sector cannot avoid the This is worrisome considering that the citizens of or recent travellers to the threats posed by the sector is the second largest revenue most affected areas. According to a snap current coronavirus disease earner in the country. Dependence survey conducted by the Botswanan (COVID-19). Considering that tourism on the international market has made Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) relies on physical interaction between the sector vulnerable to the effects covering 382 SMMEs, the tourism people, it does not come as a surprise of the disease outbreak, as the main sector suffered a 72 percent revenue that the sector has borne the brunt countries from which tourists come loss in March 2020. Furthermore, of of the global pandemic. On May were among the most affected by the the 382 SMMEs surveyed, 209 had 2020, the  United Nations World global pandemic.  loans and the tourism sector accounted Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Of the 1.8 million tourist arrivals for 61 percent of the loan balance. This anticipated a 58 to 78 percent decline recorded in 2017 in Botswana, 84 paints a bleak future for the companies in tourist arrivals. UNWTO further percent were from Africa while the should they not prove resilient enough observed that Small, Medium and remaining 16 percent were from to bounce back from COVID-19.  Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will be countries such as the United States, Specifically, the industry has suffered a particularly impacted. The SMMEs Germany and the UK. However, loss of revenue and a failure to service make up around 80 percent of the revenues from overseas far outweigh bank loans, finance operational costs tourism sector globally. In southern those from the African continent due such as wages and rent payments, Africa, the sector has seen a dip in to the country’s high value/low impact and a loss of opportunities aimed website traffic and business on tourism strategy—with the goal of at community development. It is airlines, travel agents, hotels, and minimizing environmental impacts therefore evident that the underlying tourist destinations. and at the same time maximizing driver of these problems is loss of Botswana recorded its first three socio-economic benefits.  income by the travel and tourism confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March Due to the fact that travel and operators.  30, 2020. As of June 22, there have tourism go hand in hand, the sector The SMMEs are mostly hard hit been eighty nine confirmed cases. Even started feeling the pinch as soon as because their working capital is largely though the disease spread in Botswana international travel restrictions began is low compared to other countries, and countries around the globe started Continues in Page 42 the economic repercussions have been Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 41

TOURISM INDUSTRY COVID-19 Continued from Page 41 their agreements. This has dealt already high unemployment rate in a significant blow to tourism- the country, which, prior to COVID-19, financed through prepaid bookings. dependent communities in northern stood at 20.7 percent.  Consequently, as clients cancelled Botswana, especially in areas where As part of managing the crisis, the their bookings, they demanded refunds photographic safari has proven government also introduced a “do not which companies could not afford. unprofitable. Their livelihoods had cancel but postpone strategy,” where Furthermore, most tourism businesses already dwindled following the 2014 pre-booked clients were encouraged operate on bank loans which need to be hunting ban.    to postpone their trips instead of serviced monthly in addition to other As countries begin to open their cancelling them altogether. In order expenses such as staff salaries and other economies, there is a delicate to provide stimulus and accelerate bills. Therefore, loss of revenue resulted balance between saving lives and recovery, the government introduced a in some operators not being able to rebooting the economy. The UNWTO loan guarantee scheme for 24 months, honor their contractual obligations perceives tourism as a key sector that up to a maximum of BWP 25 million toward their financiers. Some travel will support livelihoods and create ($2 million) per business. Post- and tourism SMMEs operate from opportunities for millions of people COVID-19 plans include an economic rented facilities and lack of income around the globe in the post-COVID-19 stimulus package to boost the economy has resulted in some being unable to world, and is in line with the UN’s from which the tourism sector will also pay their rent. Some companies have global sustainability agenda. Not only benefit.  had to release their staff due to lack of is COVID-19 a health challenge, it is Despite these efforts, estimates show business. While some sectors may easily also  a social and economic emergency.  that some subsectors of the tourism convert to working from home, this Therefore, there is a need for sector may take a year or more to is not plausible in the tourism sector tourism-dependent countries to put recover. There are some lessons to be because of the nature of the business in place mitigation measures to curb learned as the industry prepares for the which requires physical interaction the socioeconomic impacts of the future. These include the importance with clients.  pandemic. The UNWTO encourages of insurance that covers business Botswana’s Community Based Natural countries to prepare to recover from interruptions caused by public health Resources Management (CBNRM) the effects of the pandemic by focusing crises. Clearly, a dialogue is needed program brings together community on the following areas: managing the between the tourism industry and stakeholders to establish sustainable crisis and mitigating the pandemic’s the insurance sector which currently economic development, which takes impact; providing stimulus and concentrates on insurance that only into account biodiversity conservation. accelerating recovery; and preparing covers physical damage caused by The 2014 hunting ban resulted in a loss for the future. The government disasters, such as floods and fires, and of income for communities involved in of Botswana has already laid the not the effects of pandemics.      CBNRM.  groundwork along these mitigation In conclusion, it has become apparent In 2019, however, the government areas.  that not only is it necessary to made a research-based and informed Botswanan leaders have introduced put in place mechanisms that will decision to lift the hunting ban, some economic and fiscal relief enable tourism SMMES to bounce creating new opportunities for initiatives in response to COVID-19. back from the effects of COVID-19, community development. Safari The tourism sector is eligible to a transformational agenda with hunting forms part of tourism and benefit from this assistance as part implementation timelines is also communities had already made of managing the crisis and mitigating necessary to protect  the industry agreements with international safari its impact. Among other things, the against future pandemics. This hunting operators to take advantage initiatives aim to support workers includes investing in domestic tourism of this year’s hunting quota. However, and stabilize businesses. Immediate which has, up to now, not received this supposed boon to tourism has measures include the establishment the attention it deserves due to the failed to materialize given global of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The exclusive nature of the “High Value- travel bans. In an April 27 press funds will provide wage subsidies for Low Impact” tourism policy adopted statement, the CEO of the Botswana companies that have been affected in Botswana. These changes will come Tourism Organisation noted that by the pandemic. The wage subsidy with diversification of the tourism hunting may only take place toward covers 50 percent of the basic salary product away from wildlife-based the end of the year, or even next year.  of employees between BWP 1,000 tourism to include other products that Only then will Community Trusts, and BWP 2,500 ($84 and $208 will be more appealing and affordable which manage community-based respectively) per month from April to the domestic market.  resources and tourism services, to June. The goal is to retain as many and their clients be able to honor jobs  as possible considering the By Wame L. Hambira 42 Noble Magazine // July - August 2020

www.noble.co.bw H O S P I TA L I T Y Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 43

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY African Travellers Travel Spend Research conducted by the Sabre Corporation has revealed that spend among African travellers could increase by 27% over the next year if they were able to move more freely within the continent, and if travel pain-points were addressed. More than 5,000 people across Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa were asked whether they had travelled by plane in the past 24 months, to which 26% said they had a 2% increase on Sabre’s similar 2016 study. However, those that did travel cited that various barriers were preventing them from travelling more often. The majority said that air travel was too expensive, but many also cited difficulties in obtaining visas and booking flights; delays, queues at the airport, and overall stressful travel experience, as some of the reasons they don’t travel more. 44 Noble Magazine // January - February 2020

www.noble.co.bw TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY Bouncing back versatile, mouthwatering menus at an to Business – affordable price. Staywell Hotels According to Nthobatsang, there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of recovery Like most businesses in the using their facilities more. Nthobatsang of the hospitality and tourism sector, Botswana tourism and also suggested that there should be with strict travel and crowd control hospitality sector, Staywell reduction or freezing of the bed levy restrictions the sector is left in limbo on Hotels has been hard hit due and using the bed levy for wage relief how to proceed. The limitation of social to COVID-19 pandemic. As Botswana or subsidy in the hospitality sector. To distancing as well as limited number went under lockdown, the hotel had to add on, there should be presence of of people attending conferences and also stop usual operation but opted to the Minister of Environment, Natural events puts a strain on the sector, as less offer quarantine site to stay afloat. Now Resources, Conservation and Tourism numbers mean less business. that the hotel is back in business, it has as well as relevant personnel in updating “The propensity of people to book a room to ensure that all health regulations and the sector so as better understand the for leisure has decreased, as I believe protocols are in place. Staywell Hotels challenges at hand. people would now prefer to be at home has over the years expanded from a six Since the world has been disrupted by to flatten the curve. The escalating prices bedroomed guest house to a fully serviced COVID-19, Staywell Hotels financial of electricity is also eating away our profit Hotel with 30 rooms and 120 seating performance was not spared from the margins, and for us to accommodate conference facility. The hotel is graded 3 crisis. “There is a saying that ‘Cash Is guest we can’t only heat water for that star by Botswana Tourism Organisation. King’, we found ourselves having cash one guest or keep their lights on alone. Staywell Hotels Operations Director, tied up in our debtors’ book and not So, it actually costs more to serve people Lesedi Nthobatsang said, “In our being able to discharge our obligations when our occupancies are low. This hotel, we ensure that surfaces are to creditors, and our work force as well. pandemic has changed a lot for us both as sanitized after every two hours and The wage subsidy really came in handy a business and on our employees as well, we have installed two wash basins at because we were able to top up what we so we are sensitive to how employees will each entrance for patrons to wash their had so that we can be able to pay salaries. discharge their duties under emotional hands. Further to that, we offer our Going forward there is a lot of uncertainty stress caused by this mishap, therefore patrons sanitizer from time to time, around whether the business will perform we are talking to different counselors request that masks be worn all the time as before, occupancy wise, so it’s a game so that we can afford our employees an and ensure that social distancing is of wait and see,” explained Nthobatsang. opportunity to release any tension and always adhered to.” Despite the challenges, Staywell Hotels help them cope with the disruptions,” Nthobatsang further explained that they has innovatively introduced food explained Nthobatsang. offer more personalised service with a deliveries from its restaurant. Even Transitioning Staywell Hotels towards lot of care to minimise any possibilities though it is a competitive space right now, success in the ‘new normal’ is a challenge of spread of the virus. In addition, the the hotel’s uptake is really promising. as well but it will happen through the hotel gives clients assurance that good Therefore, the hotel is working on having introduction of the Digital software practice hygienic measures are put which will be used on all booking in place. “We had some of our clients systems so that customers can check inspect our facilities to have assurance in and out at the comfort of their that they can continue to do business cellphones. Payments will be done online with us. In these times it calls for us and ordering of food and drinks from to be transparent for our client’s peace the restaurant will also be done through of mind, and we offer them just that,” the application. This will reduce the added Nthobatsang. movement to service areas as customers During these challenging times, Staywell will be given personalised service and be Hotels suggests that government can assured safety at the same time. help the hospitality sector by supporting In conclusion, Nthobatsang said, “We local non- franchise enterprises through will continue to support Government and the public by offering affordable accommodation and conference rates as well as making sure the Hotel is Covid-19 compliant by observing all health protocols and giving correct information to guests checking in and out of the Hotel. We will on a day- to- day basis offer counselling to our staff so that they ease into the new normal.” Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 45

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