21 Jul 2015

It is important to address productivity issues in order to achieve poverty eradication and employment creation.

Giving a keynote address at a welcome and farewell reception for Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC) board members recently, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele, said government was committed to persuing poverty eradication and employment creation.

He stated that for such to be attained, productivity should be promoted and encouraged.

On one hand, Mr Makgalemele decried the declining competitiveness, which he attributed to inadequately skilled workforce, among others.

Nevertheless, he said government, in partnership with BNPC, was embarking on strategies, among them, the 10-point agenda, to change employees’ mindset for better service delivery.

Mr Makgalemele further implored the private sector to regard BNPC as their partners in efforts to raising productivity levels at the workplace, saying that would assist in raising the country’s economic level and performance as well.

He also encouraged incoming board members to strengthen the strategic plan for Botswana to be transformed into a competitive economy and urged them to make BNPC visible and attractive to its customers.

Again, he encouraged them not take it for granted that everybody knew the role that the BNPC played in the society, adding the centre would only perform well if board members were informed.

In his welcome remarks, the board vice chairman, Mr Norman Moleele said he was optimistic that the new members would bring in new ideas that would help to drum up productivity levels and strengthen the economy.

On behalf of outgoing members, Mr Omphile Sehurutshe thanked government for having chosen them to meaningfully contribute their expertise at the productivity hub, which he described as a promising journey.

Mr Sehurutshe further said new members would find the house in order because they had always placed BNPC’s priorities first.

He also concurred that BNPC should be at the forefront of championing productivity initiatives to increase economic growth as well as job creation. New board members include Dr Theophilus Mooko (chairman), Mr Thusang Butale, Mr Molefi Keaja and Ms Pearl Matome.

Outgoing members are Mr Carter Morupisi, Mrs Ruth Maphorisa, Mr Sehurutshe, Mr Boipolelo Khumomatlhare and Mr Ikwatlhaeng Bagopi.

Mr Moleele, Mr Theko Fako, Ms Lucy Machiba, Mrs Maipelo Motshwane, Ms Nnosang Mhutsiwa, Mr Obonye Galebotswe, Mrs Keganele Malikongwa and Ms Jennifer Dube would continue serving in the BNPC board. Ends