10 Dec 2015

The chief executive officer of the Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA), Mr Kgotla Ramaphane, has conceded that privatisation has been delayed.

He said they had to lay the foundation before the implementation process, which entailed formulating policies that had a bearing on privatisation.  He was responding to comments from some councillors who complained about the slow pace of privatisation.

Mr Ramaphane pointed out that privatisation had many steps that required approval at various levels of implementation involving many stakeholders with diverse priorities and expectations.

Cllr Ngatumbwe Kazombungo of Nokaneng/Habu had said earlier that the slowness of the privatisation process indicated that the drivers might have overlooked some important factors. He observed that some stakeholders still lack knowledge and information about privatisation.

Cllr Kebareeditse Ntsogotlho of Khwai/Mababe advised that privatisation would benefit the country if it was implemented in a transparent manner.

In response, Mr Ramaphane explained that one of the principles that the government has adopted as part of the privatisation policy was that it should be implemented in a way that benefits all and not just a privileged few.

He said they had to ensure that there were regulatory frameworks in place and regulatory authorities to ensure that the interest of the public was well taken care of.

He assured councillors that privatisation would be implemented in a transparent and equitable manner.

The chief executive officer also explained that privatisation resonates with all measures and policies aimed at strengthening the role of the private sector in the economy. 

He added that their aim was to improve economic efficiency and provide opportunities for the private sector.

Mr Ramaphane informed the house that the government has taken a decision to privatise Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and the National Development Bank (NDB). 

He announced that the government would be selling 49 per cent of its shares to the public through the Initial Public Offer (IPO).

He further informed councillors of PEEPA’s major achievements such as the completion of the Public Enterprise Rationalism Strategy.

The strategy has resulted in the government deciding on merging and relocating certain parastatals citing the merger of the Botswana Technology Centre and RIIPCO which birthed the Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation (BITRI).  Ends