12 Jan 2016

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo, has encouraged Batswana to buy Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) shares.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Thamaga , the minister said the sale of BTCL shares showed government desire to empower citizens. He said only citizens and citizens owned companies were allowed to buy shares.

“It is very crucial that you buy these shares from BTCL,” added Minister Mabeo.   Mr Mabeo said the exercise was a good investment.

“After buying the shares, you must also utilise their services so that the company grows, “he said.  

In addition, the minister said sale of shares would afford Batswana to diversify their investment portfolios.

The BTCL chief executive officer, Mr Paul Taylor, said the sale of the company shares was part of government’s privatisation drive.   He said Batswana could make an application to purchase BTCL shares, adding that buying of shares would close March 4 at 5pm.

Mr Taylor said information about the sale of the shares was contained in the prospectors that could be found at BTCL offices, Barclays bank, some Botswana Post Offices and Choppies stores.

“This is a major government opportunity for locals, and I will urge you to buy shares. BTCL IPO is here, it belongs to us all, ke ya rona rotlhe,” added Mr Taylor.

 He said the shares were priced at P1 each and a person was allowed a minimum of 1000 shares without a maximum limit.

 However, he said only 49 per cent of BTCL shares would be available for sale and five per cent of the amount was reserved for BTCL staff.

 On other issues, Mr Mabeo, who is also the area MP, told the constitutes that Thamaga-Kubung road will be tarred under the Economic Stimulus Programme.

He also said Thamaga Primary Hospital would benefit from the programme and NDP 11 through the construction of accident and emergency ward, male and female wards and administration blocks. He also said  government had decided through ESP to upgrade Gaborone -Sengapaile road into a dual carriage road.

Other roads which stand to benefit and are closer to Thamaga according to the minister include Gaborone-Lobatse road as well as Molepolole-Gaborone road.  Ends