22 Nov 2016

The business community in Molepolole is feeling the pinch after experiencing the ripple effects of introduction of empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

The effects of the 2008 global recession that affected economies of many countries resulted in slow economic growth in many nations.  

Therefore Botswana was no exception becoming one of the many countries that were hard hit by the economic meltdown.

In an effort to deal with the negative impact, government came up with different ways to cushion its citizens as high levels of unemployment were on the rise.  

One of the initiatives that government put into place was to come up with measures, some temporary,  such as the introduction of social programmes such as Ipelegeng, poverty eradication programmes, and various programmes for youth.  

Most of these social programmes sought to help marginalised groups like, youth, women and people living with disability.

As a result, policies were enacted to also include these groups in getting business from government institutions.  

For example, many departments were advised to consider these marginalised groups when procuring for government.

These however, meant that government procurement was conducted in a manner that everybody had to share the slice of the pie with others.

In a Local Level Consultative Committee meeting held on Friday in Molepolole, the business community expressed concern that these empowerment programmes have however sidelined established businesses and as a result most of these businesses were no longer getting jobs from government departments at the expense of newly formed companies of which most of them are youth based companies and other marginalised groups.

The business community also mentioned that the impact felt by their businesses was so huge that they are unable to survive given that they have employed a good number of people in their businesses.  

They also cited that, on the other hand, their businesses have been helping government to scale down high levels of unemployment.  They further stated that their businesses also pay taxes to government adding that tax is the second revenue earner for government therefore that should be taken into consideration.

Chairperson of the business community, Ms Priscilla Sibisibi highlighted that there has been unfair implementation of these programmes hence existing businesses feel that they have been left out.  

Nonetheless, she has suggested that business opportunities should be shared or distributed fairly.

She further emphasised that the role of established business should not go unnoticed because they also contribute significantly in the community by way of corporate social responsibility.

On other issues, the business community has furthermore expressed concern on the level of illegal trading taking place in Molepolole.  

They have cited that there are many businesses that have sprout out that are not licensed and most of them operate in residential areas and along the roads,  this they said has made Molepolole look so untidy.

For instance, they alluded to catering licenses which they said have been issued out in huge volumes.  

Responding to their concerns, chairperson of the LLCC, the district commissioner Dr Themba Mmusi acknowledged the concerns of the business community and commended them for their interest in wanting to make the village governable and in turn make it a destination of choice.

He further stated that the matter will be elevated to a higher structure for further deliberation.

Poverty Eradication coordinator for Kweneng Mr Gaotlhobogwe Kwelagobe has however told the business community that established businesses have an advantage of getting business from government given some of their resources they have such as conference rooms and that they can make use of bidding in open tenders.

However, some of the members of the LLCC suggested that perhaps if they could consider awarding quotas for certain jobs could help all parties who are in business. BOPA