02 Sep 2018

Botswana Consumer Fair has come a long way and over the past 10 years it has opened up to the inclusion of people in the small to medium business enterprises.

Speaking at the 2018 Botswana Consumer Fair prize giving ceremony in Gaborone, Liberty Life Botswana managing director, Ms Lulu Rasebotsa said this not only adds to the socio-economic development of the country, but also to the idea that people within all business sectors get the opportunity to present their God-given talents and enterprises that have meaningful contributions to people in the region, who throng the event every year.

She noted that the theme for this year’s event; It is More Than Just Shopping, speaks to more than just the experiential aspect of this offering.

“It speaks to opportunities harnessed, it speaks to diversity, innovation, creativity, longevity and inspiration as well as ambition,” said Ms Rasebotsa.

She noted that the ‘Botswana Consumer Fair had reached heights that were amazing and inspirational.’

Ms Rasebotsa said opening the fair out to local and foreign people enhanced the competitiveness of the market and stimulated interactions that contributed positively to the trade landscape.

“I applaud Fairground Holdings on that, as it creates a lot of space for diversity. Embracing diversity in our country can only take us to higher heights. It also creates an atmosphere conducive for sectors involved to thrive,” she said.

She said innovation and creativity were words often used across many sectors, which seem to define the world ‘we live in today’.

Everything that is anything must demonstrate those two words, said Ms Rasebotsa.

She explained that the challenge was posed to everyone who created, exhibited and basically everyone ‘who exists to add value to what they did and the people they wish to capture.’

This is how we bring to life the theme; It is More Than Just Shopping,” said Ms Rasebotsa.

Speaking on her line of work, Ms Rasebotsa said Liberty Life Botswana strived to make financial freedom possible through relevant and innovative products that assist one to create a lasting legacy for their loved ones.

She said they were alive to value adding platforms that drove economic diversification as it exposed citizens to global landscapes and innovations that could assist to fill voids in the status quo.

“Liberty is not just our name, it is what we do. Fairground Holdings and Liberty Life Botswana have many aspects of our businesses that are aligned and exist in an ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to our country,” she said.

On participants, Ms Rasebotsa emphasised the importance of celebrating other people’s success.

She however advised those who did not receive awards not to think that their efforts were not appreciated.

“In my view, anyone who is brave enough to compete and showcase has already won,” she said.

For his part, chief judge Mr Bigisani Bamu said some of the categories they used to judge included appearance of the stall, level of cleanliness, relevance and quality of the products/goods being displayed, presentation of the people manning the stalls, salesmanship and administration.

He said the Botswana Consumer Fair was an all-inclusive fair with the objective of creating an interactive forum for local and international exhibitors as well as visitors.

The fair offers great opportunities that promote and diversify the economy through creation of live platforms for various sectors, thereby promoting direct trade.

Mr Bamu said they judged over 30 different categories and 171 exhibitors. ENDS