31 Jul 2013

Botswana welcomes any contributions to employment creation no matter how insignificant they may appear, trade and industry minister, Ms Dorcas Makgatho-Malesu has said.

Officiating at the opening of the Business Machine Services’ (BMS) commercial hub on July 30, Ms Makgatho-Malesu said opening of the one-stop shop, the fourth BMS retail outlet in Gaborone, had increased BMS staff complement to 106.

Ms Makgato-Malesu said as the minister entrusted with both creation of wealth and employment in Botswana, she was delighted to see more and more companies setting up in the country.

“What excites me is the fact that when companies set up or expand their operations in Botswana, we are certain that employment opportunities would be created,” she said. Business development, Ms Makgato-Malesu said, required “an unwavering belief in the business, an ability to see the bigger picture and an intense focus on delivering and persistence. This is all evident through the successful expansion of BMS since its inception.”

She also noted that BMS was a 100 per cent citizen owned company and had been operating for 43 years in Botswana, somthing which she said was a clear demonstration of a long-term commitment to investing in the country.

"Hundreds of people have participated and benefited as employees of BMS, creating much needed employment and thereby improving the living standards of Batswana. I am also pleased to note that BMS continues to invest in our people, sport and the youth of Botswana from a corporate social investment perspective,” she added.

Through the provision of superior quality home, school and office supplies, business centres, high-end digital printing facilities and now a photographic department, trade and Industry minister said BMS had reached a level where it was poised for substantial expansion and growth.

Ms Makgato-Malesu said BMS would not have grown without hard work and commitment of people who have invested their capital in it and worked to ensure its success.

In his welcome remarks BMS Group chairman, Mr Desmond Cloete said the premises were secured more than a year ago.

However, Mr Cloete said he experienced some delays in terms of building and electricity connection, adding that they only connected electricity three weeks ago.

He also commended his staff saying it is really fantastic “as there has been a tremendous amount of work done by everybody.

Nobody said they were ill, nobody said they could not work over the weekend or late or whatever.”  Ends