22 Jan 2019

Small entrepreneurs contribute to Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) profit returns, hence the need to empower them to grow their businesses.

Speaking during BTC first hawkers challenge trailer giveaway,  BTC Foundation deputy chairperson, Dr Baagi Mmereki, said the corporation was mandated to play a corporate social responsibility and had a foundation to channel its projects.

He further stated that this initiative served as an empowerment programme for the corporation to give back to Batswana, adding that small business owners were central to BTC sales emphasising the need to motivate them in order to grow the corporation.

“BTC Foundation is mandated to drive the corporate social responsibility through community projects and these projects differ and empower various sectors of society,” said Dr Mmereki.

In order to qualify for the competition, the hawkers were asked to sell airtime and improve by 30 per cent monthly, the prize included the mobile kitchen shop worth P25 000 and P5 000 ‘nthope’ airtime.

The ultimate winner, Ms Amogelang Daniel, appreciated BTC for the gesture saying it would positively impact her business and upgrade her life.

She said since she was not in the catering industry, she planned to hire the trailer.

“I started selling airtime ever since its arrival in the market and I always had good returns. Selling airtime did wonders in my life as I could save up to P2 000 monthly and would like to encourage others who did not win to remain focused and dedicated and invest more in selling airtime” said Ms Daniel.

When giving a vote of thanks,  Thamaga West councillor, Mr Pabalelo Motaosane, commended BTC saying it was a good thing to give back to the community.

Mr Motaosane further said telecommunication technology was vital in the society as brought the world closer hence assisting in driving the developments.

He also urged community members to invest and buy BTC shares. ENDS