23 May 2021

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela  on Friday undertook a familiarisation tour of Bokomo Factory in Gaborone to appreciate its operations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic times.

Bokomo CEO, Mr Werner De Beer briefed the minister on the latest developments at the enterprise including measures to cushion both employees and the factory from the debilitating effects of COVID-19.

Mr De Beer said even though it had been difficult economically for businesses globally, Bokomo had continued in its quest to honour its mandate by upgrading its mills in terms of capacity, added to their packing capability as well constructing a new warehouse that would allow them to grow their product range for the present and future generations.

“We also promise to continue to make use of local transporters and through the Miller’s Association we will carry on to support local farmers by procuring what they produce,” he said.

Mr De Beer also stated that if the government continued to allow Bokomo to manufacture and trade in the country, it in turn, had a responsibility to remain affiliated to national objectives; establishment of a sustainable business for employment creation for Batswana, support local industries and to align itself with all the laws and statutes of government.  

In response, the minister appreciated the processes put in place by Bokomo management to retain employees.

He expressed delight that 430 locals had been employed by Bokomo to date.

Moreover, Mr Kgafela said as government, they would also ensure that proper laws and measures would continue to be put in place to promote fair trading by companies in the country.

During the tour, Mr Kgafela said he had noticed that a lot of technology was incorporated in the manufacturing and packaging process of the machines used in the factory, and appreciated that local employees were being taught to use the technologically advanced machinery. 

“Skills transfer is paramount in every organisation as it is vital for employers to equip their staff members with various skills, so that they too, in the future, are well equipped to open their own establishments,” he said. Ends