19 Jan 2026

With back to school being one of the most financially straining events that hit parents heaviest, First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) and PEP Stores signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help 10 000 families access affordable quality school shoes at 99thebe.
Speaking at a press briefing, FNBB foundation manager, Ms Atang Mbikiwa said through the initiative 10 000 children would get to walk into classrooms with dignity and comfort.
She explained that parents who would benefit from the initiative were FNBB clients in possession of the bank’s smart card and would purchase school supplies from any PEP store in the country at a minimum of P300.
“Only then will they qualify to buy a pair of selected shoes at 99 thebe,” she said adding that if the 99 thebe pair of shoes did not appeal to them, the bank would give them a discount of P139 for any pair of shoes that they were looking to buy from PEP store.
Ms Mbikiwa expressed gratitude to PEP Stores for recognising the importance of giving back to the community, especially for the welfare of children.
For his part, PEP Stores general manager, Mr Kago Regoeng said that the initiative underscored the store’s commitment to the future of Botswana.
He also highlighted that education was the foundation of every society, which no child should ever miss on account of lack of basic necessities.
He described the initiative as more than just a transaction but about providing dignity to deserving children. He also expressed gratitude to FNBB for the partnership which he described as a testament of PEP stores enduring legacy of being one the most leading school shops.
“This campaign is an investment in Botswana’s future. We believe that by working together, retail, banking, and the community, we can clear the path for every child to walk into their classroom confident and ready to learn,” said Mr Regoeng. ENDS