Botswana’s private sector organisation which is functioning as a Chamber of Commerce, Business Botswana, has resolved to stop treating government as a partner and start treating it as an adversary. “Our current status of being partners, instead of adversaries, has not gained us any respect. In fact we have become but an approving rubber-stamp for any government policy”, states a report from the organisation.
A COVID-19 survey report compiled by Business Botswana has revealed that its members are demanding that the organisation should be firm and hold Government accountable to commitments it made during the pandemic.
The survey conducted in November last year andwhich was published last month found that frustrations in the private sector which have been building up behind the scenes boiled over during the survey as members berated Business Botswana for not doing enough to hold government accountable.
Flagging itself for treating government with kids gloves over the years, Business Botswana concedes that, “Our current status of being partners, instead of adversaries, has not gained us any respect. In fact we have become but an approving rubber-stamp for any government policy.”
Business Botswana also said it had resolved to hold “government accountable to its commitment, ensuring fair business and citizen empowerment policy…”
“Government must insure its properties instead of forcing through legislation to make the private sector responsible for its loss,” Business Botswana survey says.
On the citizen empowerment policy, the survey says, “BB (Business Botswana) should impress upon Government that BB members must be consulted prior to enacting legislation that directly affects their business activities.”
Calling for fair business trading during the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey further states that “alcohol trading for liquor wholesalers and distributors should be allowedd six days a week and retail trading days and hours should be increased to make the business economical.”
The survey also called for pressure on government to complete outstanding payments to its members as well as ensure that government engages effectively.
Turning its onslaught on the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), Business Botswana accused the tax treasury of unfair treatment.
“We were not eligible for wage subsidies due to BURS registration issues which were beyond our control. BURS is posing challenges,” the survey says. Overall, the survey says, advocacy is seen as a “the key area that Business Botswana can provide its members, followed by advisory and financial support and access to capacity building.”
The survey also touched on reviews which include a call to end corruption (fight corruption in business allocation), tax relief measures (tax reduction and relief), better facilitation of expatriates into the country, (easier to get work and residence permits for qualified staff) and promotion of industrialization to create jobs and boost the economy.
The organisation says there was a strong need to improve the quality of graduates churned by local tertiary institutions and to provide training for entrepreneurs. Business Botswana further said there was need to raise “the Botho University qualifying standards and quality of training.”
On the impact of the pandemic on business, the survey found that all businesses were affected but larger businesses have the least impact on operations. According to the survey, staff reduction has been particularly contentious as a cost cutting strategy and aaffects construction, professional services and other services the most. There is uncertainty in the wholesale and retail sector as well as in manufacturing and ICT.
“Services, construction, ICT, tourism, professional services, wholesale and retail, mining and quarry and engineering services report the highest levels of impact on revenue during this time (over 50 decrease),” the survey says.
