This comes in the midst of reports of widespread disgruntlement among BTC management and general staff surfacing. BTC sources say the sense of trepidation is reportedly exacerbated by the continued absence of Lippe, who was the author of the turnaround strategy BTC is currently implementing, and impending privatisation of the parastatal. When Lippe was suspended four weeks ago, employees were told that the investigations would be wrapped up within a short time and that there would be no disruption in the functioning and operations of BTC. Chairman Leonard Makwinja told Business Week on Wednesday that it had not been possible to conclude investigations in as quickly as initially intended because the issue being investigated was of a serious nature and Deloitte needed as much time as it would take to do a proper job. "Initially we expected the report two weeks ago but that did not happen," Makwinja said. "We now expect to have the report by Friday (today)." Deloitte officials also confirmed on Wednesday that they were putting final touches to the report and would be handing over their report on Thursday or Friday at the latest.
Regarding employee morale, Makwinja confirmed rumblings of labour uneasiness at BTC and said he would meet with the union on Monday. "I met with the acting CEO Keabetswe Segole," he said. "I am going to meet with the workers' union on Monday to find out what is happening."
