AT&T Monnakgotla loses P5m to staff theft
Katlego Rantsho | Monday June 30, 2025 06:00
This was one of the challenges raised by the AT&T Monnakgotla director, Abel Tshepo Monnakgotla during a press conference held this week at the company’s headquarters. He noted that internal theft remains a pressing issue impacting the company's growth and trust.
Over the past 25 years, pilferage and theft have been the company’s biggest struggle. Monnakgotla revealed that the group lost millions of Pula, largely due to internal theft by staff as well as third-party theft. Despite these setbacks, he said the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the nation’s transport needs with love. He noted that the company also had to deal with several serious accidents, and some were fatal. Monnakgotla further disclosed that in 2001, 2009, and 2018, they lost a total of three lives in separate incidents. Additionally, he noted that the company suffered the loss of two minibuses and two full-sized buses in accidents that happened between 2001 to 2022, highlighting the risks that never end in the transport industry. He said another pressing concern has been the rise of pirate operations that undermine their legitimate routes, which leads to a loss of customers. Further complicating their growth is government policy, which, according to Monnakgotla, the government introduces new operators into the market and hinders the expansion of established companies like AT&T Monnakgotla. 'The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic also took its toll. Travel patterns were drastically reduced, impacting bus routes, air ticketing, and international holiday packages we offered as a company. On top of all these challenges, the company has had to deal with rising operational costs, including increased prices for vehicle parts and fuel, which have put further pressure on the business,' Monnakgotla continued.
Despite these difficulties, he pointed out that AT&T Monnakgotla remains in good health and is hopeful about the future. “Our story is one of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. We are proud to have served the nation with distinction and look forward to a more prosperous 25 years and beyond. The company aims to maintain its good position in the market, relying on the continued support of stakeholders to drive future growth,” Monnakgotla said confidently. The successes achieved since the year 2000 are impressive. What began as a single company has grown into a group of seven companies. The group now employs 180 staff members, 95% of whom are Batswana, with only a few expatriates from Zimbabwe and one from India. Their fleet boasts 97 vehicles, including 58 buses, minibuses, and combis, along with 39 sedans and 4×4s. They have developed a fully-fledged service centre and workshop in Tlokweng and plan further expansion in towns such as Jwaneng, Francistown, Ramotswa, Tsabong, and Hukuntsi.
The head office is located in the heart of Gaborone’s Main Mall, with satellite offices at all international airports across Botswana and even an international office in Johannesburg’s Park Station. Monnakgotla highlighted that looking ahead, sustainability remains a key focus. He said the company plans to continuously scan the market to address current and future challenges. Providing good customer service and satisfaction is the key focus and driving force behind the plan. He said they aim to tailor products to customer needs, offering affordable and sustainable pricing on buses, cars, and holiday packages. Monnakgotla added that staff development and talent management are very important to their vision, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce. He further stated that the group is also diversifying into other areas, such as real estate, and seeking a balance between depreciating assets like vehicles and appreciating assets such as property. 'This diversification aims to enhance long-term financial sustainability. We are also planning for business continuity by embracing risk management measures, including insurance and data protection through cloud computing and cybersecurity,” he explained.
Monnakgotla added that corporate social responsibility has served as a very important principle in the company. He said they have built strong partnerships with the sports community, sponsoring key local teams such as The Mares and The Zebras Supporters Club. The group was the official transporter for premier football teams, including Extension Gunners, Gaborone United, and Township Rollers. Their sponsorship extends to football tournaments back to 2005, including events in Hukuntsi, Thamaga, and Mogoditshane. Monnakgotla also revealed that AT&T Monnakgotla’s community engagement also includes support for the Jwaneng Bushwalk, mining client activities, and donations to schools and churches, demonstrating a commitment to uplifting the communities they serve.
The future of transport, according to Monnakgotla, is bright and full of innovation. He said the company plans to introduce self-booking tools via mobile applications to streamline customer bookings and payments. Accessibility is also a priority, with plans to customise transport seating to accommodate differently-abled passengers more comfortably. The company intends to transition towards hybrid vehicles by moving away from fossil fuels and embracing eco-friendly transport options. Additionally, they are preparing to adopt cutting-edge technology such as driverless vehicles, recognising that the future is fast approaching and ready to be embraced.