Private sector awards launched
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday August 24, 2015 18:00
The ‘Private Business Growth Awards’ will be held in October this year and are open to every Business Botswana member who has been operating for more than three years.
Other selection criteria include private businesses that have improved in financial measures such as profitability and revenue growth as well those that have helped employees learn and develop.
Speaking during the launch of award, Grant Thornton Managing Director Ray Ramesh urged local companies to participant in this award, noting that it is an appreciation of the role that the private sector is playing in empowering the country.
“We decided to partner with Business Botswana in this award because our business is highly dependent on the private sector. About 90 percent of Grant Thornton Botswana’s business comes from the private sector,” said Ramesh.
According to Ramesh, for a company to be eligible to participate in this award, they should have a turnover of above P20 million as per the latest audited financial statements and employs in excess of 25 people.
He added to ensure transparency they have selected a committee, which consists of eight individuals with experience in business, banking and auditing industry.
“The selection committee of Judges will consist of Neo Moroka, Steven Bogatsu, Meyer John, Duncan Majinda and Hiran Mendis to mention a few. From the short listed applications, the judges will choose five finalists where a winner will be selected,” said Ramesh.
He added that in the event of a tie, the judges would use their discretion to select a winner and the judges’ selection is final and is not subject to review.
On her part Business Botswana Chief Executive Officer Maria Machailo-Ellis said that through this award, they want to recognise the efforts that the private sector is doing in bridging the unemployment gap.
“The award would be given to one private business that has demonstrated holistic growth through innovation, market development, people and culture, strategic leadership as well as improvements in the financial measures,” said Machailo-Ellis.
Submissions of the applications are open till the end of August. Submissions may be made through email, post or hand delivered or couriered.