Distell Botswana MD discusses the Amarula Trust
Staff Writer | Monday October 5, 2015 11:12
The Monitor: Tell us about the relationship between Distell Botswana and Amarula Trust.
Mothusi Molokomme: Distell Botswana is a distributor of wines, ready-to-drink (ciders) and spirits in Botswana with the shareholder being the Distell Group headquartered in Stellenbosch, Capetown. The Amarula Trust which is a not-for-profit entity derives its funding from the Amarula proceeds and Amarula is one of the spirits that is within the Distell Botswana portfolio. The Trust operates centrally from Cape Town supporting not only Botswana but other countries where Distell operates.
The Monitor: Why choose Tourism?
Mothusi Molokomme: As you might be aware the Tourism sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP hence it is imperative that this sector be supported to ensure its continued growth. Getting involved with sponsoring guides to enhance their skills affords an opportunity for them to be able to offer superior customer service to tourists which hopefully leads to increased activity in the sector. Further the Amarula spirit is made up from the marula fruit which is harvested from nature and it is befitting that the Amarula Trust gives back to nature related activities.
The Monitor: How long has the programme been running?
Mothusi Molokomme: This is the eighth year of this programme in Botswana, where it has benefitted about 104 youths. The programme also runs in other Southern African countries specifically South Africa and Namibia.
The Monitor: What does this programme that the Amarula Trust supports entail specifically?
Mothusi Molokomme: The scholarship which in the current year was awarded to eight candidates in Botswana supports the trainees through the intensive programme which is wide ranging and covers areas such as botany, ecology, zoology and geology, as well as tracking, conservation and guiding, equipping candidates to work as professional guides, and even lodge managers.
The Monitor: : How has the programme been received?
Mothusi Molokomme: The programme has been embraced positively as the skills enhancement is a key element of the industry. In fact while some candidates would have been identified outside of being guides prior to the training, most would have already been engaged as guides and the camps where they are based release them for the length of time of the programme further acknowledging the programme’s importance.
As for potential candidates, the programme is usually over-subscribed demonstrating its popularity. It is the most sought after training programme as it is accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority(BQA) and is viewed as superior to the traditional professional guides license common in Botswana.
The Monitor: Is this programme the only avenue of giving back to the community by Distell Botswana?
Mothusi Molokomme: Our CSI initiatives are broader than this. While the guide scholarship is funded via the Amarula Trust, Distell Botswana also contributes directly to other NGO’s in line with our CSI strategy. We recently donated 150,000 pula to Somarela Tikologo for purposes of purchasing a vehicle for the centre to aid in its activities of environmental preservation and we have other areas we are targeting specifically to address issues of alcohol abuse through awareness campaigns.
The Monitor: In conclusion where is Distell Botswana based and how has the company contributed to job creation?
Mothusi Molokomme: Distell Botswana offices are in Kgale Mews in Gaborone and we currently directly employ 15 staff members in our sales and administration roles. Our sales force is geographically spread throughout the country. Indirectly we contribute quite significantly to job creation through our Joint Venture with CA Sales Distribution, who are contracted to handle the distribution and warehousing of our products in Botswana and also through other contracted suppliers for functions such as merchandizing and advertising.