Chinese pledge to respect Botswana laws
Oarabile Mosikare | Tuesday April 12, 2016 12:17
This was after lawyers from Kebonyemodisa Law office inducted them on learning the laws of Botswana. Giving a keynote address, assistant minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Sadique Kebonang said Chinese investment in Botswana is welcome. Kebonang said China plays an important role not only as a diplomatic partner, but also in Batswana’s everyday life.
“As much as you have come to Botswana, as much as we value your investment, you must respect local laws. You must use local lawyers and interact with the locals,” said the assistant minister.
He told the Chinese that his door is always open. Kebonang also pleaded with the Chinese to share skills. Finally, he assured them that Botswana has an independent judiciary and that their investment is safe in the country.
Teaching the Chinese community about the laws of Botswana, Kebonye Kebonyemodisa said over the years they have dealt with the Chinese community and business community.
He told them that it is important to understand the contract before they sign it. He also said there are instances where members of the Chinese community stay for years without submitting their annual returns. “If you do that it will backfire. Your company might be deregistered. In terms of company laws every company should submit their annual returns without failure,” said Kebonyemodisa.
The lawyer also said they have realised that there is a tendency to use unofficial names in official documents such as court documents. “You must avoid using unofficial names. Issues of identity are very important. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Also to say there was a language barrier is not an excuse,” he added.
Accompanying Kebonyemodisa were Tebogo Mapitse and Modisa Kebonyemodisa who presented on employment and labour and various offences under the penal code and other laws of Botswana. Also present was the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Zheng Zhuqiang.