Mbaakanyi leaves WIBA a gratified leader
Pauline Dikuelo | Friday November 25, 2016 16:04
BusinessWeek: When did you assume your position as the president of WIBA?
Mbaakanyi: I have run two 2-year terms as WIBA president after being voted in, together with my EXCO, by WIBA members in 2012 and then in 2014, at the organisation’s respective annual general meetings (AGMs). My second term is coming to an end and I will not be seeking re-election.
BusinessWeek: Are you leaving at a point that you wanted?
Mbaakanyi: Even though the WIBA constitution allows a third presidential term, I’ve always planned to serve two terms and then hand over the baton to other capable WIBA members. So yes I leave a happy woman as, despite financial constraints faced by the organisation, my four key objectives of becoming the leader of WIBA have been achieved; governance, visibility/branding, sustainability and relevance of WIBA the organisation.
BusinessWeek: What are the highlights of your stay?
Mbaakanyi: We have achieved a lot despite WIBA being an NGO that’s reliant on members’ annual subscriptions of P300 and reduced access to donor funding for Botswana-based NGOs as our country is deemed a middle-income country.
In the years, we have managed to set up an office and secretariat.
WIBA’s three year organisational strategy was also developed by Accenture Botswana and a review of the implementation, of same, was carried out reflecting positive feedback.
To ensure WIBA’s nationwide outreach some branch networks have been launched. We anticipate the targeted 16 to be all launched within a year’s time.
We have also established the Annual Businesswoman of the Year excellence awards, the second instalment of the awards was held on October 21, 2016.
WIBA has also signed a MOU with the North West Business Forum (NWBF), in South Africa for effective relations between WIBA and the North West business community.
The inaugural WIBA Motshelo High Tea was hosted in March 2016. Through interaction with our members, we realised that most did not derive prudent benefits from ‘metshelo’.
This event exposed them to other forms of ‘metshelo’ that bring tangible investments like property, holidays and stock shares.
We also have the upcoming WIBA Savings Scheme for members as a next step emanating from the WIBA Motshelo High Tea. The intention is to have a WIBA savings plus lending facility exclusively for members, which is self-sustainable. Information collation is ongoing.
BusinessWeek: Currently what is the status of women entrepreneurs in Botswana and going forward what do you think needs to be done to empower women in business?
Mbaakanyi: It is a fact that even though the majority of business owners in Botswana are women, this group is still not counted amongst the wealthy elite. It is our hope that Government policies like the recently introduced price preference directive for 100% women-owned businesses, which we wholly welcome, would assist towards closing this gap.
It is a step in the right direction as it increases the chances of women getting more tenders during procurement processes.
At WIBA, we continue to lobby for enhanced opportunities for support of businesses owned by females, across all government ministries, departments and agencies, through creation of women economic empowerment (WEE) programmes including enforceable procurement preferential schemes.
To achieve global competitiveness we also call for a sizeable women’s fund targeted at existing businesses ready for elevation to the next level is necessary, since the current women’s fund, managed by the Department of Gender Affairs, targets startups. This new fund could be disbursed in the form of low interest loans.
BusinessWeek: What are the challenges that you faced daily and how did you overcome them?
Mbaakanyi: This being a voluntary position, with no remuneration, at times it felt like an opportunity cost on my business and other facets of my life. However, the joy I got from seeing plans turn into deliverables, is beyond measure.
BusinessWeek: What advice can you give your successor?
Mbaakanyi: To lead WIBA one has to be ready to volunteer their time towards the cause of women empowerment, for free.
Any resultant direct benefits, if any, will just be a bonus. You must be ready to stand up for the advancement of women economic benefits at any fora, unapologetically.
Development of a ‘thick skin’ is also key for survival as the bickerings; the politics from all angles (some members, EXCO, stakeholders, etc) will always be there and could derail the leader if they’re pushovers. Stay on your lane and stick to your intended deliverables, then bow out when the time is right.
BusinessWeek: Can you tell us about yourself including your qualifications?
Mbaakanyi: I’m a mother to the most amazing four-year-old boy who is about to have a sibling hahaha! I absolutely cherish motherhood and would do it over and over again.
I’m a chartered accountant/certified auditor by profession and run a financial consultancy firm and other side businesses, making me an entrepreneur and last, but not least, I’m president of the WIBA Botswana.
BusinessWeek: Your last words?
Mbaakanyi: For continuity purposes, my parting gift to WIBA is planning, and securing sponsorship, for review of the WIBA constitution, which was last compiled in 2003, and of the WIBA strategy, which will result in a new three-year strategy spanning 2017–2019. This event takes place on November 22, 2016 and the amended reports will be presented to the WIBA membership, at the upcoming AGM, for adoption.
It means a lot to me that women in business, our members, trust us (my EXCO and I) to change the business landscape of this country to a better level, for women, through lobbying and other related means.
I’m more humbled that they elected me to be the president of WIBA, for two consecutive terms. It has been a blissful four years. Thank you WIBA members. See you at the upcoming AGM and may the best woman win!