R. A Bailey holds its ground against winds of change
Friday, May 04, 2018
At every strategic intersection in the village, a new shiny mall is rising, millions of Pula being spent on modern designs and finishes. The billboards and insignia of trendy retail brands are emblazoned at the malls, indicative of the fierce competition being waged for the hearts and minds of consumers.
Standing quietly in the midst of the retail storm is a 122-year-old business that dates back to the early days of the Central District village. R. A Bailey was amongst the first businesses to open in Palapye, being a small outlet offering limited services to an equally small rural farming community.
That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...