All RIPCO managers Suspended

The suspension followed a meeting of the company's board with employees at RIPCO headquarters in Kanye yesterday that discussed delays in winding up the company before its merger with Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC). Another important development at the meeting yesterday was the appointment of board member Dr Matz Mosienyane as acting MD of the company, taking over from Truman Phuthego.

RIPCO and BOTEC were scheduled to have ceased operations at the end of July to give way to a new company resulting from their merger in August.  However, at a Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST) press conference recently, Minister Johnnie Swartz announced that there were delays, particularly in relation to conclusion of negotiations on separation packages with the 290 staff members of the two companies. Ministry officials say the process of wrapping up the two companies will involve retrenching all employees and re-hiring those who qualify to work in the new entity.