The 8th December 2006 wasn’t just another Christmas party at Botswana Building Society. It was also a celebration of mile stones which marked the Society’s 30th anniversary and great appreciation of staff that have seen many years with BBS. It is worth mentioning that the Society grew from an asset base of just P4 million as at 1977 financial year end to over 1 billion at the end of 2006 financial year. The event was held at the Phakalane Golf Estate where Gaborone staff members gathered to celebrate the eve of 2006 and make cheers for the much anticipated 2007.

As I watched my colleagues enter the halls of the Golf Estate, I couldn’t help but admire their glamorous outfits. Every body was dressed and groomed for the occasion and I must say, some were unrecognizable because of their breath taking gowns. I could not help but feel this crazy rush through my gut as I, needless to say, wondered if all will go according to plan. This marked the first biggest event I had thus far organized for BBS, having worked for just 2 months.

Eventually, everybody was seated and Kast (one of our talented local artist) got the room into a celebratory mood by his outstanding performance, which was provided for free. Yes, you heard me right the first time, for free: Big up Kast . The stage was later taken by the Director of Ceremonies Mr. Showa, who started the night’s proceedings. The event was braced by none other than the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Molefe who mentioned in his deliberations that the progress which has been made by the Society, is a combination of hard work, skills, organization and enterprise: qualities possessed by his staff.

Although the Society never fails to recognize good performance of employees through bonuses and words of encouragement as employees go about their daily duties, it took a step further to award gifts and certificates to staff members who have been with the employ for 10, 15 and 20 years respectively. A special award was handed to Mrs. Mbakile, the CE’s secretary for having served for a whopping 21 years! Mme MmaMbakile thanked the Society along side colleagues she has worked and has had interactions with, for the skills and experience she has acquired. She advised that patience is a virtue and that hard work, perseverance and ‘Botho’ will never go unrecognized. 

Mr. Showa, also Corporate Affairs Manager, took a moment to appreciate having worked with Mma Mbakile. He mentioned that she was filled with such zealous energy that he had rarely experienced in his youthful profession. An energy that he hoped will transcend to many within the organization. Unlike many others in her field ‘Little girl’, a name she had acquired from her first boss, was hard working, skilled, sharp, respectful and not to mention a Mother to most in the Society.

During this much awaited night, the Society also bid farewell to one of its “senior citizens”, Ms Catherine Kgomanyane. MmaKgoms as she is commonly known retires from the position of Internal Audit Manager at the end of December 2006.  In her words of wisdom, she encouraged young people to respect their seniors irrespective of age. She also mentioned that she has accomplished more in her 15 years with BBS than her 25 years with previous employers. She encouraged young and new people to stay and grow with BBS as they will be enriched in their careers as the brand evolves.

In his farewell bid to Mme MmaKgoms Molefe said, “BBS staff might wish you wealth;
Or might wish you health; Or that good fortune be with you. But wealth might bring you sorrow. And health could fail tomorrow; So we’ll simply say, God Bless you!”

During the proceedings, I stood and watched or experienced with admiration, the heart felt friendships and bonds that existed. One could almost touch them. An experience dreamt of by many organizations. And I knew I was in the right place. A place of respect, selflessness, trust and friendship: my newly found Home. BBS