In this Issue; we feature the recent CBD Executive Seminar event in case you missed it. Event presentations, delegate commentaries and pictures.  The issue also features:

• An exclusive interview with Director of Red East Construction Mr Zhu Dexiang, also the Director of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana (CEA) and Vice President of the China re-unification Association in Botswana.
• 2013 Built Environment Careers guide.

Boidus Focus is available from the following stores: Square Mart, Exclusive Books, University of Botswana staff canteen, Thapong Gallery: Engen Petrol Station shops: G/West Industrial, Square Deal, Game City, Western Bypass: Caltex Petrol Station: Game City, Extension 12, Village, Choopies stores, Shoppers,  Payless stores, Carbo Spar and Pula Spar.

Francistown; Galo Filling Station, Choppies and Engen Filling Station (F/Town call Wada 71480679). In Lobatse get your copy from Choppies, Engen Filling Stations and Botswana Books.

Maun, Gantsi, Lobatse, Molepolole, Mochudi, Mahalapye, Palapye

Call Killion @ 75505291 to arrange subscriptions.

Call or email me for advertising opportunities on our next coming July issue.

Thank you for supporting us.

Killion Mokwete

Boidus Media

www.boidus.co.bw

(+267) 75505291

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

IDEAS EXPO BOTSWANA – CREATIVITY WITHOUT BORDERS

Not everyone was born with the kind of passion for the creative industry like the Ideas Expo duo, Calvin Bosilong and Tumiso Mabusela. They have committed their hours, ideas and creativity to make the annual event to happen.

Over the next three years, they found a common ground – the work. Their shared desire for inspired ideas made them inseparable, and their enthusiasm was infectious. With the resounding success of their previous events on so many levels, they were a few niggles that didn’t go unnoticed.  Calvin Bosilong asserts that when they started like any rookie in an industry their idea was received with so much hostility.

‘People see the IDEAS EXPO has rose to lofty heights and much of the success is owed to creative collaborations we have made in the region. Before we could exude confidence with verbose intelligence at pitch presentations, during our rookie years we would be so nervous that the wavering in our voice caused us to mispronounce words’ adds Tumiso,

Fast forward to now they have grown from strength to strength to attract visitors from the Southern African region. Subsequently they have managed to attract partnerships in Botswana and other parts of world.

WHAT MOTIVATED THE IDEAS EXPO BOTSWANA?

The Ideas Expo is all about the power of the creative process in business. Our inclination to creative business compelled us to start a forum that appraises creative talents. Before the IDEAS EXPO, creativity was fast fading to oblivion and was seen as an afterthought in the bottom line.  The forces of conservatism in campaigns that were devoid of any human truth and lacked insight made us kick start this journey. The process has been tiring but incredibly fulfilling. We can kiss that goodbye; a blend of experience awaits conference goers, with a cocktail of top tier speakers lined up for this year’s event.

ORGANIZING AN EVENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE COMES WITH ENORMOUS PRESSURE, AND OVERWHELMING CHALLENGES. WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU CONSTANTLY HAVE TO OVERCOME?

Even an era of digital proliferation there is still a need for education. However in Africa it’s a different misconception all-together, marketers and advertisers should never underestimate the skills and knowledge of those with whom they do business across Africa. Usually, challenges lie in limited infrastructure and lack of skills in the market around them.

Another challenge is creativity is not static; it’s a forever-changing seascape. There is a need to inform, empower and nurture creativity. It’s a global truth that most clients are risk averse, hence the need to educate everyone about effective creativity.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO OPTIMIZE THE CREATIVE ECONOMY?

In the constantly evolving world of creative professions and industries there is a tendency of losing structure and organization, in a broader way concerning the communication and exchange between industries and creative people. For too long, creative professionals have suffered from inefficiency, disorganization, and careers at the mercy of bureaucracy, IDEAS EXPO aims top put control so the best ideas see the light of the day.

The creative industry will once again gather at the IDEAS EXPO BOTSWANA flagship event that’s about bringing ideas to life.  Once again Botswana will be the stage were world-class creatives and companies will coverge for the event that optimizes the power of the creative process. We want this conference to inspire an open exchange of ideas. To give participants tools to innovate their business.

HOW IS THIS YEAR’S EVENT DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS ONE’S?

As the theme suggests, it’s all about ‘IDEAS WITHOUT BORDERS’ we are breaking the boundary between industry and discipline by increasing the potential of cooperation’s in various fields. We also want to export our local creativity globally to enhance connections.  We have seen African design inspire a lot of global trends, from fashion, music to design.

WHO’S LINED UP AT THIS YEAR’S IDEAS EXPO?

As is the norm with the Ideas Expo Conference, we bring the best of Africa’s creative savvy thinkers. And at this year’s Ideas Expo we have lined up 8 industry experts of commercial creativity that we believe could best address this year’s theme.

The two day (June 21^st – June 22^nd) programme will have the following speakers;

• Lepang Ferguson, entrepreneur and owner of Lepang Ferguson International Holdings, has more than 9 years experience in the communications industry, in both Botswana and South Africa;
• Taelo Immanuel, Executive Creative Director at Two Tone Global, a Johannesburg marketing and advertising company with a continental footprint. He has 18 years industry experience, won both South African and International awards and sat on various advertising awards judging panels.
• Lebogang Nkoane, founder and owner of 2LMN R+D, a research and development company with a keen focus on interactive media technologies. Through 2LMN, he has shaped the development and growth of a few online projects achieving award notoriety: Loeries and The Bookmarks respectively.
• Andrew Human, CEO of South Africa’s leading brand communication awards, The Loerie’s. His extensive awards experience includes working with the One Club, the Art Directors Club and the London International Advertising Awards.
• Kojo Baffoe, editor of the men’s business and lifestyle magazine, DESTINY Man, has been involved in a number of sectors including Retail, Management Consulting, Publishing, Events, IT and Print & Television Media. He speaks on a range of topics including Re-defining Success, Getting Back to Basics and Finding purpose.
• Gordon Cook, Co-founder and School Navigator for Vega School of brand Leadership, South Africa, has extensive knowledge in Strategic Marketing Planning and Strategic Execution. He is listed as one of The most Influential Advertising Practitioners in South Africa.

WHEN IS IT HELD?

The Expo will begin on the 20^th of June with exhibitions showcasing some of the latest innovations from different industries, demonstrating creativity and fresh thinking. The exhibition will run through until June 22^nd.

June 21^st at 08H30 will mark the beginning of the 2 day conference programme, which starts the interactive session and ideas exchange between speakers and attendees.

WHO’S HOSTING THE CONFERENCE?

Phaphani Masalila, local comedian and budding entrepreneur, together with Losika Seboni, founder of Footprints Advertising will host this year’s conference.

WHERE WILL IT BE HELD?

The conference will be held at the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Business auditorium.

IS THERE A FEE TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?

The price per day for individuals is P300, or they could pay P500 for both days. And for corporate packages of 10 individuals or more, the price for both days will go down to P450 per person. However, for students, a special price for both days has been put at P300.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

Boidus Media will host an Executive Seminar on the 20^th of May at Masa Centre, Lansmore Hotel. As part of the seminar, there will be a CBD Project Showcase, which will be hosted on the Masa Sqaure and a Wine Tasting social event in the evening on Masa’s Roof top deck.

The aim of the seminar is to bring key stakeholders of the CBD developments such as investors, development owners, government, industry champions and the public in sharing of ideas and opportunities about our upcoming CBD. Envisaged as the future heart of Gaborone City, the CBD is slowly taking shape and the seminar seeks to make it a centre stage focus.

The Seminar which is themed, ‘Developing a 21 Century CBD-Challenges and Opportunities’ will bring Mr Maurice Mdlolo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Sandton City and Jo Noero, one of Africa’s leading architect and scholars. Local Panellists will representations from DTRP, CBD Committee, Gaborone City Council Representative, Mr Leta Mosienyane, an accomplished Urban Designer, Richard Arthy, a local landscape architect, Joe Simpson, a Market Researcher and Director at Knight Frank and other industry champions.  Local financing institutions will also present opportunities for financing developments and or investment opportunities.

The Seminar will be officiated by Ministry of Trade and Industry, BOCCIM President Mr Alex Monchusi and Hon MP Ntuane.

Limited seats are available for the Seminar while the Project’s Showcase will be free to attend.

For more information contact:

Killion – 75505291 or email: killion@boidus.co.bw

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

This past Friday, a youth recreation facility dubbed the South East football for hope centre was officially opened in Ramotswa. A multipurpose building with an outdoor seminar space and a five-a-side football pitch were constructed on the compound of the existing Youth Centre to create this venue. Various sponsors contributed to this project including international organisations such as Architecture for Humanity, The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and streetfootballworld.

On hand for the occasion were important dignitaries such as District Commissioner I.C. Tema, Director of Sports & Recreation Falcon Sedimo, Botswana Football Association (BFA) Chief Executive Officer Keith Masters and FIFA Development Officer Ashford Mamelodi. There was a special demonstration at the event in which primary school aged boys showcased how football can be used to educate children on the dangers of HIV and AIDS.

Various local firms voluntarily provided professional services towards the completion of the project. These firms included Mosienyane & Partners International (Pty) Ltd, Kille & Dannhauser, NMA Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Nichris (Pty) Ltd a/t AG Georgiades and A.R. Edwards and Associates.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

By Boidus Admin

On the 19^th of April, Botswana Insurance Company Limited (BIC) will host its first brokers’ forum of the year at the BIC head office – Training room. According to a BIC press release, the objective for the forum is to update brokers on BIC’s overall plans and key department initiatives. BIC also intends to sensitise brokers on their role in the company’s structure as well as to orient them on new business policies and their impact on service delivery. Moreover, the forum is envisioned as a platform for brokers to discuss and deliberate on issues that can hinder their performance, and for BIC to focus on areas of improvement.

The forum will also feature an information session on accelerating and redirecting profits towards positive growth through a specific presentation on sales and marketing, time management, customer retention, leadership and organisation management. BIC is the only AA – rated insurance company in Botswana that has been in existence since 1975. The company focuses on commercial, personal and general insurance.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

Date: 05 April 2013

By Admin,

Seef are bravely going  where others in the industry are still slow to realize as the future. Launching their newly revamped company website, Director at Seef  Kim Bekker highlighted how  their local website which can be found @ www.seef.co.bw is a fully independent website which is however interlinked with their South African sister company SEEF.COM. ‘Users will be able to click a link from the South African site to our local site’.  Kim Bekker also highlighted that although they acquired the rights to using the international brand name Seef back in 2004, they are a fully local based and run entity hence the decision to develop their own website which suits their needs and the local market.

The website was developed by the experienced local outfit MindQ, who have more than 70 website developed already in Botswana. In presenting the site, Mr Zoran of MindQ revealed a new look to the Seef site with improved visual  focus and simplified user interface that prioritises easy access to information. ‘The site was developed using the golden rule of 3 mouse click rule to access of information’ he explained. Amongst other tech savvy gizmos that the new site has is an interactive search engine that allows flexibility in various search methods, goggle maps and street view, social network interface integration such as Seef’s 4000 and growing followers in facebook and twitter.

Looking to the future, Mr Zoran sees development in mobile platforms customization, RSS feeds and email or SMS integration to improve information delivery to the user.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

In this Issue; we feature we explore aspects of Corporate Architecture, through exclusive tours of, BDC’s Fairscape Precinct and FNB’s New HQ in CBD. Also find critical essays on:

• The relocation of the Office of The President
• To build or buy a new home-pros and cons

Boidus Focus is available from the following stores: Square Mart, Exclusive Books, University of Botswana staff canteen, Thapong Gallery: Engen Petrol Station shops: G/West Industrial, Square Deal, Game City, Western Bypass: Caltex Petrol Station: Game City, Extension 12, Village, Choopies stores, Shoppers,  Payless stores, Carbo Spar and Pula Spar.

Francistown; Galo Filling Station, Choppies and Engen Filling Station (F/Town call Wada 71480679). In Lobatse get your copy from Choppies, Engen Filling Stations and Botswana Books.

Maun, Gantsi, Lobatse, Molepolole, Mochudi, Mahalapye, Palapye

Call Nako Kabomo @ 71251412 to arrange subscriptions.

Call or email me for advertising opportunities on our next coming February issue.

Thank you for supporting us.

Killion Mokwete

Boidus Media

www.boidus.co.bw

(+267) 75505291

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

Professor Kai Sang Lock

By Kibo Ngowi

The Engineers Registration Board (ERB) recently hosted a public seminar at the University of Botswana in which visiting engineer Professor Kai Sang Lock made a presentation on the process of establishing a functioning statutory registration system for engineers in Botswana. Lock has been roped in as a technical advisor to the ERB and is an adjunct professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He has vast experience in establishing national mechanisms for the registration and accreditation of engineers in different parts of the world, including South Africa, Pakistan, India, South Korea and his native Singapore.

Lock discussed, amongst other things, the role and potential challenges that are typically faced by different players involved in the process including higher education institutions, professional groups, government, industry, and engineers themselves. Also on hand for the event were the ERB Chairman, the ERB registrar Armando Lionjanga, The Botswana Institute of Engineers (BIE) President Linda Moseki and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure Science & Technology Dikagiso Mokotedi.

Lionjanga shared how the process of getting ERB off the ground has been a long journey as the Government of Botswana (GoB) first enacted an engineers’ registration act as far back as 1989 but progress only began nearly two decades later when the act was revised in 2008. A board of directors was formed in April of that year, the registrar was appointed in March of 2011 and a strategic plan was adopted in May 2012.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

(Clockwise from left) AAB President Vincent Moapare; AAB Secretary Gorata Kgafela; AAB VP Agreed Maika

By Kibo Ngowi

The Architects Association of Botswana (AAB) will host an exhibition on the 9^th of March aimed at facilitating interaction between construction industry professionals and the public. This was revealed at a press conference hosted by AAB President Vincent Moapare, AAB VP Agreed Maika and AAB Secretary Gorata Kgafela. The exhibition will be structured in an expo format through which different construction sector organisations will have stalls at which members of the public can access relevant information.

The event planned to take place at Victoria House terrace in main mall Gaborone, will run from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The same night, AAB will be hosting its annual dinner at the Phakalane Golf Estate, under the theme “Designing tomorrow today”.

The key note speaker at the dinner will be Bob Van Bebber, the architect who conceptualised the Soccer City stadium in South Africa, built specifically for the purpose of hosting the first Football World Cup games to take place on African soil. Confirmed VIP guests include the Honourable Minister of Infrastructure Science & Technology (MIST) Johnnie Swartz, as well as the MIST Permanent Secretary Dikagiso Mokotedi and Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry & Manpower (BOCCIM) President Alex Monchusi.

The AAB dinner has long been an annual event but this year the executive committee of the organisation decided to act upon their mandate of bringing architecture to the public by hosting an exhibition that will bring the public face to face with construction industry players. Tickets for the dinner are available at the Riverwalk Kiosk and the Airport Junction Spar; tickets for the dinner include entrance to the exhibition and cost P650 while entry to the exhibition alone is P50.

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.

Boidus Focus February edition is in stores today (13 February):

In this Issue; we feature special review of the 2013 Budget Speech and its implication on the Construction Industry. We talk to key industry stakeholders , BOCCIM President, TBBA Preseident, e Consult Economist and others. Also find feature on:

• Exclusive interview with Mr Dziki Nganunu, MD of Botswana Insurance Company
• Knight Frank Gaborone Office Market Report-2012

Boidus Focus is available from the following stores: Square Mart, Exclusive Books, University of Botswana staff canteen, Thapong Gallery: Engen Petrol Station shops: G/West Industrial, Square Deal, Game City, Western Bypass: Caltex Petrol Station: Game City, Extension 12, Village, Choopies stores, Shoppers,  Payless stores, Carbo Spar and Pula Spar.

This month get your copy in Francistown; Galo Filling Station, Choppies and Engen Filling Station (F/Town call Wada 71480679). In Lobatse get your copy from Choppies, Engen Filling Stations and Botswana Books.

Maun, Gantsi, Lobatse, Molepolole, Mochudi, Mahalapye, Palapye

Call Nako Kabomo @ 71251412 to arrange subscriptions.

Call or email me for advertising opportunities on our next coming February issue. 

© 2013, Boidus. All rights reserved.