MTN boss urges private sector to uphold work ethic
Keikantse Lesemela | Wednesday November 19, 2014 15:49
Speaking during the BOCCIM’s 28th annual Gala Dinner recently, Dabengwa said poor ethical performance is usually associated with the public sector, but the behaviour is also practised in the private sector.
“In order for the economy to grow, businesses must exercise strong ethical standards, especially the private sector because the private sector is the main driver of economic growth. If the private sector fails, the economy declines,” he said.
This year’s dinner was held under the theme, ‘Nurturing a private sector lead economy’.
Dabengwa said it is a fundamental factor that private sector growth is the economic growth and this would improve the quality of life among citizens.
He said the private sector should help the government in addressing socio-economic problems.
“The private sector has to lead the economy by facilitating investment. The government’s role is to facilitate the policies to advance businesses. So, it is upon the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities,” he said.
He also urged the private sector to take advantage of technology and the Internet to advance their businesses.
“Technology and Internet-based businesses are going to be drivers of economic growth. We have to focus on how to utilise technology as well as developing our skills in order to grow our businesses,” he said.
BOCCIM chief executive, Mariah Machailo-Ellis said the gala dinner event was organised to promote networking platforms for the business community locally and regionally to achieve investment growth. “We will continue working hand in hand with stakeholders to develop the habit of continuously discovering new opportunities to create wealth and employment,” she said.
She said the occasion also offers an opportunity for the private sector to reflect on its performance with regards to achieving economic growth and diversification.
“This year’s theme is very relevant as it points directly to how the private sector can sharpen its role in economic growth and national prosperity. “We encourage citizen entrepreneurs to create highly competitive, export-oriented ventures based on innovation,” she said.
On his part, BOCCIM president Lekwalo Mosienyane said when the private sector is in charge of private business and with the government being in charge of the administration and regulation local people would become millionaires. “The time is right for Botswana private sector to take its driving seat,” he said.