BOTSWANA LIFE RETRENCHES EXCO

In an interview with The Business Weekly & Review, Tebogo Keepetsoe, PR, Communications & Marketing Manager  of the Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group, has confirmed that Botswana Life, a wholly owned subsidiary of the BIHL Group, is undergoing a critical business model review which bears some implication on staffing. 

“Extensive engagement has been ongoing, guided by labour law, due to identified redundancies that presented themselves because of the alignment. As at the afternoon of 27 October 2022, Botswana Life will be separating with 6 members of staff. This is a sensitive and difficult matter, for job losses were always the last outcome we considered,” Keepetsoe said. 

According to Keepetsoe, they are engaging with the affected individuals to provide the necessary support not only as guided by law, but by what they believe is the right thing to do for the affected staff. 

“We are unable to share more on this, with respect for due confidentiality and sensitivity,” she said.  

Keepetsoe said this review of the Business Model has been in response to an operating model re-design review by the BIHL Group (of which Botswana Life is a subsidiary), Botswana Life strategy review and mitigation efforts post the impacts of the pandemic. 

She said they have moved from strategic guidance of Botswana Life by the BIHL Group to strategic control by the BIHL Group for better line of sight, enablement of more efficient processes and products, and enhanced competitiveness. Further she said this revealed some redundant roles, thus the current situation. 

“As we review the Botswana Life operating model, we do so to ensure we deliver improved client service whilst maintaining our ability to compete and indeed lead in the market,” she added 

This process according to her, comes as part of prudent management to mitigate against the increasingly challenging market conditions at present. She added that it is imperative that they are always strong enough to stand by their clients, and their resolve in this regard remains firm. 

“This is, therefore, a necessary effort to ensure we safeguard the business’ future and the positive impact we can create for tens of thousands of clients by acting now,” she added.