- Aims to boost SMMEs and small individual producers
Cresta Marakanelo Limited (CML) has issued an Expression of Interest for local companies and individual producers to register in their Bona Botswana Jwa Rona (BBJR) local supplier database of various goods for sale in curio shops of the Group.
The initiative is aimed at promoting economic growth and developing the tourism supply chain by supporting local SMMEs and small individual producers of various goods and crafts in Botswana.
According to the Managing Director of Cresta, Mokwena Morulane, supporting local suppliers is not just about promoting economic growth and development but also capacitating the value chain by providing market experience for the small businesses, that way contributing to a more resilient and sustainable SMME business landscape.
“SMMEs are significant contributors to economic growth and employment and therefore play a vital role in wealth creation and human welfare,” he said. “When we invest in local producers and suppliers, we are investing in the growth of our community and the future of our country. “We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger and more resilient economy that benefits Batswana and has a ripple effect of positive social impact in our communities.”
Morulane emphasised the importance of leveraging on the Group’s footprint of 11 hotels in Botswana and 17 in the southern African regionally to support participants’ marketing efforts and promote the benefits of buying locally produced goods to other entities. “By showcasing the success stories of local suppliers who have benefitted from this initiative, we hope to inspire other entities across the industry spectrum to join us in supporting the local economy,” he explained.
“Seen in that light, the Bona Botswana Jwa Rona Supplier Database is not only about promoting economic growth and development but also about building a stronger, more connected community by bringing together local suppliers and other stakeholders to build a network of like-minded individuals and organisations committed to promoting the best of what Botswana has to offer.”
As part of the programme, CML has partnered with entities like Brand Botswana, LEA and the Department of Industry and will provide auxiliary support to the registered database of local suppliers. Speaking at the launch of Bona Botswana Jwa Rona, the National Director for Brand Botswana, Ponalo Tumelo, acknowledged CML’s continued efforts of supporting local, saying the initiative is aligned to Brand Botswana’s #PushaBW campaign.
The Expression of Interest is available on the company’s social media platforms and will remain open until 28 May 2023. The Local Supplier Database comes as part of CML’s broader Bona Botswana Jwa Rona platfrom through which the company aims to encourage social and economic impact in communities across Botswana, by celebrating and promoting local offerings, including local travel, local goods, local foods and local cultural experiences.
