I have spent most of the last 15 years working for state-owned entities, including Botswana Railways, Botswana Stock Exchange and now the country’s power utility. In addition to contributing to Botswana’s development, a job in the public sector offers advantages such as stability and opportunities to upskill. However, with the experience I have gained, I could also find success and satisfaction in other sectors.

My late father inspired me to choose the accounting profession by introducing me to a friend who owned an accounting firm. It is a connection for which I will be forever grateful, as since that moment I have never looked back.

I find it stimulating to work in a sector that is going through a transition

I started my career in the mid-1990s, joining a local accounting and consulting firm straight from high school in eastern Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. Having laid the foundations for my career there, I moved to what was then Coopers and Lybrand (which soon after became PwC) in the capital Gaborone, where I completed my ACCA qualification. Seven years on, I left to take up successive financial roles in sectors including public practice, financial services, capital markets, education and now utilities at Botswana Power Corporation.

Electricity access in Botswana at 83% is relatively high compared to other African countries. Alongside initiatives to extend the grid further and increase connectivity, we are partnering with independent power producers to promote sustainable clean energy solutions and reduce reliance on energy imports.

I find it stimulating to work in a sector that is going through a transition. In my role as financial controller, I have the opportunity to tackle the challenges that come with the transition to predominantly renewable energy, including the complex task of balancing the country’s energy requirements with the need to incorporate environmental, social and governance principles.

In my spare time I enjoy marathon and ultra-marathon running

If I had law-making powers, I would advocate for more Botswana citizen professional accountants to be working in public practice, especially as public interest entity auditors. I would make it a requirement for the big firms, which have huge resources, to mentor these accountants by helping them to develop their skills so that they can stand on their own.

My biggest achievement is to have been appointed president of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants. In this role I aim to consolidate the experience that I have gained through my career and boost the number of professional accountants in Botswana.

This is my favourite quote: ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ It is a prayer that helps me to remain calm in times of high pressure.

In my spare time I enjoy marathon and ultra-marathon running. In March 2024, I ran the 50km Om Die Dam Ultra Marathon in Hartbeespoort, South Africa and next year I hope to compete in the 88km Comrades Marathon, also in South Africa.

I also like to give time back to the profession. I mentor younger professionals and am currently assisting ACCA affiliates to obtain full membership.

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