NEWS

Gaborone, Botswana - Cresta Marakanelo Limited (CML) has launched an Expression of Interest for local companies and producers of various goods to be used in its hotels, in its gifting and marketing efforts and for sale in the hotel curio shops, to register in their Bona Botswana Jwa Rona (BBJR) local supplier database. The initiative is aimed at promoting economic growth and developing the tourism supply chain by supporting local SMMEs and small individual producers of various locally produced goods and crafts in Botswana.

According to the CML Managing Director Mokwena Morulane, supporting local suppliers is not just about promoting economic growth and development, but about capacitating the value chain by providing market experience for the small businesses, by that contributing to a resilient and sustainable SMME business landscape Botswana.

“SMMEs are significant contributors to economic growth and employment and therefore play a vital role in wealth creation and human welfare. 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, more resilient economy that benefits Batswana and has a ripple effect of positive social impact in our communities,” said Morulane.

Morulane emphasized the importance of leveraging on the Group’s footprint of 11 hotels locally and 17 hotel’s regionally, in order to support the participants’ marketing efforts and to promote the benefits of buying locally produced goods to other entities.

"By showcasing the success stories of local suppliers who have benefited from this initiative, we hope to inspire other entities across the industry spectrum to join us in supporting the local economy. 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 organizations committed to promoting the best of what Botswana has to offer," said Morulane.

As part of the program, CML has partnered with entities such as Brand Botswana, LEA and the Department of Industry, and will as part of the program provide auxiliary support to the registered database of local suppliers. Speaking at the launch event, the National Director for Brand Botswana Ms Ponalo Tumelo acknowledged CML’s continued efforts at supporting local, citing that this initiative is aligned to Brand Botswana’s #PushaBW campaign.

The Expression of Interest is available on the Company’s social media platforms and is open until May 28th 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.