CEDA HOSTS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY FOR FRANCISTOWN CLIENT SERVICE CENTRE

CEDA HOSTS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY FOR

FRANCISTOWN CLIENT SERVICE CENTRE

In an effort to build and foster stronger relationships with clients both old and new, the CEDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thabo Thamane accompanied by his Executive and Senior Management Team hosted a Customer Appreciation Day for the Francistown Client Service Centre on the 23^rd June 2016. Held at Cresta Marang Gardens Hotel, Mr. Thamane said that the appreciation day is meant for feedback from clients. He also applauded women for venturing into businesses and requested them to enlighten others about the benefits of the fund, which amongst others include economic empowerment, job creation and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Thamane addressed CEDA customers on the Agency’s financial performance, initiatives, new products, strategic direction and the need for a closer customer-financier relationship. For his part Mr. Thamane spoke on interventions that the Agency has implemented such as; Electronic Feedback Machines, the Opening of two new Client Service Centres in Kasane and Hukuntsi and mystery shopping which are all aimed at improving the Agency’s service offering.

Mr. Thamane went on to inform the customers of the two new mobile offices that are to be opened to the public and will travel across Botswana especially where CEDA offices are not accessible. He also talked of the installation of electronic feedback machines in all CEDA offices, and cited that in the long run, the Agency will develop its own online banking system which will allow clients to make loan applications and check loan balances.

In addition, he told clients about our partnership with Botswana Post where they can pay in case they do not have access to a CEDA office. He said, the newly formed product that is to be soon launched will make a huge difference in the lives of Batswana as it targets the small businesses which many funding institutions and banks seem to have neglected. He also talked of our business model review which has been looked at by Management and is now being reviewed by our Board of Directors. He assured clients that the turnaround time which most are not satisfied with, is also being reviewed and all is being done in order to improve this because CEDA staff and Management are performance driven

He further encouraged people to create businesses that the market will need, with new business models that have never been ventured into before. He also stated that 72% of the start-up businesses funded by CEDA survive because of the intervention from other stakeholders such as LEA, BOBS and others.

He recognised and praised some of the funded businesses, and amongst others commended Mr and Mrs Sebina, who own Destiny Car Rental for being brave enough to venture into a field known to be of giants and said his wish is to see all Batswana owned businesses having such valour and boldness to conquer the market.

Mr. Thamane updated clients on the outstanding overall performance of the Agency, and informed them about the conference that is to be held this year in November that will be hosting more than 300 delegates from all over Africa and assured clients that over 90% of service providers will be Batswana.

Many customers expressed their gratitude that the CEO had shown by making the time and effort to travel to Francistown to meet and engage with them. Addressing Thamane and his Management Team, one of the customers, Mr Kgalajwe said “It is really encouraging that you as the CEO have given us this platform to share on the Agency’s performance, strategic initiatives”. He praised the Agency for the new product which he said will empower the informal sector. He also asked for the trucking business requirements to be looked at as they are a bit strict as compared to those of other sectors. Another client, Mr Godfrey Gobela, thanked CEDA for its efforts in assisting him with his business, saving it from being undertaken by a commercial bank. He said for that, he will forever be grateful.

During the Appreciation Day customers were given the floor to express some of their challenges and successes and also offer CEDA advices on issues they may deem important to better its performance. Customers applauded the CEO and his team on what CEDA had done for Batswana thus far. In spite of the economic challenges they were happy the Agency has aligned itself well with the Governments Initiatives of empowering Batswana through Economic Diversification Drive and Economic Stimulus Packages. The CEO assured customers that every member of CEDA staff should and will give their customers the best possible service. If they felt in any way disgruntled to channel their grievances and concerns through the complaints procedure.

For further information regarding this article please contact:

Leatile G. Bakwena

Communications Manager

Tel; +267 399 1084

Fax; +267 395 1823

Cell; +267 72323286

email: lbakwena@ceda.co.bw