BIHL commemorates 40 years of working with Batswana, for Batswana

GABORONE – Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group this week commemorated 40 years of doing business in Botswana, for Batswana and with Batswana. The Group, comprising of subsidiaries Bifm, Botswana Life and Legal Guard, welcomed stakeholders from near and afar for a glittering anniversary gala dinner.

Guest of Honour, The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Mokgweetsi Masisi, commended the Group on its 40 year milestone and the continued sustainable impact that comes from its work. “40 years of doing business in a country with 49 years of Independence under its belt is reason to celebrate, indeed. However, it is not an empty celebration for celebration’s sake. It is a milestone worthy of commendment for the very reason that it is one that is an inexorable feature in the fabric of our country and her people. We see this in the heritage built that we have been invited to celebrate. We see it further in the promise and the fervour behind ensuring that this heritage is strengthened further, and that the promise of the future and potential of our people and our passion is a focus,” commented Hon. Masisi.

Across the Group, BIHL continues to play a vital part in the development of Botswana’s economy and the growth of her people. No less than 8 key developments comprising Botswana’s growing cityscape and skyline have been borne out of the Group, including but not limited to the Office of the Ombudsman & Land Tribunal, Rail Park Mall, Airport Junction, SADC headquarters, and Fairgrounds Office Park. Assets under management are in excess of P20.6 billion. Botswana Life, a subsidiary of BIHL, earlier this year donated P1.5million towards the President’s Housing Appeal, and the BIHL Trust Thomas’ Tlou Scholarship has to date ensured that 16 students have benefited from the programme.

“Over that past 40 years, BIHL has come to symbolise strength and security. Our brand represents a company whose subsidiary companies are leaders in their respective fields despite the uncertain economic outlook and growing competition. It has been a long and beautiful journey and one we continue to celebrate with the many people who have played a role in this story. 40 years ago, BIHL began with people; the first customer and the first employee. Today, people remain at the heart of who we are and what we do,” commented BIHL Group Chairman, Batsho Dambe-Groth.

Following the establishment of the BIHL Trust, over P12 million has been committed and delivered for corporate social investment activities. In the education space, 8 schools have been adopted through the Adopt-a-School programme championed by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and over 74 teachers trained through collaborative projects focused on literacy training. The Group employs over 380 people, with up to 880 brokers and agents. 281,070,652 shares are floated on the Botswana Stock Exchange, with in excess of 2,808 entities (individuals or institutions) taking ownership of these, and over 280,000 policies are served.

Guests were treated to a number of exciting performances from acts including Stimela and Laone Thekiso, a young Motswana pianist who has just graduated from Williams College in the USA  as well as a narrative journey through BIHL’s 40 year history, all in a bid to commemorate key milestones and pave the way for a future billed to be equally if not more full of promises realised and sustainable impact made.

Concluded Dambe-Groth, “This is the celebration of 40 years of heritage; however, it is also an exciting chapter that we begin into the next 40 years, and beyond. We thank all of our valued friends and family of BIHL Group. This celebration is as much theirs as it is ours, as it is the Strength in Numbers not only from our bottom line, but of the people, passion, talent and support across the Group.”