While government has vehemently refused to shed light on the number of billionaires and millionaires staying in Botswana, and their nationalities, indications show that there are quite a number of people who belong to this group.

Recently a number of local companies went out to prove their power when they purchased aeroplanes for their executive staff.
Among the companies are Choppies Superstores that purchased an eight-seater jet last year as part of its plans to make access to their branches easier and convenient.  Group Executive Director, Sadique Kebonang, confirmed that they have many branches locally and in South Africa and they intend to expand to Mozambique in the near future.  "We want to go to other countries in the SADC region," he said.

He added that they purchased the aircraft from a company in the United States of America, but would not reveal how much the 'toy' cost.  He said that they utilise the services of pilots from the National Aviation Authority who are always on stand-by.  The Beechcraft KingAir 90 is parked at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport waiting for the next flight.

Another businessman is Satar Dada who is also said to have acquired a new 'toy' recently.  Speaking in a telephone interview from Johannesburg, he said "it's true I have a plane, so what about it?"  Due to poor telephone reception and because he was in the middle of a meeting, he requested the interview to be postponed to today.

However, there are reports that he acquired a jet many years ago and recently purchased another one.  The jet has been used on Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) assignments, such as a recent trip to the Okavango when it transported party top officials for a meeting with their leader.

Meanwhile, another company that is listed in the group is CA Sales and Distributors located in Gaborone West.  But the administration manager, Sangeecha Jacob, denied that they own a private jet.  "No, we do not have a plane," she said. 

Recently Mmegi broke another story about Batswana millionaires who were engaged in a conflict over unpaid debts involving millions of Pula.

The matter is before the High Court in Lobatse.  Recent reports confirm the belief that there could be over 1,000 millionaires living in Botswana and a handful of billionaires, most of whom are of foreign origin.

Government recently refused to reveal the number of millionaires and billionaires living in Botswana and their nationalities.  Answering a question in parliament, Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Charles Tibone, said that they did not have statistics on such people and that government could face litigation if it disclosed such information to the public.

By Mmegi Online