Chrismas PartyThe MD’s SpeechPage 1

Editor’s Corner New year resolutionPage 2

Safety During holidaysPage 3

Botswana Consumer Fair Page 4

Aids Day MarchPage 6

Motheo PuzzlePage 8

Christmas Party picturesPage 10

Christmas RecipePage 9

vol.02 Dec.2012/ Jan.2013

PROUD OF YOU.I AM IMMENSELY

The following is a speech delivered by the BBS MD Mr Pius Molefe at the 2012 Christmas Party.

INSIDE

2012 has been yet another highly challenging year, with the interests rates still low and the competition baying at our heals with the re-launch of the mortgage loan product by most commercial banks and the resultant increase in attrition. I however note that we have risen to the challenge and have worked hard to retain and attract new customers. I urge each and every one of you not to tire but to work even harder to ensure that in the three months to year end we achieve our target profit and all our other targets, which include the reduction of costs and the increase in deposits. The Society will continue to improve the levels of incentives for performance, subject to the financial performance of the institution and affordability.It must be noted that performance excellence is not only rewarded through salary increments and bonuses. A big part of the Society’s Remuneration and Reward Policy is also the reward and recognition of our stars through the Award Ceremony for this evening. Overtime, certain key areas of excellence have been identified by Management and employees recognized for achievement in this regard.All the awards to be presented tonight are special by their own merit,

but I am particularly pleased with the introduction of the “Values Award”, whose purpose is to spur on a culture of service excellence and differentiation underpinned by our core values, as the Society inches towards joining the highly competitive industry of commercial banking. I am also pleased with the introduction of the other new award, aptly termed the ‘MD’s Special Award’, which recognizes the recipient’s consistent service excellence partnered with epitomizing of our values.

This was recognized equally by the recipient’s peers and externally by our customers. I am immensely proud of all recipients of the awards tonight. You are the crème de la crème, and you will feature prominently in the Society’s talent pool.

Finally, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday season. To you all, I say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Have Fun and drive home safely.

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As you consider a simplified approach to setting your resolutions for the New Year, here are a few guidelines:

If you did not accomplish those 2012 resolutions, Well then, it is time to double-down for 2013! First we should simplify our goals by fully recognizing our existing constraints, strengths, and weaknesses, so that we can actually achieve them. Let us choose quality over quantity this coming year. Let us focus on

a more targeted, more meaningful, more achievable list of goals.

1. Reflect on what you have accomplished: Reflect on what went well last year and what did not go well. It is a very simple but useful exercise that takes stock of where you have built new skills for success and where there is room for improvement. After a clear-eyed assessment of what you are capable of, you will be in good stead to set your goals for the year ahead.

2. Select 1-3 meaningful goals that will make an impact: When it comes to resolutions, you are much more likely to be successful if you: (1) lay out a small list of very specific goals, (2) outline a clear plan of action to achieve them, and (3) plan for what will happen in case of setbacks, distractions, and interruptions. So consider what matters to you the most in this coming year and what is it that you are passionate about and well equipped to achieve. Choose your battles wisely, and commit to them completely.

3. Remove the inessentials with a “stop doing” list: Chances are you felt too busy in the previous year. So just where exactly is the extra bandwidth to work on these new resolutions going to come from? To gain the time needed to enact these new goals, know that you are going to have to give up something. It may mean adding in an extra hour to your daily schedule.

Sometimes it might mean foregoing a number of activities which do not add any value to your growth. Identify what those elements are, and commit to NOT doing them.

Tips to consider:

• Do not just write down things you can achieve by the second week in January but rather habits you want to incorporate in the entire year.

• Share it with a selected few people you love and trust as they could help you get there and support you along the way.

• Think about the past year and keep the bad stuff in the past and pack the good things for the journey ahead.

• Be brave as your fate will not be sealed until the day you decide to give up.

• Make the choice to surround yourself with people where you will bring out the best in one another.

• Start with the big, bold and exciting goals as this will make the smaller decisions fit into place. If you really want something with your whole heart, your actions and words will back this up.

• Never underestimate the power of determination. If you are determined, a detour will surprise you, but not stop you.

• Start today and remember you do not have to wait for the 1st of January.

Good things are waiting for those who are looking for them; they do not necessarily travel by clock or calendar.

Happy Festive Season!!!

Editor’s Corner Kealeboga Malomo

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

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Driving • Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out

of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device. • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Avoid

parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.

• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car and keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a

mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping • Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

The holiday season is always a special time of the year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. The information in this article is very important and must be

shared with family, friends and neighbours.

shop at night, go with a friend or family member. • Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive

jewellery. • Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible, they are the prime

targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas. Also avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. Stay alert to your surroundings.

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

Children • If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter. • Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case

your child is separated from you. • Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and

they should never be left alone in the car. • Teach children their full name, address and telephone number

to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home • Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you

leave the house, even for a few minutes. • When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbour or

family member watch your house. • Strangers at Your Door, Be aware that criminals sometimes

pose as couriers delivering gifts. • It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the

generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.

• Attending a Party, Know your safe limit. Never drink and drive.

“Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.”

By Kealeboga Malomo

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Fairgrounds holdings gave Batswana yet another time to exhibit by displaying their products at the Botswana Consumer Fair, which took place from the 23rd-29th of July 2012 under the theme, “Shop. Discover. Explore. Consumer fair is an inclusive platform whose objective is

to create an interactive forum for exhibitors and consumers.

Many people may say that because we are now living in the ages of internet and E-commerce consumer fair has lost its touch or is now irrelevant, some might term it as an expensive marketing tool, as a company has to pay for space, transport and food. But in our country you will realize that the number of people who attend the consumer fair increases every year, making it one of the most popular events in the country. This is one of the few chances that service providers get to interact with customers face to face and get feedback right away with their target markets and being able to be relevant in their messages.

The Society also did not want to rule out this marketing tool as we were also part of the fair. As a communication tool, four departments represented the Society being the Communications and Marketing Department, the Sales team, Banking Services and the Customer Service Department. We interacted with customers for the whole week. Consumer fair is quite a fun and interesting

way of dealing with customers; it is like a coming together ceremony for consumers and suppliers of products and services. As the Society representative, we showcased the products that we offer, from Savings Accounts, Mortgage facility and to our newly introduced Lerako Savings Account and Freehold Mortgage Facility. We took advantage of the space that we were given by Fairgrounds Holdings to display all brouchers for different products and services; we branded the entrance of the hall with teardrop banners and the BBS stall with mission and vision banners.

We became creative by testing the knowledge capacity of Batswana about BBS. We gave our clients interactive moments by giving them a short quiz to attempt to and see how much they knew about BBS. Those who scored over 75% were given goody bags to motivate them, to also raise awareness about us through wearing these t-shirts, caps and carrying those bags around the show.

The team gave out its best: hard work and dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we had applied the best of ourselves to the task. BBS managed to scoop third price under the financial institutions category at the prestigious prize giving ceremony.

“As long as we have faith in what we do and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us”.

Nothing can replace the personal touch and feel of a product

By Kealeboga Malomo

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Botswana Consumer Fair

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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

The Society is pleased to inform you that the construction of the project is progressing very well and the structure is expected to be complete by end of January 2013. Staff is encouraged to be part of this project by donating books. Let us all make a difference in the lives Letswai Primary School students and the Zutshwa youth.

Botswana Building Society Library Construction Project at Letswai Primary School in Zutshwa Village

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GETTING TO ZEROWORLD AIDS DAY

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Across

3. SUBS in full

5. Location of the newly installed BBS ATM.

9. The maximum repayment period of a Short Term Loan is __________

months

10. Recon in full.

11. Point of Sale (Abbreviation)

13. One of the BBS Values

15. The old BBS slogan; My bank, my ____________.

16. The only BBS branch without an ATM.

18. KYC in full

20. List of transactions sent to customers on regular intervals; Account

__________.

23. The name of the Gaborone Industrial branch.

25 BBS business unit headed by Mr. Langa Phoi

27 Short Term Loans are allowed on PUPS, SUBS, Tlamelo, Lerako &

___________ accounts.

Down

1. The recently launched BBS business unit.

2. Through BBS, customers can now acquire _________ land.

4. Name of the BBS branch housed at the Head Office.

6. Name of the BBS Mogoditshane branch that closed down in the late 90s.

7. LTV in full.

8. Monthly fee levied on Ordinary and Special Savings accounts;

_____________ fees.

12. OMV in full.

14. Customer Identification File (Abbreviation)

17. Newly introduced product

19. The "E" in E-Banking

20. An unpresented cheque which is more than 6months old is said to be

__________

21. _________savings account allows for only one withdrawal in 3 months

22. ATMs were introduced to curb long ____________ in the bank.

24. The first month of the BBS financial year

26. The maximum repayment period of Short Term Loans taken against

Tlamelo Mortgage accounts is ___________ months.

Gape Motimedi

The first submitted and corectly filled puzzle receives a prize of P500

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vol.02 Dec.2012/ Jan.2013

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A Festive Recipe A simple Carrot and Raisin Muffin to enjoy with your family this festive season.

Ingredients list:

• 3 medium eggs.

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.

• 1 ½ cups of shredded carrots.

• 1 cup of powdered sugar.

• ¾ cup of granulated sugar.

• ½ cup of raisins.

• ½ cup of milk, plus 2 tablespoons of milk.

• ½ cup of melted butter, plus 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

• ¼ cup of cream cheese, softened.

• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder.

• ½ teaspoon of baking soda.

• ½ teaspoon of salt.

• ½ teaspoon of vanilla.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, bak-

ing soda and salt.

3. Beat together the eggs and the granulated sugar.

4. Add the shredded carrots, raisins, ½ cup of milk, and ½ cup of

melted butter; mix thoroughly.

5. Add the flour mixture and stir until the dry ingredients have

moistened.6. Spoon the batter into twelve greased muffin cups.7. Bake for 20 minutes.8. Mix together cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter.9. Stir in the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla,

then drizzle over top of the cooked muffins

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ChristmasParty

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vol.02 Dec.2012/ Jan.2013

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