Major shake-up looms at Air Botswana

Fresh developments from the government enclave suggest major changes are underway at the national airline, Air Botswana.The airline’s board is not only working tirelessly to craft a strategy aimed at improving efficiency and returning the airline to profitability, but a looming shake-up could see heads roll—possibly including members of the board itself.Sources close to the matter have revealed to Botswana Guardian that the suspended General Manager, Lulu Rasebotsa—currently serving a 30-day suspension—is unlikely to return.“She’s not going alone,” a source emphasised, hinting at broader changes to come.The board’s next steps appear to hinge on aligning their strategy with the bold vision announced by President Advocate Duma Boko that the airline should be profitable by December 2025.“They will make the pronouncement themselves,” one insider revealed.Decisions on the board’s final composition are expected soon. At full strength, the Air Botswana board consists of six members, three of whom were part of the previous board. With Rasebotsa out of the picture, the current active board stands at five members.Among them, only two—Captain Clement Nsimbi, Chair of the Quality, Safety and Security Committee, and Agnes Mothobi, Chair of the Human Resources Committee—remain from the old board.When the time comes to determine their future, they will recuse themselves, leaving five current members to make the final call. That group still constitutes a majority.Sources indicate that while the board is not under direct pressure, there is a strong sentiment that a complete overhaul—with fresh minds and new perspectives—is both desirable and necessary.The belief is that the government has entrusted the current board with a clear mandate: to craft a transformative strategy that will steer the airline and similar entities back to profitability.In line with this thinking, it is increasingly likely that the remaining old board members—Agnes Mothobi and Captain Clement Nsimbi—could be relieved of their positions.Mothobi currently serves as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. Should the board decide to release her, sources say her replacement could easily be sourcedfrom within the government enclave, given the availability of qualified personnel.As for Captain Nsimbi, it remains uncertain whether the board will retain him. He was previously part of Air Botswana’s executive team during a controversial period marked by the acquisition of a jet that remained grounded for months due to licensing and crew training delays.Nsimbi left the airline following that incident, only to later return—this time not only as a senior figure but also as a board member overseeing safety. Despite past controversies, Nsimbi is widely regarded as principled and competent.Being a good person alone is not enough for such a demanding task—what truly matters is performance. If one does not meet all the key requirements, they must be disqualified or released from duty.The national airline's future depends on results, not personalities. It is this performance-driven approach that could see more heads roll, making way for new talent rather than recycling the same old faces.Sources say this trend isn’t limited to Air Botswana—it reflects a broader shift across government institutions. The challenge extends beyond leadership; it affects operations as well, with inefficiencies and missed opportunities, especially when it comes to route optimisation.President Boko has consistently reminded the nation of Botswana’s strategic geographic position. Yet, Air Botswana has failed to leverage this advantage, particularly in tapping into high-traffic hubs like OR Tambo International.What’s needed is decisive action—starting with the long-overdue expansion of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA), as originally planned.Maun Airport is cited as another example. Despite being one of the busiest in the SADC region in terms of daily landings, it has yet to yield the expected economic returns.According to sources, the cracks are visible across the system. For instance, Maun reportedly suffers from a shortage of younger air traffic controllers, with an aging workforce and no clear succession plan in place.However, there are efforts to address these gaps. The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is actively sending personnel for training in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia to improve capacityand maintain Botswana’s commendable air safety record.Sources say Maun Airport also holds significant potential, with discussions underway about extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.Realising this vision will require close collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) and Air Botswana.While the target to turn the airline profitable by December 2025 may seem ambitious, insiders believe it is entirely achievable, provided there is deliberate and focused action to reposition the national carrier as a key driver of Botswana’s economic growth.As part of its strategy, the new board is expected to outline key appointments and identify individuals for critical roles, such as Chief Financial Officer—an important position that could greatly improve the airline’s operational efficiency.They are also expected to determine which roles require replacements and what new skills need to be brought in.One immediate opportunity identified is the recent beef order from the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is seen as a logistical opening that Air Botswana could capitalise on.

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Major shake-up looms at Air Botswana