Botswana Life Hosts Insightful Address on National Health and Workforce Productivity

Gaborone – Botswana Life’s Annual Employee Benefits Convention, held on 11 July 2024 in
Gaborone, brought together top executives from across the nation, including HR
professionals and CFOs from Botswana’s leading corporate employers. One of the highlights
of the event was a compelling speech by Tebogo Motsie, Managing Director of Associated
Fund Administrators (AFA), titled “How the Health of the Nation Affects Workforce
Delivery”.

Motsie’s address explored the intricate relationship between national health challenges and
their direct impact on workforce productivity. Drawing on insights from the Sanlam
Benchmark Report (2023) and other authoritative sources, he highlighted critical factors
affecting workforce performance, such as absenteeism, presenteeism, and the rising burden
of non-communicable diseases.

“An unhealthy workforce is a less productive workforce,” Motsie emphasized, linking health-
related challenges to reduced corporate efficiency and economic performance. He also
delved into the growing pressures on Botswana’s healthcare system, including increased
healthcare costs, the dominance of medical providers in pricing, and gaps in legislation that
exacerbate these issues.

A Call to Action for Employers and Funders

The convention also provided a platform for discussion about the medical aid landscape in
Botswana. Representatives from Pulamed, Bomaid, and BPOMAS were in attendance,
contributing to discussions on sustainable healthcare funding and medical aid coverage.
Motsie stressed the importance of collective action among corporates, funders, and
policymakers to mitigate the high costs of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and ensure
equitable access to quality care.

Challenges and Opportunities

Motsie’s speech outlined key challenges, such as the rising burden of diseases,
inefficiencies in healthcare payment systems, and the increasing demand for cutting-edge
medical technologies. Despite these obstacles, he remained optimistic, pointing to
opportunities in technology, innovative funding mechanisms, and better support structures to
create a healthier and more productive workforce.

An Inspiring Conclusion

The convention underscored the importance of health as a cornerstone of economic
success. Motsie’s insights resonated with the audience, offering a roadmap for corporate
Botswana to align workforce health initiatives with organizational goals.
As Botswana faces the dual challenge of rising healthcare costs and an aging population,
events like this serve as crucial forums for crafting solutions. Tebogo Motsie’s address was a
rallying cry for stakeholders to invest in health as a driver of productivity, innovation, and
national prosperity.