TAKING TABITHA TO THE TOP
So, what sets Tabitha apart?
The skills we are are using are very unique. Most of our pre-schoolers, that’s children aged between three to fourand-a-half, when they leave pre-school, they are able to read and write well, which is quite rare for that age.
The value we place on our client is also very important. We make them part of the organisation. You shouldn’t be there as an isolated entity, you have to work together. Like I always say, it must be a three-legged pot where all the stakeholders are involved equally - that’s the school, parents and the kids themselves. At Tabitha, we pride ourselves on allowing the parents to have their say. Even at 12, a parent can call if they want to complain or give us assistance or help; whatever it is and whatever time, we are always available!
Now that’s dedication! Tell us about the school’s vision?
To equip school-going children with quality education and life skills which will enable them to contribute to the growth of the country economically and to be socially responsible citizens. We believe that every parent wishes to see their child fitting somewhere in society when they grow up. But you can’t start this process when the child is already big, it must start at this early age!
Our mission is to make Tabitha one of the unique providers of quality education to all school-going children, embracing all ethnic backgrounds, races and physical dispositions. Most private schools make prospective students sit for an interview. That interview is to sieve and get only the cream. But, at Tabitha, we do not discriminate; I’m saying each and every child must taste an English Medium. Here we take you as you are and help you grow.
I understand your
curriculum is a little different, too?
Our syllabus is the normal PSLE found in all primary schools. However, we offer extracurricular activities and recently introduced cooking lessons and the piano, which have proved really popular with the students. Most kids, when they grow up, they choose careers in teaching, police, nursing because they’ve never been exposed to other occupations.
What does your role as Director and sole shareholder involve?
A school has got a management team, which comprises the school head, heads of department and senior teachers. Currently, including non-teaching staff, we have about 30 employees. As the Director, I am the overall overseer and ensure that things are running well. I am there to guide, not to rule; I’m not there to control but I am the leader.
How much are the school fees?
P4,500 per term but we are intending to increase looking at the current environment; it’s expensive and Corona has made things so tough!
Speaking of Covid-19, following relentless pressure from the unions, last week government decided all schools would close for the rest of winter – your take?
It’s a huge blow! Private schools depend entirely on school fees to run - we don’t get any help from government. Even during the first lockdown, when other institutions were given the Relief Fund, we received nothing. We’re still recovering from that!
And in terms of child safety?
We had incidents when some of our kids had Corona but most of the cases actually came from the parents. It was never from the school because at school we really adhere [to prevention protocols]. We open windows, let the kids go out after every hour and constantly sanitise.
Closing schools really will not help - unless they also say parents must not go to work then I’d understand. But as long as there’s movement, it cannot work. In fact, it will be even worse because when parents are at work, kids, especially those at secondary level, will be roaming around the streets getting up to all sorts of mischief. At least here we can keep an eye on them. Time spent at school is the safest time during this Covid pandemic!
Moving on, exactly what happened between yourself and your ex-landlord, former Francistown Mayor, Sylvia Muzila?
Ahh, that question again! I’ve got a company, North End Training Centre trading as Tabitha English Medium Primary School, it’s a registered name, registered business. When I rented her place for a school, she asked me if I mind calling my school by her name, just for her fame. There was no partnership, nothing. There were some rumours that I was owing her but it’s not true - I have my court order showing I don’t owe her even a cent! It’s only that during that time the place did not have an occupation permit to run as a school. When I finally secured the licence, she evicted me soon after!
What are your plans for the future?
My dream is to see government promoting me as a woman, giving me land so that I can build my dream school. Rentals are killing me! I would love to expand to a secondary school as well; even the parents are crying for this to happen.
Away from the office, how do you relax?
I enjoy singing and have actually recorded a Gospel album which I’m yet to release. It’s called ‘Nzamela’ because we all know that you can go at anytime at any given place to get zamela. But in heaven there’s no zamela!
Church is also a big part of my life - I’m actually a church interpreter.
As a married mother of seven, how do you juggle being a businesswoman with raising a family?
As a human being, you must balance your life - have equal time for everything. Use time for business strictly for that and likewise time for family must be for family; never comprise one for the other. Having said that, as a businesswoman you are always ‘in the office’ 24 hours!
I also allocate my time to God - that’s where my source of strength comes from.
Any last words of wisdom to budding entrepreneurs out there?
There’s no substitute for hard work. I was born from a very poor family. I went to Mater Spei without a uniform but it didn’t stop me. Whatever conditions/circumstances you face in life, they should never stop you from achieving your vision.
And finally, Thank God It’s Friday - plans for the weekend?
Nothing planned yet, most likely I’ll be on the phone with stressed parents.
COMMANDING a Facebook following of over 428,000 and rising every day, Maatla Ephraim Basha is the latest comic to turn social media into his playground.
The 32-year-old funnyman took time out of his busy schedule to share a few laughs with Celeb Edition this week.
For the minority that don’t know you, please introduce yourself?
Maatla Ephraim Basha is a comedian content creator who is about to take Botswana entertainment industry to another level. The rest is for you to figure out.
Your career has really taken off in recent months - what are you doing differently?
I’m not so sure, but I think hard work has started to pay. I have been putting more work without any good results but I think now people/companies have started to appreciate my efforts and talent. It did not just happen over night, there is a lot blood and sweat put into it. Okay, maybe not blood in the literal sense but many sleepless nights.
Diversity is more important than ever before in this era of Covid-19, would you agree?
Definitely, the era of Covid-19 has taught us a lot of things, even businesses which we used to think are very stable were affected. We need to diversify, invest in the arts, entertainment and technology, as these can still generate income for the country even during lockdowns and times of restricted movement. The country should inject more funds into the arts. Most of our money is lost from importing entertainment; thousand of Batswana pay for Netflix to watch American comedians and then watch us for free on Facebook, yet we are in demand.
We need to change!
Speaking of change, if you were President for a day, what is the first thing you would do?
Malome Sentlwatlwa becoming a President for one day! (giggling) Let me see, I would sign a directive that local TVS buy Maatla Ephraim Basha’s content. Koore with immediate effect, o kile wa bona?
Are you a good singer?
I’m a bad singer, horrible! But I make good music, people love it. Let’s just say I’m a comedy genius.
What hidden talents do you possess?
Hidden talents? Well, I guess they should stay hidden! But if I am to answer, I would consult Prince Chopiro, he would say that I am a very good listener.
If you were awarded a superpower, what would you choose?
Definitely the power to heal. I would heal Covid-19. I miss our life before Covid-19! You know back then I’d drive out at night and meet all sorts of different characters who actually help me with my comedy sketches without them even realising.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I am very shy and people don’t really get that about me
2. I am humble, as humble as humble can be
3. I read and research a lot and so I am always in the know about this and that 4. I am good at networking 5. I am good at managing myself - the way I manage my life is very interesting, we will talk about it one day!