Montlenyane Baaitse
Senior Communications Manager
Gaborone,Botswana
Summary
Accomplished communication executive with over 25 years of experience in radio, television, and strategic leadership across government, private sector, and mining industries. A strong foundation in teaching and political science, complemented by a focus on International Political Economy, has facilitated impactful contributions to high-level assignments in Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Arab world. Demonstrated ability to implement innovative systems that enhance performance and efficiency, exemplified by transforming Debswana Diamond Company into a benchmark within the Anglo American and De Beers Group. Expertise in building strategic partnerships and negotiating significant funding for socio-economic development projects has resulted in lasting positive impacts on vulnerable communities surrounding Jwaneng Mine.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Permanent Secretary
Communications -Government of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Responsible for an annual budget of 740 BWP and 1000 headcount stationed across districts around the country.
- Provide communication oversight and thought leadership to the Office of the President and all 18 Ministries.
- Lead role in writing Presidential speeches, including the Vice President and Cabinet Ministers.
- Developed modules for executive training in Communications.
- Negotiated partnerships and funding for capacity development for executive leadership. This training included training communication practitioners on leveraging the value of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Team lead to negotiate for Botswana to host the Africa Artificial Intelligence Institute for Broadcasting under the African Union Broadcasting.
- Overall communication accountability for all district and 61 constituencies.
- Lead strategist in both technical and content guidance on major national projects such as election coverage and international media engagements for the President and overall government.
Manager – Corporate Communications
Debswana Jwaneng Mine
Jwaneng, Botswana
01.2014 - 01.2023
- Drive safety principles and culture within Jwaneng Mine.
- Communications and Social Performance Lead for Debswana Jwaneng Mine. Since 2014 I deliver exceptional Social Performance results for Debswana Diamond Company.
- Debswana Jwaneng Mine has been leading Anglo American and De Beers operations worldwide under Social Performance Framework.
- Lead employees to high performance levels in a cross-functional management approach.
- Operate with high integrity within Jwaneng Mine and the mine Zone of Influence (ZOI).
- Build trust and earned Jwaneng mine sustained relations with internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop systems for internal and external quality assurance frameworks.
- Drive compliance to regulatory requirements.
- Provide an oversight role by ensuring compliance with established industry standards, company policies and procedures.
Communications Manager - Mergers & Acquisitions / PEEPA
Ministry of Finance and Development
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Developed and led the implementation of the national Privatisation Communication Strategy under the Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) - Ministry of Finance and Development.
- Guided high level private sector and government relations for rationalisation, mergers and acquisition, and privatisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE).
- Developed Communication strategies and programmes aimed at assisting the government and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to implement the National Privatisation Policy effectively and efficiently - such as the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and National Development Bank Privatisation, the International Financial Corporation merger with Botswana Enterprise Development and Investment Corporation into the current Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC).
- Led a consultancy team conducting a nationwide risk appetite on privatisation and rationalisation of SOE.
- Part of a team that drafted and edited the Revised Privatisation Master Plan (2014-2019) of Botswana.
- Developed short - medium- long term plans for internal and external communication strategies.
- Analysed the domestic and regional developments to inform strategic decisions.
- Evaluated program effectiveness to determine return on investment.
- Authored fresh and engaging press releases.
- Built and strengthened industry partnerships such as with Trade Unions, corporate entities, and government to amplify and maximize effectiveness of the communication strategy.
Communications Manager -Trade and Development
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Gaborone, Botswana
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed communication strategy aimed at promoting both bi-lateral, regional, and international trade agreements between Botswana and other countries such as the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) - European Union (EU), African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) (USA) and the Southern African Development Corporation (SADAC) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
- Developed, monitored, and reviewed the effectiveness of the communication strategy focused on trade and development and attained position one leading all Ministries ineffective strategy implementation.
- Led a national campaign to promote trade between Botswana and Africa, USA, Brexit, EU and Asia.
- Engaged Chief Executives (CEO) and think tanks of industry on strategic business needs and translate business strategy into human capital opportunities.
- Generated new business leads through direct stakeholder engagement at both executive, high government level and the private sector.
- Maintained regular contact with clients and identified opportunities to deliver added value to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the government of Botswana.
Head of News and Current Affairs - Broadcasting
Ministry of Science and Technology
Gaborone, Botswana
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Overall Chief editor for both national television (Botswana Television) and Radio Botswana.
- Talent acquisition lead for the ministry focusing on senior reporters and editors and other relevant technical teams.
- Convert government socio-economic and political policies into media content for the benefit of industry players and the public.
Education
MA - Politics and International Relations
University of Botswana
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London School of Economics
01.2019
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Stellenbosch University
01.2018
BA (Hons) - Political Science
University of Johannesburg
01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Political Science (Double Major)
University Of Rand Afrikaans University
South Africa01-2001
Diploma - Secondary Education
01.1993
Skills
Coaching and mentoring
Executing Strategy for results
Insightful Leadership
Discernment
Decisiveness
Business analysis
Project Management
Budgeting
Negotiations
Quality assurance
Bench Strength
Talent Management
Staff development
Writing and Editing
Conflict Management
Cost Savings
Timeline
Permanent Secretary
Communications -Government of Botswana
01.2023 - 01.2025
Manager – Corporate Communications
Debswana Jwaneng Mine
01.2014 - 01.2023
Communications Manager - Mergers & Acquisitions / PEEPA
Ministry of Finance and Development
01.2010 - 01.2014
Communications Manager -Trade and Development
Ministry of Trade and Industry
01.2008 - 01.2010
Head of News and Current Affairs - Broadcasting
Ministry of Science and Technology
01.2003 - 01.2008
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London School of Economics
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Stellenbosch University
BA (Hons) - Political Science
University of Johannesburg
Diploma - Secondary Education
MA - Politics and International Relations
University of Botswana
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Political Science (Double Major)
University Of Rand Afrikaans University