Understand detail, it’s important

Wetumwene Shikage



Growing up wanting to become a policeman, soccer star and venture into actuarial science, Botha found himself working as a chartered accountant at the beginning of his career. He took the dynamic career as an accountant to engage every sector and industry. Botha always enjoyed reading newspapers and loved the media. Explaining his experience as a roller-coaster ride, Botha says he has enjoyed the experience of being the CEO of NMH.

Education and background

Botha is a chartered accountant by profession who considers accounting to be the key part of his life. He studied at the University of the Free State and was employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for about 20 years. This position allowed him to engage many clients, which included NMH. Being one who enjoyed media and all its detail, he tapped into the media sphere by accepting a call extended to him to join NMH.

Botha says the fact that the media world has changed a lot is a challenge which affects everyone in the industry including NMH.

“It is a continuous process of change. It’s all about making sure that the teams you work with come along with you. It is one thing to know what needs to be done, but ultimately a team needs to get it done. The role I have is to make sure that every team member is on board. Continuously managing change is a challenge,” he said.

Every successful business comes with accomplishments. The greatest progression of NMH is the growth of the brand to share valuable information from reaching 200 000 people per day and to having capacity to reach about one million people per day. This, Botha says, is not only by age demographics, but by regions and different languages as well. This is made possible through: active online and social media engagements; realigning the print business model; launching the One Up Two television channel and broadcasting network and reaching the youth through the youth brand of NMH, My Zone.

Goals

Botha mentioned some goals he would like to see implemented for the upcoming two years. He explained that as much as chasing new goals is fundamental, what is already in place should not be disregarded.

“It is important that you make sure that the basis of every aspect is still well maintained. Traditional media is important to maintain, even while venturing into having new media in place. Amongst others, the rollouts of visual engagements through television and satellite channels are vital. Expanding the education programme for next two years will strengthen our youth brand and build a stronger education basis,” he said.

Botha advised the youth who would like to take up leadership positions to understand two important principles: to make the right decisions and to be mindful of the timing thereof.

“When you make those decisions is just as important as what you make. When you are young around the ages of 20 to 30, learn as much as possible. Once you reach your 30s, make sure you have collected a great mentorship team around you so you can build your leadership skills even more. Between the age of 30 and 40, make sure to practise your leadership skills. After you have reached the age of 40, you will be strong enough to be in leadership positions.”

Botha stated that age is not an absolute statement, but working along these guidelines can help young people make great progress, technically as well as emotionally.

10 Facts about Albe Botha

1. Loves to go fishing.

2. He loves building 3D block puzzles and traditional puzzles.

3. Enjoys reading leadership and business books.

4. Enjoys the Namibian coast and Zambezi.

5. Loves taking walks around his estate.

6. Enjoys travelling and understanding the world better with his wife.

7. Loves to go on wine tours and wine tastings.

8. Loves to attend and watch live sport events with the family.

9. Designed a few board games and loves playing board games.

10. Enjoys a good steak and well-cooked fish, especially freshly caught kabeljou.