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The Kwa Nokeng Oil Journey

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From its humble beginnings in 1968, nestled in the vibrant heart of Botswana’s Tswapong area, Kwa Nokeng Oil embarked on a journey that would shape the nation’s fuel and lubricants landscape. Founded by the diligent entrepreneur Carl Peter Jansen (CPJ) Van Vuuren and supported by his steadfast wife, Catherine Caroline Elizabeth (CCE), the company’s roots run deep with family values and a commitment to excellence.

Transitioning to Martins Drift in the early 1990s, the family recognized the burgeoning need to service travelers at the Botswana and South African borders. Here, they not only expanded their retail operations but also introduced the innovative concept of the largest convenience store of its kind in Botswana. Offering everything from fuel and lubricants to a bureau de change, clearing agents, convenience store, restaurant, and the tranquil haven of Kwa Nokeng Lodge. They established themselves as a cornerstone of convenience and reliability in the region.

In 2003, Kwa Nokeng Caltex Service Station opened its doors, marking the genesis of a legacy dedicated to providing quality petroleum products and services to the people of Botswana.

In 2006, under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Clinton Jansen Van Vuuren, Kwa Nokeng Oil took a bold step into the realm of commercial fuels and lubricants with the birth of the Martin’s Drift Depot. This marked the dawn of a new era, as the company expanded its reach and solidified its position as a leading private citizen-owned entity in the petroleum industry.

The year 2010 saw the opening of the Pandamatenga Depot, followed by the commencement of operations at the Maun and Francistown depots in 2012. With each new depot, Kwa Nokeng Oil further cemented its commitment to delivering superior petroleum products and services across Botswana.

By 2014, Kwa Nokeng Oil had achieved a significant milestone, with annual volumes reaching an impressive 100 million liters, a testament to its growing presence and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.

In 2019, Chroma Capital’s acquisition of 49% of Kwa Nokeng Oil marked another chapter in the company’s journey, providing additional resources and a stamp of approval from the private equity fund. The year 2021 witnessed the grand opening of the $5 million Kazungula depot, one of the largest in Southern Africa. This state-of-the-art facility stands as a beacon of progress and underscores Kwa Nokeng Oil’s commitment to excellence and leadership in the petroleum industry.

As we celebrate 18 years of unwavering commitment to excellence, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. From the bustling streets of Gaborone to the tranquil vistas of Pandamatenga, Martins Drift to Maun, our story is one of growth, innovation, and above all, a dedication to serving our community with pride and professionalism. Welcome to Kwa Nokeng Oil, where tradition meets innovation, and every milestone is a testament to our commitment to fueling the future.

The Kwa Nokeng Oil Timeline of Achievements

1968

Van Vuuren Trading stores open in Machaneng, selling fuel and general goods

1968-1981

VV Trading stores expands to 12 in the Tswapong region

1996

Kwa Nokeng builds its first retail Engen branded site at Martins Drift

2003

Opening of the largest Caltex branded filling station complex in Botswana in Martins Drift

2006

Kwa Nokeng Oil is born with Martin’s Drift Depot

2010

Pandamatenga Depot opens

2012

Maun depots start operations

2012

Francistown Depot opens

2014

Kwa Nokeng Oil annual volumes reach 100 million liters

2017

Tlokweng opens

2018

Lobatse Depot opens

2019

Chroma Capital acquires 49% of Kwa Nokeng Oil

2020

Mamuno Depot opens

2020

Phakalane Depot opens

2021

$5 million Kazungula Depot opens – one of the largest in Southern Africa

2021

Letlhakane Depot opens

2022

Kwa Nokeng Oil becomes the 42nd fastest growing company in Africa according to FT Rankings

2022

Motheo Mine Depot opens 

2023

Kwa Nokeng Oil annual sales reach
180 000 000 Litres

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Finance Manager

Shereni Mazengera

Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Zimbabwe
Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe.

Mr. Shereni Mazengera is a highly skilled finance professional with a wealth of experience in the petroleum industry. He started off with Deloitte Zimbabwe and has worked with Puma Energy Botswana and Ghana for the past twelve and half years. He was a key player in the establishment of the finance function when Puma Energy took over the operations of BP Botswana. He grew with the business till he was promoted to head the  Ghana finance function in October 2020.

As the Finance Manager,  Mr. Shereni Mazengera oversees the daily financial operations of Kwa Nokeng Oil (Pty) Ltd, among others, developing and enforcing the internal controls, accounting, compliance  and reporting aspects of the business.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Mahube Mpugwa

MBA, University of Strathclyde Graduate School of Business,
BA (honours) University of Windsor,
Executive Leadership Development Programme, HEC Paris

Mahube Mpugwa is the Chief Executive Officer of Kwa Nokeng Oil, the largest citizen-owned oil company in Botswana. With over 26 years of experience in the oil and retail sectors across Botswana and South Africa, Mahube has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Mahube’s career is characterized by numerous transformative achievements that have positioned him as an ideal leader driving Kwa Nokeng Oil towards continued success and growth. His strategic vision and negotiation prowess were evident during the sale of BP Botswana to Puma Energy, where he ensured the successful retention of the customer base. Additionally, he successfully negotiated a 20% equity acquisition in Puma Energy Botswana by the country’s largest pension fund, highlighting his ability to foster critical partnerships.

A key figure in regulatory discussions, Mahube led successful negotiations with the government on fuel pricing regulatory frameworks, ensuring a stable and fair pricing environment for the industry. Mahube’s leadership in aviation fuel supply is notable, with successful negotiations for 10-year concessions with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mahube’s strategic acumen extends to infrastructure development where he has pioneered various business development programs and major capital projects in the petroleum industry. The projects include negotiating with Debswana Diamond Mining Company and Botswana Power Corporation for the construction of fuel storage facilities at Orapa and Matshelagabedi power peaking plants. This critical development significantly mitigated the fuel supply issues, contributing towards energy security and stability for the country. By securing these facilities, Mahube played a vital role in bolstering Botswana’s energy infrastructure, providing a reliable fuel supply for essential power generation, and supporting the nation’s economic growth and resilience.

Mahube’s leadership journey includes several directorships. Previously, he served as the Chairman of the Oil Industry Association, which includes all the multinational and major independent oil companies operating in Botswana.

Mahube’s ability to drive growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and industry excellence secures Kwa Nokeng Oil’s future as a formidable player in the petroleum industry.

Customer Service Manager

Gaone Motlhokathari

BCom Banking and Finance,
Ba Isago University

Gaone Motlhokathari, the Customer Service Manager at Kwa Nokeng Oil, holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Finance and brings over seven years of dedicated experience in the petroleum industry. Gaone’s career trajectory, marked by progressively responsible roles in customer service, underscores a deep commitment to enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency.

Starting in Lubricants Sales Administration and advancing to Site Manager, Gaone has consistently demonstrated an ability to meet and exceed customer satisfaction goals. This experience has equipped Gaone with the expertise to lead teams effectively, utilizing coaching and performance metrics analysis to identify improvement areas and implement targeted action plans.

In the current role as Customer Service Manager, Gaone has developed and implemented strategic initiatives to streamline customer service processes, enhance operational efficiency, and drive overall performance. A notable achievement is the successful implementation of the Kwa Nokeng Oil 24/7 contact center, which Gaone now leads. This call center, comprising three divisions—Accounts Receivables, Operations, and SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality)—ensures that customer needs are met around the clock, reflecting Kwa Nokeng Oil’s commitment to exceptional service.

Gaone’s leadership in managing customer service operations has been instrumental in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and operational excellence, making a significant impact on Kwa Nokeng Oil’s reputation and success.

Director of Operations

Dries Oberholzer

Process Excellence Training – Six Sigma,
Executive Development Programme – University of Stellenbosch Business School,
Project Management Programme – University of Stellenbosch

Dries Oberholzer serves as the Director of Operations at Kwa Nokeng Oil, bringing with him over 20 years of extensive experience in the fuel, road transport, and shipping industries. In his 13-year career with Maersk Line, he oversaw various leadership positions in Africa, including Gabon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Namibia. His expertise is a critical asset in driving Kwa Nokeng Oil’s operational excellence and strategic growth.

Prior to joining Kwa Nokeng Oil, Dries was the Chief Operating Officer at Tswana Fuel. He was instrumental in setting up three strategic truck stops along the various Botswana transit corridors.

Dries’ experience in the road transport sector is marked by his successful operations in cross-border full and consolidation cargo, managing depots in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Johannesburg. His operational proficiency includes handling short haul import and export activities, with up to 28,000 container legs per annum. He adeptly integrated major shipping lines’ tracking systems through electronic data interfaces, showcasing his ability to streamline complex logistics operations.

As the founder and chairman of the Container Line Operator Forum and the chairman of the Walvis Bay Port Users Association, Dries has demonstrated his leadership and commitment to improving industry standards. His strategic insights and operational acumen have positioned him as a key asset in enhancing logistics and fuel management.

His diverse background and proven track record in operational management equip him with the skills necessary to enhance Kwa Nokeng Oil’s service delivery. His strategic vision and hands-on experience are pivotal in ensuring that Kwa Nokeng Oil continues to meet the needs of its diverse customer base while maintaining its position as a leader in the industry.

Operations Manager

Morekolodi Dikolobe

MSc in Project Management,
Bachelor of Business Administration (Management),
Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
PMI Member,
IEEE Member

Mr. Morekolodi Dikolobe is an accomplished Operations Manager with over fourteen years in the energy sector with seven years of experience in the petroleum and power industries respectively. Currently leading operations at Kwa Nokeng Oil, Mr. Dikolobe has demonstrated exceptional expertise in driving operational excellence and optimizing performance across the organization.

During his petroleum industry tenure, Mr. Dikolobe has successfully reduced the number of operational incidents and improved overall operational excellence, showcasing his commitment to safety and efficiency. He has effectively reduced stock loses, both transient and operational, and consistently maintained stock cover days in line with contract objectives. His strategic approach has also led to a notable reduction in critical equipment and site downtimes, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced reliability.

Mr. Dikolobe’s project management skills are exemplified by his successful delivery of new industry projects, including the construction of filling stations within budget, scope, and schedule. Additionally, he has spearheaded the successful implementation of eight rooftop solar PV projects across different Puma retail sites, underlining his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

His career trajectory includes roles as a Site Supervisor and Maintenance Engineer for Puma Energy Botswana and as Commercial Officer and Plant Performance and Monitoring Technician for Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), where he honed his operations, technical and managerial skills. At Kwa Nokeng Oil, Mr. Dikolobe continues to leverage his extensive industry experience to drive the company’s operational success and contribute significantly to its growth and sustainability.

Mr. Dikolobe’s professional journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the petroleum industry and energy sector, making him a vital asset to Kwa Nokeng Oil and a leader in his field.

Commercial Manager (Mining, B2B and Lubricants)

Dr. Obonetse Fulu

PhD and Doctor of Business Administration,
Master of Business Administration – International Business,
B-Tech Degree in Mechanical Engineering,
BSc in Information Technology,
Certified Prince 2 Practitioner (Project Management)

Dr. Fulu brings over two decades of comprehensive experience across government, parastatal, and private sectors, with a notable nine-year tenure in the petroleum industry. His expertise encompasses various domains, including sales and marketing, brand management, and project engineering.

In his previous roles, Dr. Fulu served as the Lubricants Sales and Marketing Manager at Engen Botswana and the Lubricants Brand Manager at Vivo Energy, where he played a pivotal role in re-introducing lubricants into the B2B and B2C sectors, resulting in substantial sales growth and enhanced brand awareness. His adept market research skills led to the successful execution of the first in-country brand mapping project, driving effective pricing strategies and margin recovery.

Before venturing into the petroleum industry, Dr. Fulu served as a Technology Venture at the Local Enterprise Authority and spent a decade with the Botswana Defense Force, where he held various engineering roles, including Head of Department – Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Joint Technical Training School.

At Kwa Nokeng Oil, Dr. Fulu established the Commercial department, driving a remarkable 400% increase in lubricants sales and positioning Kwa Nokeng Oil as the second fastest-selling lubricants supplier in the country. His expertise in mining petroleum solutions was demonstrated through his instrumental role in developing the 1 million liters Motheo Mine Depot. This achievement underscores his ability to deliver successful projects within the petroleum and mining industry, solidifying his reputation as an expert in mining petroleum solutions.

With a proven track record of driving sales growth, enhancing brand visibility, and leading strategic projects, Dr. Fulu is a key asset to Kwa Nokeng Oil, poised to continue driving commercial success and industry innovation.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Gopal Reddy Potulapati

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Accounting (India)
Good standing member of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA)
Fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India (ICMA)

Mr. Gopal Reddy Potulapati is a highly skilled finance professional with a wealth of experience in the petroleum industry. Having joined Kwa Nokeng Oil (Pty) Ltd as a Finance Manager, Mr. Potulapati has demonstrated exceptional leadership and financial expertise, earning him a promotion to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective July 1st, 2023.

As CFO, Mr. Potulapati oversees the financial operations of Kwa Nokeng Oil (Pty) Ltd, drawing on over seven years of dedicated service to the company. He provides strategic financial guidance, driving financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting initiatives to support the company’s objectives. His implementation of robust financial controls and risk management strategies ensures compliance with industry regulations and optimizes financial performance.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Potulapati served as the Finance Manager at Kwa Nokeng Oil (Pty) Ltd, where he played a key role in managing financial operations and contributing to the company’s growth. He led financial reporting, budget development, and analysis efforts, providing valuable insights to senior management for decision-making purposes. Additionally, he managed financial compliance and regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

Mr. Gopal Reddy Potulapati is a dynamic finance professional with a proven track record of success in the petroleum industry. His promotion to CFO at Kwa Nokeng Oil (Pty) Ltd reflects his dedication, expertise, and commitment to driving financial excellence within the organization. Under his leadership, the finance portfolio has expanded significantly from 4 to 12 depots, accompanied by the evolution of processes and procedures towards digital maturity, enhancing customer interaction and streamlining operations.

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