Benchmarking the Nation
Standards should not be taken lightly or compromised because, in essence, they provide a veritable backbone for daily life and proper functioning of any society.
They encourage an improved quality of life by contributing to safety, human health and protection of the environment.
Brief History on BOBS
Following the adoption of the Standards Act by parliament in 1995, Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) became a parastatal entity in April 1997 as envisaged in the Act. It is governed by a 12 member Standards Council, appointed by the Minister of Trade & Industry.
BOBS is the official body responsible for all issues related to standardization and quality assurance at the national level. BOBS is also a full member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the national contact point for all SADC programmes when it comes to standardization and quality assurance. BOBS is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This upright organization was formed with the primary objectives of formulating Botswana standards and coordinating quality assurance activities in Botswana. The ultimate mission here was of improving the quality of life of the citizens of Botswana.
Services
BOBS offers technical services in the areas of standardization, testing of goods, certification of products, industrial and trade metrology, quality management systems, environmental management systems, information and training etc.
Mission Statement
“To establish national standards, promote and facilitate their implementation with a view to improving industrial competitiveness and efficiency to enhance trade, and protect the consumer and the environment.”
Vision Statement
“BOBS is a renowned National Standards Body, whose services are preferred locally and regionally.”
Values
The values on which the organization is founded include the following-
| Diligence: | We carry out our work with accuracy and excellence |
| Innovation: | We employ new ides and improved ways in doing business |
| Transparency: | We carry out business in openness and honesty |
| Team Spirit: | We work together in good faith, supporting and motivating one another for a common purpose |
| Botho: | We display ethical, positive attitude and behavior in conducting our business and contribute with compassion to the community |
ISO 9001:2000
Demonstrating its commitment to product quality and customer service, BOBS is certified under ISO 9001:2000, a comprehensive internal Quality Assurance System. The ISO 9000 series of standards represent an international consensus on what good management practices will result in a consistently acceptable product to the client. The ISO 9001:2000 approach is a significant change towards customer satisfaction becoming the primary focus of the Quality Management System.
