Introduction
Champs Botswana (Pty) Ltd started its operations in 2009 and over the time has developed a lot of expertise and experience in the integrated waste management field. Champs Botswana is mainly a hazardous waste management company that strives for a clean and healthy environment through the application of safe disposal and environmentally friendly techniques. Due to the demands by clie
nts, particularly the mining and construction industries who preferred to deal with a single contractor on waste management, in the last 4 years Champs Botswana expanded its services to cover other waste such as general household/domestic and land fill waste, as well as other hazardous waste such as expired and redundant chemicals, chemical sludge, fiberglass, old paints, incinerator ash, fluorescent tubes, asbestos, used PPE, redundant IT equipment and old batteries. It was established by two environmentalists, Geofrey Khwarae and Baleseng Buzwani. Geof Khwarae, holds an MSc in Management of Natural Resources and Sustainable Agriculture from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, which is preceded by a first degree on Environmental Science obtained from the University of Botswana. Geofrey further undertook a series professional training in project management, PRINCE 2, Project Management, Cooperation and Conflict Prevention in Transboundary Water Resources, Integrated Water Resources Management, Promoting Integrity and Accountability in the Water Sector. Geofrey has worked for local and international organizations that include, Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS), UNDP, USAID and Chemonics International Inc. He has worked in Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Lesotho. Geofrey is a registered Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner (Consultant) under the Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association (BEAPA). Baleseng Buzwani is an environmental management auditor, an ISO14001 expert that holds a Bachelor’s degree that combines both Environmental Science and Demography from the University of Botswana and a High National Diploma from Cape Technikon. He is a strong waste management specialist with more interest and knowledge in hazardous waste management, including both national and international legislation that regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste between and among countries. Baleseng worked as the Coordinator of Tshole Trust, the national organization for two years. Tshole Trust is the Botswana NGO that coordinates companies that deal with used oil management. Baleseng is the local expert in the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with hydro carbons.
