06 Mar 2017

The setting up of Multotec, a company that designs and manufactures mineral processing equipment would play a bigger role in the development of  Letlhakane.
Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said the opening of Multotec Botswana office was in line with several of government economic development policies such as the Economic Diversification Drive initiatives (EDD) as well as import substitution targets.

He assured the company management that the move was a right investment choice and given the diversity of industry players locally, they would flourish.
Mr Sethomo noted that the company would be given support through local empowerment policy whereby government gives priority to locally produced goods.

He added that Letlhakane as a mining hub needed such development in order to provide seamless support to the diamond mining industry for optimal production.
Most importantly, he said was invaluable skills transfer and capacity building for the people.

The company’s setting up in the village he said strengthened the case that Letlhakane should be developed into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) given its input and role in the development of the Diamond industry in the country.

The general manager of Multotec, Mr Kri Vergote said Multotec started a branch in 2007 and soon became dormant due to economic turmoil experienced in 2008.
Mr Vergote said Multotec Botswana was born, since they already had business with most mines in Botswana and their clients had asked them to deal with a company which had a permanent local presence.

He said it had always been a philosophy for Multotec to be close to the client to support them with products and assisted with the technical knowhow.
Mr Vergote said their workforce has grown over the years and were proud employer of 117 employees , 55 Jwaneng, 41 Orapa, 11 Letlhakane Mine, and 10 Multotec head office. Multotec he said designs and manufactures their own equipment and have been able to develop experts over many years that are considered world leading in their own field.

The chief executive officer, Mr Thomas Holtz stated that the company was willing to do business with communities.
He said they would invest over P10 million to get facilities to world class standard. ENDS