14 Aug 2017

Residents of Selebi Phikwe have been urged to ensure that the SPEDU region rises back and assumes its vibrant economic status.

Senior security manager at Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa mines, Mr Augustine Nyatanga made the call when officially opening the Selebi Phikwe Trade and Exhibition Show on Wednesday. The show was held under the theme: Economic revitalisation through diversification.

The show had exhibitions from the public sector, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, financial and banking sectors as well as the business community.

Mr Nyatanga said after the closure of BCL mine, which was the main economic contributor in the region with over 5 000 employees, the purchasing power in the mining town went down resulting in some businesses shredding of staff or closing down.

However, he noted that Selebi Phikwe had the potential to get up on its feet again. “I call on residents of the area not to run away from the region, but to take part in the revitalisation journey by exploring and undertaking all opportunities available,” he said.

He also encouraged residents to utilise government programmes to empower themselves and contribute to the regional economy.

He noted that government had adopted a revitalisation strategy for the SPEDU region to stimulate the economy and to assure there was continuity of business in the region.

The strategy, he said, was anchored on strategic infrastructure, agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing and industry projects.

“The aim is for these projects to create employment and also to bring investment in the region for the long-term economic sustainability of the area. This initiative is aimed at creating about 7 000 jobs in a period of five years,” he said.

Mr Nyatanga also noted that government early this year introduced incentives to attract investors into the region. He said the incentives were intended to ease the burden of doing business in the region by making the business climate conducive and attractive.

He noted that the incentives included a five per cent corporate tax for new companies setting up for the first five years in Selebi Phikwe and 10 per cent in the next 10 years.

The security manager noted that since the introduction of the revitalisation strategy, a number of developments had taken place, which included the revival of Talana Farms. He also noted the establishment of the

Lotsane Irrigation Scheme and the Motloutse Farm electrification project where 60 people had been employed.

He said the completion of the Letsibogo Tourism Master Plan, the relocation of manufacturing companies to Selebi Phikwe as well as the registration of the Selebi Phikwe Chamber of Commerce were among other initiatives expected to have a positive impact in the economy of the region.

Regarding the Selebi Phikwe Trade and Exhibition Show, Mr Nyatanga called on all stakeholders including communities to own up the show and ensure it becomes sustainable.

He urged them to avoid over reliance on government. “I am informed a master plan for the show was being drawn as well as an the expansion plan of the ground from 8.4 hectars to 84 hectars. The master plan will facilitate future planning and funding of the show. The show must ensure it strives to meet the interests of all people in the community, including children,” he said.

He also called for the full utilisation of the show grounds by ensuring that economic activities took place throughout the year, and to guard against vandalism of the show ground.

Meanwhile, in an interview, the chairperson of the show’s local organising committee, Ms Sandra Hughes noted that although preparations for the show were done in a short time, they managed to achieve their objective and that everything went according to plan.

She said she was happy that exhibitors and people in general were also attending the show in good numbers. She noted that the last time the show was held was in 2003 due to factors such as financial constraints, the Foot and Mouth  Disease outbreak, and lack of commitment by the community.

However, she said the revival of the show indicated a step into the future and commitment to the event by stakeholders. She added that the show would be an annual event from this year forth.
“It is for this reason that I would like to thank SPEDU and Selebi Town Council for their initiative to revive the Selebi Phikwe Trade and Exhibition Show,” she said.Ends