03 Oct 2017

Batswana have been encouraged to venture into businesses and various investments to diversify the country’s economy.

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Biggie Butale said this at a kgotla meeting in Francistown recently. He emphasised that it would ensure that the country’s economy did not rely heavily on the exportation of diamonds.

He also urged all to utilise various initiatives by government such as the Youth Development Fund, Poverty Eradication Programme and the gender affairs funding.

He further encouraged them not to shy away from approaching other entities such as LEA, CEDA and local banks to secure investments and business aid.

Mr Butale noted that his ministry was tasked with the responsibility of creating markets for locally produced products.

“It is the government’s intention to give priority to local companies in order to strengthen the economy,” he said.

He also said given the ministry’s mandate of ensuring that local products reached international markets as well as attracting investments from foreign countries.

He added that they were determined to ensure that local entrepreneurs had access to resources and the necessary assistance with ease.

Mr Butale, who is also Member of Parliament for Tati West, said contrary to the common belief that government officials intentionally made processes difficult, it was government’s mandate to guarantee that every client was assisted accordingly.

The Member of Parliament for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy observed that corruption hindered wealth creation among Batswana.

He said in order to acquire wealth, the nation must fight corruption first.

He also said it was important to find better ways to attract and secure investors.

A resident of Ntshe ward, Mr Samuel Olefile complained that the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) intake of locals in projects was not satisfactory in their location.

In response, deputy town clerk, Mr Lawrence Mokotedi explained that they could not force contracted companies to employ locals, but rather encourage them as they do not have the final say on who they decide to employ.

He further explained that the city council could not meddle in who gets employed by contracted companies as it would give them excuses and ammunition against the council when they were unable to honour the contracts.

Kgosi Amon Moyo of Donga commended Mr Butale for going beyond service delivery, saying he does not only focus on his constituency, but was available wherever he was needed. ENDS