05 Nov 2017

Former Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe says Lobatse abounds with opportunities.

Dr Kedikilwe said this recently at the celebration of 120 years of Lobatse existence as a town.

He said that in the old days, Lobatse was an industrialisation place where everyone went for job opportunities.

Therefore he said with lined projects like Milk Afric Dairy, Leather Park and others the town could reclaim its glory days  by creating jobs for the community.

On Special Economic Zone initiative, Dr Kedikilwe said residents and community should be consulted on ways to approach this initiative as well as on ideas that could be used to improve the economy of Lobatse and its people.

He further indicated that with many natural resources, there was need to explore opportunities so that jobs were created and improved lives of many.

He also said Lobatse authority should ensure that parastatals come forth with technological and innovative ways and ideas in exploring any natural resources as that would enhance job opportunities.

Going down memory lane, Dr Kedikilwe reminisced of the years that Lobatse was home to many liberation struggle activists from Southern Africa.

He said during that period in1962, Lobatse was a beehive of political activities where decisions and strategies were made by various Southern African leaders who were in refugees from the apartheid movement.

He also said the diplomatic relations that Botswana had with other countries like Mozambique and South Africa could be traced back to such activities that took place in Lobatse; citing leaders like late South African president Mr Nelson Mandela and late Mozambique president Mr Samora Machel who  both at some point lived in Lobatse during the liberation struggle.

He commended the initiatives by governments to now construct monuments in Lobatse as a remembrance and appreciation of the humanitarian spirit that Batswana showed and displayed.

Dr Kedikilwe said Batswana displayed humanitarian spirit and sacrifice during the liberation struggle and should therefore  be commended for their love and humility towards other nations.

He therefore implored Batswana especially residents of Lobatse to embrace and celebrate their town with pride and humility.

Lobatse 120 years was celebrated under the theme 'Reviving fortunes and opportunities.' ENDS