19 Sep 2018

Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane Mr Shawn Ntlhaile has underscored the need for the Jwaneng community to strategise on economic diversification away from diamonds.

Speaking at a two-day Local Economic Assessment consultative workshop in Jwaneng on September 18, Mr Ntlhaile implored different stakeholders to play a role in diversifying the economy of Jwaneng by creating a conducive environment for investors.

“Jwaneng is primarily a mining town that provides us with immeasurable opportunities. However, it also makes us vulnerable, especially if we fail to diversify. Let us unravel and expose our position in a constructive manner and make sure we leave no stone unturned,” he said.

He said private sector growth required enabling frameworks and infrastructure, which are key factors in attracting and retaining investments in the township.

He therefore called on participants to identify loopholes that needed to be filled in order to enhance local economic development.

Mr Ntlhaile said even though he acknowledged the role of the government in facilitating the economy through frameworks and planning, there was need for other stakeholders to find alternative ways of diversifying the economy.

“Central government is responsible for creating an enabling policy and institutional framework. Local government is responsible for facilitating and supporting joint action and planning. The private sector is responsible for leading the development and growth of different enterprises. Communities in their different structures are responsible for civic participation while other development partners are responsible for both technical and financial assistance,” he said.

Moreover, he said the political leadership also played a pivotal role in mobilising and facilitating local economic diversification process to benefit the communities.  

For his part, Jwaneng court president, Mr Donald Rammala said the Local Economic Development framework came at an opportune time to remind Batswana about their founding principles such as self-reliance, which calls for collective responsibility.

He said developments should be internally-driven for them to be effective.

“Local Economic Development puts government in the role of a facilitator while the community is in the driver’s seat. As a community leader I want to encourage you to use this platform efficiently and be able to come up with innovative solutions to the development of our town,” he said.

He called on stakeholders to take advantage of their diversity to work towards a common goal of diversifying the economy of the township to reduce poverty and ensure prosperity for all citizens.

Meanwhile, Jwaneng town clerk, Mr Dick Kalantle said the main objective of the Local Economic Assessment was for stakeholders to assess Jwaneng’s business environment and collectively work on areas that needed improvement to enhance economic diversification.

He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the process since the report would be a reference point for local and international investors. ENDS