23 Sep 2018

Acting President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has commended Jwaneng mine for its contribution towards the realisation of Vision 2036.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of Mahotshwane Tribal Administration office block built by the mine recently, Mr Tsogwane said the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme played an important role of realising Vision 2036 pillar of Sustainable Economic Development.

“I must congratulate you for upholding the aspirations of our national vision by taking giant steps towards aiding the nation through your CSI and other programmes. With your support, I have no doubt that we will arrive at the Botswana we want by the year 2036,” he said.

He said the P1.5-million project shows commitment by the company to uplift the communities around the area while it also promotes social democracy.

He said through projects such as the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), government had been making an effort to renovate and upgrade Tribal Administration offices, but due to financial constraints such efforts were not enough.

Therefore, he said Jwaneng mine’s gesture was a welcome development and it would help tribal leaders to execute their duties effectively.

“The social impact of this particular project, which we are here to witness and hand over to the Mahotshwane community is substantial. It is pleasing that residents of Mahotshwane and surrounding areas will have a decent meeting place to dialogue and receive Tribal Administration services,” he said.

However, he expressed concern over vandalism of property, which he said resulted in high maintenance costs to the government. He urged residents of Mahotshwane to collectively take care of the buildings so that they can benefit them for a long time.

Jwaneng mine assistant general manager, Mr Koolatotse Koolatotse said the project, which comprises three offices, a holding cell, store room and an ablution block, was done through local labour force.

He said they engaged the services of local people because their CSI policy promoted empowerment of local communities.

He said the project and others that they have carried out in other areas, was a testimony that Botswana diamonds benefited its people.

He commended government for protecting the diamonds so that they could be used to develop the country.

“Such developments do not only show the value of our diamonds, but they go a long way in motivating our employees who work hard to mine this resource,” he said.

He was optimistic that the project would enhance service delivery because initially there was shortage of working space.

The MP for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile said through the project, Jwaneng mine had restored the dignity of Mahotshwane community.

“These offices are a centre of consultations and planning meetings that will go a long way in developing this village,” he said. ENDS