08 Jul 2019

Local Enterprise Agency (LEA) chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Racious Moatshe has commended the North East District (NED) for reviving the district trade show following a three year break due to lack of funds.

Delivering a keynote address at the recent district trade show in Masunga, Dr Moatshe said it was worth praise that the district leadership, guided by the district commissioner, had brought back the show.

He stated that although the turn up was poor, it was a good start because people were still to adapt to the fact that the show was back.

The LEA CEO said it was important for all the 43 villages in the district to be represented in the show so that they showcased their businesses in order to attract clients.

He noted that local economic development was strengthened by businesses in districts, adding that NED was one region with potential because it produced innovative and intelligent human resources.

He acknowledged that the district was faced with shortage of land for agriculture. He, however, said being a farmer did not mean that one had to own land. He also noted that LEA was able to source land for potential businesses.

Dr Moatshe emphasised that procurement of products by government and the private sector in the district should be done within the district in order to support local businesses.

He said the theme: Cultivating economic growth through entrepreneurship and resilience, was fitting because the economy depended on Batswana to propel it despite challenges that maybe posed by climate change and market barriers.

“For one to be an entrepreneur they have to be passionate and love what they do, it may not be easy but one has to be devoted,” he said.

He further said SMMEs were the backbone of the economy as they created employment even if it was at a smaller scale compared to big companies.

The CEO highlighted that LEA was looking at viable businesses to support them so that they did not fail.

Presenting the objectives of the show, chairperson of the show organising committee, Mr Andrew Balule said the show was faced with challenges as it was planned on short notice, adding that the fact that it had been dysfunctional for three years had made people forget about it.

However, he said now that it was back they expected numbers to grow in the coming years as they would mobilise every stakeholder in the district to participate.

Mr Balule said the trade show was about sharing lessons as businesses and to put them into practice in their respective businesses even after the show.

The chairperson said they were worried about people who exhibited products that they imported from neighbouring countries.

North East District chairperson, Ms Florah Mpetsane reiterated that it was commendable that the district had revived the show after years without hosting it.

She said she believed next year the show would be better and encouraged business giants in the district to inject cash into supporting the event rather than focusing only on Francistown.

Ms Mpetsane thanked the district commissioner’s office for facilitating the show, noting that a lot could be achieved if the district worked together.

She spoke against people who vandalised the show grounds and stole some of the equipment that was kept there.

Kgosi Thabo Monaga of Masunga said there was need for thorough publicity in future to ensure everyone in the district was aware of the event.

He said the show should be made interesting by infusing the district cultural aspect in order to attract more people.

Kgosi Monaga cited the Ghanzi District Show which has incorporated horse racing in their event, and said the north east should emulate this and add donkey racing or bicycle racing to make the show fun. ENDS