03 Mar 2022

Preparations are underway to move the Leather Park in Lobatse from the original location behind the effluent ponds to a new location situated in the Special Economic Zone. 

The project is being relocated to make it more viable and attractive to investors and to also meet green credentials relevant to international audit protocols. 

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela said this responding to a question in Parliament on Wednesday.

Minister Kgafela explained that relocating the project would also ensure clean technologies were applied to minimise water consumption and aim for a reduced solid waste footprint, where by-products were recycled or gainfully converted into saleable new products. 

He indicated that the project was anticipated to be commissioned by the end of 2024.

“The capacity of the plant will be 50 tonnes per day. 

Agricultural Development and Food Security,  cattle hides from registered slaughter facilities is estimated at 25 tonnes per day, which will yield 250 000 hides per year. 

The volume of hides will be sufficient to support the project at the initial stage,” he said.

He added that the trade ministry was working with that of agricultural development and food security to ensure sustainability of the project.

The minister also told Parliament that the projected number of employees to be hired for Phase One of the project was estimated at 85 and was expected to increase by 80-100 employees once fully operational. 

He added that more employment was anticipated to be created through the Leather Value Chain including hides and skin collection and manufacturing of leather products. 

He further said requisite skills were available both in the public service, while some are retired. 

“Some of the retired employees are from defunct projects - artisanal tanners who could be re-trained,” he said. Lobatse MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka had asked the minister to update Parliament on the progress on the establishment of the Leather Park in Lobatse, particularly its status, when it would be commissioned, the capacity of the plant and availability of raw materials for the plant. 

Dr Matsheka also wanted to know the projected number of employees to be hired and if there was requisite skills for the leather industry as well as the plan to enhance the project viability. ends