26 Mar 2024

Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) Project Manager for Jwaneng Mine, Mr Obone Mabote, has underscored the need for businesses that could have a positive impact on the economy.

Mr Mabote said through CEEP, Debswana intended to maximize its impact through facilitation of the value chain opportunities that arise from its operations, by supporting entrepreneurs and developing their capacity to diversify the economy.

“Our strategy is intended to have a positive impact on the local economic landscape and we have a responsibility to leave a legacy of sustainability, hence our business partners should be aligned to our dream,” he said at the Marketplace Invasion seminar hosted by Revelation Times Ministries International (RTMI) in Jwaneng on Saturday.

Mr Mabote said establishing sustainable businesses required entrepreneurs to undertake research on their business ideas to ensure they could withstand challenges, while at the same time creating job opportunities for Batswana. He said robust business ideas and plans would enable businesses to stay afloat independently beyond their relationship with Debswana.

He asked businesses aspiring to partner with Debswana to deploy honest and transparent business practices to resonate with their brand and image so that they could add value and transforming lives.

To date, he said, the company had spent more than P18 billion from their P20 billion target for local spend, the bulk of which he said was through Jwaneng Mine. Through the all-inclusive policy, he encouraged Debswana›s business partners to support SMMEs by promoting local procurement. He said this was intended to add value to the communities and benefit even the informal sector.

He urged local businesses to position themselves for opportunities created by the envisioned small stock project coined Diamond to Mutton, which aimed at promoting production of small stock, particularly sheep, for both local and international markets. He encouraged farmers to join associations for easy coordination and communication.

The Mayor of Jwaneng, Ms Olga Ditsie, urged Batswana to take advantage of government programmes intended to grow business. She encouraged them to take the risk and embrace challenges associated with running a business.

“These programmes are viable, they only need people who are willing to succeed. Your dedication and determination will determine how far you will go,” she said.

She encouraged women to take up space in the business sector and work hard to penetrate male-dominated areas. She applauded RTMI for creating a platform intended to empower and propel congregants towards prosperity.

“Creating such an opportunity is a big investment to the communities and the local economy. This is the real prosperity teaching from you as a church,” she said.

Apostle Philimon Ramono of RTMI said through the seminar, they wanted to create a platform for existing and aspiring entrepreneurship to network and benchmark from one another. He underscored the need to provide them with information on various government programmes and how they could access financial programmes to grow their businesses. ENDs