17 Sep 2024

Francistown mayor, Mr Godisang Radisigo has underscored the need to transition Botswana to a private sector-led economy.

Mr Radisigo, who was speaking at the second Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) golf day gala dinner in Francistown recently, emphasised the need for transformation of the country’s economic landscape into a private enterprise-driven model.

Embracing a new era of dynamism, the mayor envisioned a future for Botswana marked by innovation, efficiency, and private sector-led growth.

“We have long been admired for our stability and vision, but the time has come for us to embrace a new paradigm, a paradigm that harnesses the power of the private enterprise, innovation, that can propel us towards unprecedented prosperity,” he said.

Mr Radisigo, therefore, called for strategic partnerships with private investors, implementation of bold economic reforms, and reimagining of Botswana’s regulatory framework to foster entrepreneurship and stimulate growth.

Earlier on during the tournament, the mayor challenged the common notion that golf was a sport exclusively reserved for the affluent.

Mr Radisigo said those who linked golf solely to the wealthy were mistaken.

He said while the equipment, which ranged from the pristine courses to the stylish attire could be costly, ‘it does not prohibit individuals of modest means from participating in the game’.

He therefore challenged Batswana to join the sport in large numbers and make a living,  adding that like any other sporting code, golf could generate revenue, citing Tiger Woods as one of the most successful and famous golfers in history.

The mayor further indicated that most countries that had many golf courses viewed them as a sign of economic development.

He explained that Francistown stood a better chance to attract golfers because of the magnificent pomegranate 18-hole golf course.

Mr Radisigo said there was still room for Francistown to have more golf courses as the second city hoped to have a share of land from the acquired 45 000 hectares from Tati Company.

“Today, in Francistown, as we stand amidst this beautiful course, we see a reflection of our city’s progress and prosperity,” said Mr Radisigo.

He said Francistown, as a sports hub for international football games, had embraced golf as a symbol of its economic advancement.

Mr Radisigo also made a suggestion that the BAC annual golf tournament be re-branded to become The Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament.

He said the move would make the tournament bigger and better, thereby attracting golfers from outside the country.

BAC executive secretary, Ms Serty Leburu said the main objective of the tournament was to raise funds for BCA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which included Adopt-a-School and youth empowerment projects, that would make meaningful impact in the communities.

Ms Leburu explained that BAC had partnered with the City of Francistown in the annual golf tournament to make it more attractive.

Meanwhile, the proceeds of the tournament will go to Nxakato JSS in Sowa Township and Sebele 1 Primary School in Molepolole.

BAC adopted the two schools in 2016 when the Adopt-a-School initiative was introduced.

The gala dinner also saw BAC donating four tablets to Nxakato JSS to enhance the pupils’ learning process.

Councillor for Francistown Central, Ms Lilian Criesmeir, where BAC campus sits, also pledged P2 000  and support towards the college’s initiative.

The tournament attracted more than 45 golfers sponsored by different private companies.

This year’s winners of the second BAC golf tournament are; Gaone Matshaba, Diane Lucas, Onkabetse Monamati, and Lone Maphane, all from Orapa Gold Club.  Ends