13 Jan 2025

SPEDU is emerging as a key player in the region’s economic recovery efforts, focusing on innovation, job creation, and social upliftment opportunities, according to Mr Maiba Samunzala, SPEDU Acting Director for Strategic Projects.

Mr Samunzala made the remarks during an engagement meeting with local business owners, which was attended by Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa and the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima.

Providing an overview of SPEDU’s initiatives, Mr Samunzala reported a positive performance across various projects, highlighting a total of 179 projects, which include 152 privately owned, five government-funded, and 21 community-based initiatives currently at different stages of implementation.

Of these, 82 projects have reached full operation, including 51 in the manufacturing sector, 16 in agribusiness, four in tourism, three related to infrastructure, and eight focused on community development. The total value of these projects is P2.5 billion, creating 7,185 jobs for the local community.

“SPEDU operates as a regional economic diversification agency, facilitating and implementing sustainable economic projects aimed at job creation and social upliftment while promoting economic empowerment through community engagement,” Mr Samunzala stated.

He emphasised the role of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in driving community-based economic strategies.

In a bid to attract more investors and reach out to additional communities, SPEDU has extended its services to Maunatlala, Lerala, Bobirwa, and Mmadinare.

Mr Samunzala acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including CEDA, BITC, LEA, district administration, and various government departments, for supporting SPEDU’s journey since its inception.

Despite these advancements, Mr Samunzala also voiced concerns over several challenges facing the unit. Issues such as inadequate operational space, lack of serviced land, delays in land servicing projects, market limitations for certain projects, slow implementation of government off-take incentives, and raw material shortages had impeded progress and negatively impact SPEDU’s mandate, he said.

The Mayor of Selibe-Phikwe, Mr Oageng Makgosa, raised concerns about the absence of a Chief Executive Officer at SPEDU for the past two years, which he noted had made it increasingly difficult for the unit to fulfill its mandate effectively. ENDS