18 Jun 2025

Council Mayor has emphasised the need for strategic planning and implementation, to revitalise and diversify the city’s economy.

Addressing a kgotla meeting on Tuesday at Gerald Estates in Francistown,  Mayor Gaone Majere highlighted the potential of sectors such as tourism in contributing to economic development. He announced that a farm owned by Wildlife would be transformed into the Francistown Educational Park.

Mayor Majere also revealed  that  the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has allocated P1million for the initiation of this project, which is expected to create jobs and help reduce the city’s unemployment rate. Acknowledging the government’s financial constraints, Mayor Majere assured residents that city leaders were committed to diversifying Francistown’s economy. He mentioned ongoing efforts to host significant events that could generate income for local businesses.In addition, he said, the recent BTC Marathon, held in April, served as a successful example, with hotels, guest houses, and lodges fully booked, providing a boost to small businesses.

Mayor Majere also told residents that Francistown would host the Miss Universe pageant in August, which is anticipated to further benefit the local economy.

He also said the opening of Tati Mine, expected to create approximately 400 jobs, was a positive development following the mine’s previous closure, which had adversely affected the city. To address financial challenges while delivering services to residents, Mayor Majere stated that the council was exploring cost-saving measures, including reducing electricity expenses by utilising solar energy. 

He further expressed the city’s ambition to be the first to install solar systems in government facilities, indicating that currently, the project to install solar energy equipment had commenced at Tagala Primary School which would be rolled-out to other schools. 

Gerald Estates Court President,  Mr  Motlatsi Kediseng commended the Mayor for engaging with the community. However, he raised concerns about high unemployment rates, which he said contributed to social issues such as theft and drug use among the youth.

He highlighted the prevalence of crime in the area, citing numerous drug depots within the city.

Residents of Gerald also voiced their dissatisfaction with police and clinic services, indicating that staff shortages hindered effective service delivery. ENDS