Thelma Obakeng

A series of events that culminated with the carnival independence parade and sports event under the aegis of Tsholofelo Project, has sparked hope that the economy of Selibe Phikwe shall finally return to life.

The brainchild of Premium Nickel Resources Botswana (PNR) – the new owners of the Selibe Phikwe copper mines – Project Tsholofelo comprised of a business networking dinner held on the 29^th of September 2022; entrepreneurship, workshopping and training of SMMEs, as well as an art exhibition.

Speaking during the business networking dinner in Selibe Phikwe, PNR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Montwedi Mphathi described the Tsholofelo project as the redevelopment of the former BCL and Tati Nickel assets which were purchased by PNR.

He said they will continue with exploration to understand how much resources are left underground in order for them to build a mine and run it more efficiently than it was done before.

One of PNR’s objectives is to exceed the global Environment, Social and Governance’s (ESG) compliance standards the aim being to see the economy of Phikwe in a much better state. PNR would like to see and give the youth an opportunity to start sustainable businesses, engage SMMEs in the resuscitation of the economy as well as include arts and sports aspects of the economy.

Mphathi assured that the Tsholofelo Project would henceforth become an annual event.

Giving a background, PNR ESG manager Shamil Agosi said that the intensive programme prior to the carnival marked the beginning of an inaugural key strategic project termed the Tsholofelo Idea Pitch.

The programme was aimed at promoting youth ideas that could be leveraged, strengthened and supported in order to continuously impact the economy of Phikwe, trying to demonstrate a key element and strengthen stakeholder collaborations in developing SMMEs and youth entrepreneurs, as well as fostering increased investment in entrepreneurship as far as the Phikwe area is concerned.

The pitch was basically to seek bankable ideas from young people that could be grown and scaled from Selibe Phikwe to the international market. Aspiring youth entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas were called upon to showcase their ideas.

A panel of entrepreneurs and experts who had made it in their respective fields, was assembled to say if the ideas were feasible or not and if they could be used to develop the economy of Phikwe.

The criteria for judging the ideas included content, value proposition, target market, revenue model, market and size of market, competition and competitiveness advantage, background and expertise, as well as delivery of the idea.

Five top entrepreneurs were shortlisted Boiketlo Dinkeme, whose idea was Bookworm, a mobile application – emerged the winner and walked away with P20 000.00.

This App simply allows users to buy, rent, sell, donate and exchange books in an effort to cultivate the culture of reading while contributing to the united Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Botswana’s Vision 2036 pillars.

The other four entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to share what their ideas entailed.

In closing, the Selibe Phikwe East Member of Parliament Kgoberego Nkawana thanked PNR and their partners for their efforts to resuscitate Phikwe and challenged them, with hopes that their pockets were deep enough, to develop a portion of the mine to allow people to come and experience or tour the mine.

The 30th of September 2022, and part of the last events of the carnival, saw a colorful parade around some areas of Phikwe, followed by a gathering at the stadium to celebrate Independence Day.

The Mayor of Selibe Phikwe, Lucas Modimana, welcomed everyone and encouraged the government and private sector to join forces in helping to create employment. He also encouraged the youth to share their ideas with relevant offices for assistance in pursuing them so as to make a living for themselves.

PNR Chief Executive Officer Montwedi Mphathi said that on redeveloping mines, they wanted to help other sectors of the economy and ensure that by the time they are done the SPEDU region should be recognised globally and the livelihoods of the locals improved.

The Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Beauty Manake delivered the President’s Independence Speech and thanked PNR for making the day possible. She pleaded with PNR and other companies to consider sourcing materials from local companies in Phikwe, as well as joining forces with them in order to develop the economy of the area.

In his closing remarks, MP Nkawana also thanked PNR and its partners for restoring hope to Phikwe through the Tsholofelo initiative, something which he said they had long lost following the closure of the BCL mines.

Part of the festivities included an ensemble by Phikwe artists titled ‘The Pulse of SPEDU Region’ as well as a music festival with a line-up packed with local artists.

© The Pan Afrikanist 2022