25 Jul 2024

The Mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo, has called for collaboration and innovation from different stakeholders to transform Francistown into a beacon of progress. Giving a keynote address at the Francistown Urban Development Plan 5 District Conference in Francistown yesterday, Mr Radisigo said Francistown hums with the energy of possibility, waiting to be unlocked. 

He explained that Francistown, for too long, has languished in the shadow of its former glory. 

The mayor said the time had come for every stakeholder to forge a new path, to embrace economic diversification and chart a course towards a thriving, prosperous tomorrow. 

He raised his voice in defence of the informal sector adding that, “do not dismiss the humble hawker, the talented tailor, and the indigenous entrepreneurs that ply their trade on our streets, for they are the lifeblood of our city, the ones who keep the heart of our economy beating with ingenuity and grit”. 

Mr Radisigo pointed out that the informal sector plays a pivotal role in the economy of Botswana and that the government has made a commitment to support it. 

However, he appealed to members of the informal sector to license their businesses, adding that most of them are trading illegally, which is against the law. 

He also appealed to the participants to use the conference as a platform to inspire change, foster collaboration and build a city that is not only smart and sustainable, but is also inclusive and equitable in nature and that embodies the city’s slogan, “The city of all things precious”.

 Presenting on the topic, ‘Sustainable Economic Development’, the City of Francistown Principal Economist, Mr Mmolotsi Katlholo, explained that Francistown had made commendable achievements to be a hub for doing business.

 Mr Katlholo said the city has reduced time required in business registration process as well as implementing online system for filing and paying taxes. He also explained that the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has endorsed a service delivery timeline on new connections as well as the automation of work and residence permits to improve compliance to service standards. 

He also informed participants that SMMEs in Francistown have made a tremendous contribution to the local economy. “The turnover from SMMEs has grown tremendously in the past six years, which is a sign of economic growth,” said Mr Katlholo. 

He explained that the turnover grew from P37 million in 2018 to P249 million in 2023. 

He stated that tourism also plays a key role in sustainable economic development by contributing to economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation and environmental conservation. 

He noted that in 2018, tourism in Francistown generated revenue of over P98 million, while in 2018 it stood at over P133 million. Mr Katlholo, however, said in 2020 it went down to less than P64 million due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

He said in 2021, the generated revenue picked up to over P89 million whilst in 2022 it was just above P75 million. 

He said the challenges encountered include shortage of land for sectors such as agriculture. 

He said that other challenges include inadequate participation of citizens in the economy, inadequate investment in technology and innovation, as well as mindset factors. 

Participants raised a concern about migration from Francistown because the second city remains a ghost due to lack of economic activities. 

Monarch Court president, Kgosi Pepukae Makambe, called for the establishment of municipal police because for developments to be sustainable, they must be managed and policed. 

He explained that most municipal crimes happen during the weekends. 

He said the issue of shortage of land has been there way back and requires immediate attention more so that government had acquired 45 000 hectares of land around Francistown and North East District to address the issue. 

The Director of Education (North East region), Mr Labane Mokgosi, said plans are at an advanced stage to introduce sign language in schools. 

Mr Mokgosi said if things go as planned, the introduction of this language would start next year. He said the value of sign language in the school curriculum cannot be overstated, for it is an integral piece of the puzzle of education. 

Mr Mokgosi explained that as a form of communication that bridges the gap between those with hearing impairments and those without, sign language is not only a tool of inclusion, but also of empathy and respect. 

The conference delved into critical topics ranging from sustainable development, environmental sustainability, and community development. The discussions were aimed at addressing pressing issues that the city faces and explore innovative solutions to the challenges. ENDS