12 Jan 2025

The Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa has urged business community in the SPEDU region to leverage opportunities present, emphasising the potential employment growth in the area.

The minister was speaking during an engagement meeting with business owners of companies assisted by SPEDU in Selebi Phikwe recently. He was accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroyaone Ntsima.

Mr Mohwasa pointed key areas such as Tuli Block known for its significant tourism potential, and urged for collaborative efforts to transform such opportunities into tangible economic benefits in the region.

With tourism recognised as a critical economic sector, Mr Mohwasa stated the need for innovation and investment at Tuli Block highlighting the potential for more activities that could attract both local and international tourists.

“The government still stand resolute to fulfil its promise of creating jobs and Tuli Block under SPEDU holds the potential to generate some of the 500 000 promised jobs. Consequently, it is crucial for key stakeholders to collaborate effectively to turn these available opportunities into actual outcomes and diversify an economy aimed at creation of more jobs,” he said.

Mr Mohwasa further discouraged corruption and bottleneck activities which he said crippled some business entities and also negatively affected the overall economy of the country.

 The Chairperson of Tuli Block Farmers Association, Mr Jan Stiglingh said while farms at Tuli Block had the potential to improve security and reduce the fruits and vegetable importation bill,  some of the challenges they encountered made it slightly difficult to effectively conduct their daily activities.

He said poor roads especially during rainy seasons, failure to be connected to the telecommunication national grid, high electricity bills, lack of sustainable pricing and lack of a mobile clinic for workers at the farms were some of the challenges that weighed them down.

Minister Ntsima assured the business communities of government commitment to support businesses in the region. He said their concerns would be taken into consideration and addressed accordingly. He also expressed satisfaction about some of the projects he visited saying the products were market competent. ENDS