However, its chairman Moitlhobogi Palalani has said they are waiting for a response from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning - the sponsors of the conference. The conference is meant to brainstorm on the way forward and get experience from other countries whose towns have experienced mine closures. The conference is meant to discuss Selebi-Phikwe as a potential education centre. Palalani said everything has been organised and experts from other countries have confirmed their attendance. The committee has secured some funds and is only waiting for the main sponsor - the Ministry of Finance.
Palalani said that the conference could provide the government with an idea on how to safeguard the future of Selebi-Phikwe.
He said the second university should be built in Selebi-Phikwe to kick-off the diversification process and show confidence in the future of the town by the government. “The private sector is reading the signs to see if they can invest in Selebi-Phikwe. Infac they are actually moving away. Why should they risk if the government is not willing to lead by example?” Moitlhobogi said the government could have sent a very strong signal by bringing the second university to Selebi-Phikwe. He said financial institutions are reluctant to fund businesses set up in Selebi-Phikwe because of the uncertain future of the town.
Palalani said the relocation of Botswana Training Authority (BTA) to Selebi-Phikwe is not a value move as it will not make any impact on the diversification plan.
An official in the Ministry of Finance, Wilfred Mandlebe confirmed that they received a proposal from the Selebi-Phikwe Diversification Committee dated March 2003 to fund a conference. He said the Ministry responded in April 2003. He declined to reveal the details of the response. “It is up to the committee to follow it up if they need clarification. We responded and you should contact them on the latest development on the issue,” said Mandlebe.
