SPEDU marketing and communications director, Wazha Tema told Mmegi that the unit is still in its infant stage and is facing teething problems. He explained that regional economic development, coupled with the diversification agenda is a mammoth task, which require skilled and experienced people dedicated to the cause.
"The other challenge is making stakeholders to embrace this whole concept of regional economic development. We have to think outside the box with the view that Selebi-Phikwe is faced with a unique problem which calls for unique solutions to development," he said.
Tema said he is hopeful that by April 2010, they will have made headway in mobilising all stakeholders to buy the idea of regional economic development. He stated that the diversification programme has been affected by the global recession. He pointed out that there is need for credible inward investment in Selebi-Phikwe. He said SPEDU needs time to achieve its targets.
"Diversifying the economy is not like producing a product in a factory, it involves quite a number of stakeholders, processes, policy support and definitely needs patience. I am confident that we are picking up pace, the ship has left the harbour and though the engines are not all at full throttle, the rest are picking up as the oil chambers have started to burn," he said. He stated that SPEDU is moving in the right direction and their belief is that the need to diversify the economy of Selebi-Phikwe is an imperative that cannot be ignored.
Tema explained that SPEDU's mandate covers Selebi-Phikwe, Mmadinare, Bobirwa and Tswapong North. He said the mandate covers a wide area because it was felt the impact of BCL mine closure is beyond Selebi-Phikwe town. He stated that SPEDU will position the region to be well known as an investment and tourism destination of choice at national international level.
"We want Selebi-Phikwe to be back to business. We shall capitalise on its natural wonders and its position in the SADC region market in terms of tourism, transport and logistics," he said.
He asserted that it is believed economic diversification of Selebi-Phikwe will reduce the region's volatility and increase its activity performance. He mentioned that they have identified a number of engines of growth that can make Selebi-Phikwe competitive. These are regional tourism development, industrial development, SMME development, investment and trade facilitation, knowledge-based development and agro-business development.
