BUAN, Phikwe partner for economic revitalisation
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday September 10, 2025 13:16
When updating the recent Selebi-Phikwe full council, Mosepele said that BUAN wants to work with the town through various initiatives to rejuvenate Selebi-Phikwe.
'The town’s economic transformation strategy post-BCL requires institutions like BUAN as key strategic partners. “Your future does not repose in your past, but rather resides in innovations anchored on the land and the people,' he said.
According to Mosepele, BUAN’s mission is to unlock national potential through research, innovation, and development. He further stated that they are committed to building local capacity, transferring knowledge, and fostering entrepreneurship.
However, he said that this will require collective effort from both parties to tailor-make initiatives for Phikwe’s rebirth.
Mosepele stated that BUAN already has a presence in the area through several partnerships and initiatives, which testifies to its commitment to Selebi-Phikwe. He indicated that they have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Selebi-Phikwe Citrus (SPC), a forward-looking agri-business behemoth in the region.
The vice chancellor said that because of this partnership and professionals in citrus production and value addition, BUAN students receive practical training through regular field visits to the SPC Orchard, an illustration of an enduring partnership between the private sector and academia.
He also said that they are exploring the development of vocational and short courses aligned to national and regional qualifications through a school's programme modelled after the Citrus Academy of South Africa.
This envisaged initiative not only offers education but also employment pathways, entrepreneurial training, and the integration of agriculture into national development, starting in Selebi-Phikwe, he added.
Furthermore, Mosepele said that BUAN is planning benchmarking visits to South Africa to better understand how the citrus industry can transform regions like Selebi-Phikwe.
He indicated that due to their collaboration with Selebi-Phikwe Citrus, BUAN hosted a beekeeping symposium last year, which attracted over 100 participants, including farmers and representatives from several SADC countries.
He explained that this symposium led to new and exciting collaborations, such as the Phokoje Farm Bee School, located just outside Selebi-Phikwe. 'This farm not only supports SPC by supplying trained beekeepers but also serves as a practical training site for BUAN students. Therefore, BUAN students will periodically visit Phokoje to learn directly from local experts,' he added.
Mosepele added: 'This is a perfect illustration of academia and community partnerships — the hallmark of impactful universities'.