Public Review
STAFF WRITER | Friday March 20, 2026 09:39
PUBLIC REVIEW NOTICE
NOTIFICATION FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED BASE METALS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE TUTUME DISTRICT
In compliance with Section 10(2) of the Environmental Assessment (“EA”) Act (Cap. 65:07), the major findings of the Environmental Impacts Assessment for the above project are as summarised below:
A.
Nature and Magnitude of the Activity
The project Proponent, Premier Gold Resources Proprietary Limited, wishes to undertake base metals exploration activities within three prospecting licenses (“PL”) areas: PL012/2018, PL153/2016, and PL235/2016 located 10 km from the villages of Maitengwe and Tutume. The project will involve Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling and Diamond Core (DC) drilling within project tenures. Approximately 11 drillholes have been initially identified across the target areas within the PL.
B.
Rationale for the Project
The main objective of the project is to explore base metal targets on prospecting licenses. If the exploration results are positive, this could lead to development of a potential mine to exploit the resource.
C.
Location of the Activity
The proposed exploration area is near Tutume and Maitengwe within the Tutume District. The prospecting areas are accessible via the Tutume – Maitengwe tarred road and various gravel roads. The project area lies within tribal land.
D.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures
The table below presents a summary of the impacts associated with the proposed project together with the proposed mitigation measures for each, as per the project Environmental Management Plan.
Environmental Impacts Predicted
Proposed Mitigation Measure
Negative impacts
Disturbance and loss of cultural, historical and archaeological resources
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Archaeological induction and watching brief should be undertaken with Project personnel.
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Discovery of archaeological remains such as subsurface artefacts and archaeological sites must be reported to the DNMM immediately.
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The inadvertent discovery of human burials or skeletal remains within the Project site must be treated with utmost respect and dignity and work should immediately be halted, and a report must be made to DNMM.
Loss and disturbance of vegetation
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Vegetation clearance should be limited to required sites.
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Open fires on site should be prohibited.
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Mature trees, large trees and protected species should be preserved.
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Rehabilitation must be undertaken without delay after drilling.
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Protected flora species must not be cut, damaged or disturbed.
Establishment and proliferation of invasive plant species
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Equipment brought to site must be clean and free of any plant material from previous work sites.
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Remove any invasive plants species immediately if identified at site.
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Rehabilitate all drill sites and areas no longer in use.
Loss and disturbance of fauna and livestock
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Training and awareness of staff with regards to wildlife conflict and interactions.
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Scout any areas before mobilisation to check for the presence of fauna, particularly dangerous fauna species such as elephants and snakes.
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Poaching and killing of animals must be strictly prohibited.
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The Proponent should enforce speed restrictions to limit collisions with fauna and livestock.
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Food waste must be contained in scavenger-resistant receptacles while awaiting disposal or collection by a licenced refuse collector.
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Establish a grievance mechanism to allow prompt reporting and resolution of concerns related to livestock disturbance or land use conflicts.
Loss of topsoil due to erosion
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Removal of vegetation must be done in demarcated areas only.
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Rehabilitation should be implemented without delay after drilling.
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Development of gullies must be monitored.
Risk of soil contamination
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Heavy duty sheeting to be used below drill rigs and recycled drilling liquid storage.
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Oil and fuel should be stored in facilities where spillage can be contained.
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Oil spillage kits must be available on-site for immediate containment of oil spillages.
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Maintenance of machines and vehicles must be done regularly.
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Drip trays should be used to collect fuel and oils leaking from machines.
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Hydrocarbon spill and contaminated soils should be isolated and treated any without delay.
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Drilling consumables should be used as per the recommends in the material safety data sheets
Risk of surface and ground water contamination
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Drilling consumables to be used as per the recommendations in the MSDS, and in concentrations are per manufacturers recommendations.
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Heavy duty plastic sheeting to be used below drill rigs and parked vehicles and equipment. Ensure there is no possible mixing of drilling water with engine oil or diesel fuel from the DC drill rig.
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Preventative equipment such as oil spillage kits must be made available onsite for immediately treating any oil spillages.
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Maintenance of machines and vehicles must be done regularly to prevent fuel spillages.
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Store oil and fuel in bunded areas where leaks and spillage can be contained. Bunded areas must be able to contain at least 110% of the liquid volumes stored.
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Use drip trays to collect fuel and oils from leaking machines.
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Isolate and treat any hydrocarbon spills and contaminated soils without delay.
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Portable toilets must be provided for the workers at the drill sites (at 1:10 ratio) and be regularly serviced.
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Ensure drill holes are protected from water inflow and cap drill holes at the end of drilling.
Increase in ambient noise levels.
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Regularly maintained equipment to be used to minimise production of excessive noise.
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Machinery to be equipped with sound mufflers to minimise noise.
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Employees should be provided with ear protection.
Air pollution due to dust and emissions from equipment
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Implement speed restrictions (60km/hr) to minimise vehicle entrained dust.
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Carry out dust suppression where required on access roads and drill sites (preferably using recycled water).
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Gaseous emissions from site machinery and vehicles must be reduced or prevented by regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery.
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Machinery must be switched off while not in use
Land pollution due to increased waste generation
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Cleared vegetation waste to be put in stockpiles for use during rehabilitation.
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General waste (such as food and plastic waste) from daily activities must be removed from site daily and stored in a designated holding area at the Proponent’s accommodation facility in Senete.
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Engage a licenced service provider for collection and disposal of general waste from the holding area regularly at a designated waste facility.
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Ensure that hazardous waste are kept separately and disposed of at facilities accepting of such waste.
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Strict housekeeping must be maintained.
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Food waste must be contained in a scavenger-resistant receptacles while awaiting disposal or collection by a licenced refuse collector.
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Awareness campaigns regarding waste must be presented through toolbox talks.
Risk of occupational incidents and accidents
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The Proponent’s health and safety specifications must be fully adhered to.
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Adequate protective equipment and clothing must be provided to workers.
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Staff should be trained and qualified for the work they are assigned to do.
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Ensure all equipment is fitted with guards around moving parts.
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Speed of trucks and vehicles should be regulated (60km/hr maximum) on gravel trucks.
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Ensure vehicles are maintained and in a road-worthy condition.
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Implement regular awareness training for staff in relation to driving.
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Control access of people to and from the drilling sites and only allow workers in the drill sites.
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Ensure awareness of predators and inspect work areas and surroundings carefully each morning prior to the start of works.
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Good housekeeping on-site should be maintained to avoid attracting scavengers.
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Suspend drilling works on site if fauna is nearby and liaise with DWNP officials for removal.
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Night-driving and walking should be prohibited.
Disturbance of agricultural accidents
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Engage with local farmers before commencement of Project activities to agree on land access.
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Schedule exploration outside the main farming season where possible.
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Use existing tracks to minimize land and crop disturbance.
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Rehabilitate disturbed sites by backfilling and capping the drill holes after drilling.
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Avoid damage to public and private property, any damage must be repaired without delay.
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Establish a grievance mechanism to allow prompt reporting and resolution of concerns related to agricultural disturbance or land use conflicts.
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Ensure the measures to avoid soil and water contamination are implemented.
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Ensure that dust suppression measures, and measures to minimise noise are implemented
Potential damage of existing access roads due to increased usage and heavy machinery
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Avoid creating new roads or tracks unless it is necessary, where new tracks are created consult with neighbouring land users and local authorities.
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Enforce speed limits (60 km/h) to reduce dust and mechanical stress on the existing road.
Positive Impacts
Improved livelihoods due to employment opportunities
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Locals in the region should be given priority for employment especially for opportunities that require low-skilled workers. Prioritisation of employment of youth and woman should be considered.
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Recruitment for low-skilled labourers should be coordinated through notice boards at the offices of the proximate tribal administrations to increase the chances of local recruitment.
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Utilise local supplied and local subcontractors where possible.
Improved understanding of the mineral resource and local geology
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Correct capturing and storage of data
Conclusion
Conclusions drawn from the Environmental Impact Assessment are that some negative environmental impacts may arise as a result of the implementation of the project. Positive impacts such as improved livelihoods as a result of employment opportunities and better understanding of the local geology are also expected. Mitigation measures have been proposed to curb the adverse impacts and enhance the positive impacts of operation, and if correctly implemented, most of the identified negative impacts will be minimised or eliminated.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the project be allowed to proceed with due implementation of all the mitigation measures recommended in the project Environmental Impact Assessment.
Environmental Impact Study placement
Copies of the detailed Environmental Impact Statements have been placed at the following places for reviewing by the public and Interested & Affected Parties.
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Department of Environmental Protection in Francistown
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Tutume kgotla
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Maitengwe Kgotla
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Senete Kgotla
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Nkange Kgotla
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Dagwi Kgotla
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Changate kgotla
Written comments or objections from those likely to be affected by the project and other interested persons should be submitted to: The District Environmental Coordinator, Private Bag F020 Francistown, Tel: 2417363, Fax: 2417108 or hand delivered to DEP office in Francistown (Ntshe House, First Floor, Office No. 2.104, 2.109, 2.110, 2.111 & 2.112 before the 14th of April 2026.
KITSISO YA DITSHWAELO TSA SETŠHBA
KITSISO YA SETŠHABA MO DIPATLISISONG TSA TSHEKATSHEKO YA DITLAMORAGO MO TIKOLOGONG TSA TIRO YA GO DUPA DITSHIPI MO KGAOLONG YA TUTUME
Go diragatsa karolo ya lesome ya molawana wa bobedi wa molao wa tshekatsheko tikologo, maduo a tshekatsheko ya ditlamorago tsa tiro e e boletsweng fa godimo a sobokilwe fa tlase:
A.
Sebopego le bogolo jwa Tiro
Kompone ya Premier Gold Resources, ba eletsa go dupa ditshipi mo kgaolong ya Tutume mo mafelong a a mo diteseletsong tsa go dupa: PL012/2018, PL153/2016 le PL235/2016 dikhilomethara di ka nna lesome gaufi le Metse ya Tutume le Maitengwe mo kgaolong ya Tutume. Tiro e, e akaretsa go dupa ka motlhale wa go bora lefatshe mo diteseletsong. Go tla phunngwa didiba tsa tshekatsheko di ka nna lesome le bongwe (11) mo mafelong aa setseng a bonwe mo lifelong la tiro.
B.
Maikaelelo a Tlhabololo e
Maikaelelo a tiro ke go dupa go sekasekiwa go nna teng ga ditshipi mo mafelong a diteseletso tse di nankotsweng fa godimo, fa maduo a atlegile, go ka nna le kgonagalo ya go simolola ditlhatlhobo tsa go aga le go tsamaisa meepo.
C.
Lefelo la Tiro
Lefelo la kanoko le gaufi le metse ya Tutume le Maitengwe mo kgaolong ya Tutume. Tsela ya Tutume - Maitengwe le ditselana tse di mabapi di ka dirisiwa go ya ko mafelong a diteseletso tsa go dupa. Mafelo a, a mo lefatsheng la morafe.
D.
Ditlamorago tse di solofetsweng le metlhale ya go leka go fokotsa manokonoko le go oketsa bomolemo jwa tiro
Moalo o o fa tlase o supa diitlamorago tsa tiro e, le metlhale e e akanyeditsweng go fokotsa manokonoko a go remeletswe mo ditshekatshekong tsa tiro e.
Ditlamorago tse di solofetsweng
Metlhale ya go fokotsa manokonoko kana go oketsa bomolemo jwa ditlamorago
Ditlamorago tse di sa siamang
Kgonagalo ya go senyega ga dithotamarope le matlotlo a a ka fa tlase ga lefatshe
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Badiri ba tiro ba tshwanetse go rutuntshiwa ka dithulaganyo tse di tshwanetseng go salwa morago fa go ka fitlhelwa matlotlo fa go ntse go dupiwa.
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Fa go ka fitlhwelwa matlotlo, Lephata la Ditso le Matlotlo le tshwanetse go itsisiwe ka bofefo.
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Marapo a batho a a ka fitlhelwang mo mafelong a tiro a tshwanetse go tshwarwa ka tlotlo, ditiro tsa go dupa di emisiwe, ebe go itsisiwa Lephata la Ditso le Matlotlo.
Go gotlhega le go fokotsega ga ditlhare le majang
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Go tshwanetse gore go tlhagolwe mafelo fela a a tlhokafalang.
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Melelo e e godiwang e seka ga letlelelwa.
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Ditlhare tse ditona, le tse di sireleditsweng ka fa molaong di tshwanetse go somarelwa.
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Go tshwanetse ga baakanngwa mafelo a a neng a dirisiwa ka bofefo.
Go tlhoga ga mefero le dimela tsa metsenelela
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Didirisiwa tsa tiro di tshwanetse gore ebe di sena ditlhatshana le dimela go tswa ko mafelong a ditiro tsa pele.
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Mefero le dimela tsa metsenelela tse di ka tlhogang di tshwanetse go ntshiwa ka bofefo.
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Mafelo a tiro a sa tlholeng ale mo tirisong a tshwanetse go baakanngwa ka bofefo go itsa go tlhoga ga mefero.
Go tshwenyega ga diphologolo le leruo
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Go tsoma diphologolo tsa naga mo go seng ka fa molaong go tshwanetse go ilediwa.
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Lephata la Diphologolo le Makgabisa-naga le tshwanetse go itsisewe ka bofefo fa go ka nna le polao ya phologolo ya naga.
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Badiri ba tlaa rutuntshwa gore ba itshware jang fa ba bona diphologolo tsa naga.
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Lebelo la dikoloi le tshwanetse go beelwa seelo go fokotsa kgonagalo ya dikotsi tse di amang diphologolo le leruo.
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Go tshwanetse go nna le lenaneo la go bega dingongora go tswa kwa baruing mabapi le tsa tiro.
Go gogolwa ga mmu o o fa godimo
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Go tlaa ntshiwa dimela mo mafelong a a tlhokegang fela.
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Lefelo la tiro le tshwanetse go baakanngwa ka bofefo fa go sena go dupiwa.
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Go tlaa dirisiwa dimela tse di tlholegang mo mafelong a a amiwang ke tiro go fefosa go mela ga ditlhare.
Kgonagalo ya go kgotlela mmu
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Go tlaa dirisiwa mabeelo ka fa tlase ga didirisiwa tse di dupang go fema kgotlelesego.
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Maokwane a tshwanetse go bewa mo lefelong le le ka thibang go tshologa ga one.
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Didirisiwa tsa go fema kgotlhelesego ya mmu di tshwanetse tsa nna teng mo lefelong la tiro.
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Dikoloi le didirisiwa tsa tiro di tshwanetse go baakanngwa go itsa go dutla ga maokwane.
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Mmu o o kgotlelesegileng o tshwanetse go tlhaolwa ebe o phephafadiwa ka bofefo.
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Didirisiwa tsa go dupa di tshwanetse go dirisiwa go selwa morago ditaelo tsa tsone.
Kgonagalo ya go kgotlela metsi le didiba ke maokwane
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Metswako ee dirisiwang mo tirong ya go dupa e tshwanetse ya dirisiwa go setswe morago melawana ya tiriso ya tsone.
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Go tshwanetse ga netefatswa gore metsi a a dirisiwang go dupa ga a kopane le leokwane.
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Dipe tse di kgotlelang metsi di tshwanetse go bewa mo lefelong le le ka itsang go dutla.
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Didirisiwa tsa go fema kgotlelesego ya metsi di tshwanetse go nna teng mo lefelong la tiro.
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Dikoloi le didirisiwa tsa tiro di tshwanetse go baakanngwa go itsa go dutla ga leokwane.
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Metsi a a kgotlelesegileng a tshwanetse go tlhaolwa ebe a phephafadiwa ka bofefo.
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Go tshwanetse ga netefatswa fa didiba tsa go dupa dis sa letle go tsena metsi go itsa kgotlhelesego ya metswedi ya metsi.
Koketsego ya modumo
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Dikoloi le didirisiwa tsa tiro di tshwanetse go tlhodumelwa go fokotsa modumo.
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Go tlaa tsenngwa didirisiwa tse di fokotsang modumo mo dikoloing..
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Badiri ba tshwanetse go fiwa dirisiwa tse di ba babalelang ditsebe.
Kgotlelesego ya phefo e e bakwang ke lerole le mesi ya dikoloi.
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Mabelo a dikoloi a tshwanetse go laolwa go fokotsa go tsoga ga lerole.
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Dikoloi le didirisiwa di tshwanetse go tlhodumelwa go tlhomamisa gore mosi o o tswang mo go tsone ke wa selekanyo se se letlelesegang.
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Lerole le tshwanetse go batwa fa go dupiwa.
Kgotlelo ya lefatshe e e bakwang ke koketsego ya matlakala
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Ditlhaga tse di tlhagotsweng di tshwanetse go kgobokanngwa gore di dirisiwe fa go phephafadiwa.
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Matlakala a tshwanetse go bewa mo mabeelong aa nakwana, ebe a ntshiwa a latlhelwa ko mafelong a matlakala a a ka fa molaong.
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Matlakala a a kotsi a tshwanetse go latlhelwa ko mafelong a a amogelang matlakala a mofuta o.
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Badiri ba tshwanetse go rutuntsiwa ka tshwaro le tatlho ya matlakala.
Botsogo le pabalesego ya badiri
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Lenaneo la botsogo le pabalesego ya badiri le tshwanetse la diragadiwa.
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Badiri ba tshwanetse go abelwa dilwana tsa tiro tsa itshireletso tse di feletseng.
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Setšhaba se tshwanetse go itsesiwe ka ditshekatsheko tsa maranyane a difofane pele ga di simololwa.
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Go tlaa dirwa tshekatsheko ya tsa pabalesego pele ga ditiro di simololwa.
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Lebelo la diteraka le tshwaetse gore le laolwe.
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Tiro e tlaa emisiwa fa go ka bonwa sebatana kgotsa tlou mo lefelong la tiro. Lephatha la Diphologolo le Makgabisanaga tlaa itsesiwe gore phologolo e ntshiwe mo lefelong leo.
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Go kgweetsa bosigo go seka ga letlelelwa.
Kgoreletsego ya ditiro tsa temo-thuo
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Balemi le barui ba tshwanetswe go tsiboswa fa tiro e simolola go netefatsa fa diteseletso tsa go tsena mo masimong di dirilwe.
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Fa go kgonanagala, tiro ya go dupa e dirwe morago fa go sena go rojwa/Kotula ko masimo.
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Go rotloediwa go dirisiwa mebila le ditsela tse di teng go fema kgoreletsego kana tshenyo ya dijwalo.
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Tshenyo ya dithoto ee e ka diragalang ka ntlha ya tiro e tshwanetse go baakanngwa ka bofefo.
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Go tshwanetse ga nna le tsela ee papametseng ya go isa ikuelo kana dingongora.
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Go tshwanetse go kwadisiwa dingongora mo bukaneng. Dingongora di tshwanetse go rarabololwa mo malatsing a le supa.
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Go tshwanetse ga netefatswa fa lerole le modumo yo o ka nnang teng ka ntlha ya tiro di ritibadiwa go fokotsa manokonoko.
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Dituelo tsa phimolo-dikeledi ya tshenyo le polao ya diruiwa di tshwanetse gore di lekane.
Kgonagalo ya senyega ga ditsela tsa morafe ka ntlha ya dikoloi le didirisiwa tsa tiro
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Ditsela tse disha di seka tsa dirwa ntle fela fa go tlhokafala mme ebile go buisantswe le maphata aa maleba le baagisanyi.
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Lebelo la dikoloi tsa tiro le tshwanetse go beelwa seelo sa 60km/h go fokotsa lerole le go senyega ga ditsela.
Ditlamorago tse di siameng
Tshono ya go bona mmereko
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Beng gae ba tshwanetse go fiwa tshono tsa go thapiwa bogolo jang go lebilwe ditiro tse di sa batleng dithutego go eteleditswe pele banana le bomme.
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Go tlaa nna le tsamaiso e e papametseng ya tsa khiro, go dirisanwa le baeteledipele ba morafe.
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Go rotloediwa gore go dirisiwe bo rakonteraka ba mo gae fa go kgonagala.
Tlhaloganyo ya sebopego sa matlapa sese tokafetseng
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Go potiela dipego tse di lolameng ka Lefelo la tiro.
Ko Motsubong
Tshwetso e e tserweng mo lenaneong la pabalelo tikologo ke gore ditlamorago tse di bosula di tla nna teng ka ntlha ya tiro e. Ditlamorago tse, di tla kgona go laolesega gape di ka kgona go fokotswa manokonoko ka go diragatsa metlhale ya go fokotsa manokonoko. Ditlamorago tse di ntle di tla nna teng go tswa mo tirong e.
Thotloetso
Ditshekatsheko tsa ditlamorago tsa tiro mo tikologong di supa fa ele gore tiro ya go dupa e ka tswelela mme go diragadiwe mananeo a paakanyo a go gakolotsweng ka one.
Peo ya meriti ya pego
Meriti ya pego e, e ka bonwa mo mafelong a a latelang go ka tlhodumelwa ke botlhe ba ba amegang kgotsa bana le kgatlhego.
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Lephata la Tshomarelo Tikologo ko Francistown
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Tutume kgotla
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Maitengwe Kgotla
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Senete Kgotla
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Nkange Kgotla
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Dagwi Kgotla
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Changate kgotla
Dikakgelo le dipotso tsotlhe tsa ba ba amegang di ka romelwa kwa: Mookamedi wa Kgaolo, Lephata la Tshomarelo Tikologo, Private Bag F020 Francistown, Tel: 2417363, Fax: 2417108, kgotsa tsa isiwa ko Lephateng la Tshomarelo Tikologo kwa Francistown (Ntshe House, First Floor, Office No. 2.104, 2.109, 2.110, 2.111 & 2.112 pele ga Moranang a tlhola malatsi a le lesome le bone 2026.