What BCL means to Selebi-Phikwe
| Friday June 20, 2014 17:01
In his 32-year career, Matlhogonolo has only worked for BCL Mine and has lived in Selebi Phikwe for 33 years
“The Selebi Phikwe township only came into existence 10 years after BCL Mine was established and the Mine is essentially the owner of Phikwe. It is the largest employer with about 5,000 workers, with each having five family members or so.
“Selebi Phikwe’s entire population depends on BCL Mine. Before, some depended on the power station, but now it is only BCL Mine.
“The residents of Selebi Phikwe are very much aware of the Mine’s importance, hence the excitement when mineworkers are paid. Even the thieves get excited knowing that they will find something when they search pockets!
“In the future, with the diversification plans SPEDU is making as well as BCL’s own Polaris II strategy, Phikwe will be able to stand alone, but right now if the Mine shuts down, there will be no Phikwe.