SPEDU won�t be my failure-Makgato Malesu
Onalenna Kelebeile | Thursday June 26, 2014 13:04
She noted that when the agency started in 2009, Batswana were doubtful, wanting to see tangible projects.
Officiating at the SPEDU and National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) open day recently, Makgato-Malesu said that from inception, they had to ensure it was run independently so as to avoid projects being delayed by government bureaucracy.
“Secondly I ensured that the agency does not operate in a vacuum hence we involved BCL mine and the private sector to take a leading role while government became the facilitator. I also ensured that all relevant departments are involved,” she said.
Makgato-Malesu said the first tangible deliverable is the P6 million horticultural processing and packaging plant that is expected to reduce wastage levels from the farms and address the challenge of increased production due to a readily existing market.
“I am pushing this agenda. It is in the right track and within the time frame. I will come regularly to ensure that it is delivered,” she said. She added that the bulk (80 percent) of the local crop production is produced for the international market.
“Start thinking now and conduct market research to avoid saturating the local market. Once processing and packaging plant is fully operational losses will be a thing of the past. The P6 million funds have been availed and six staff members will soon leave for India for training,” she added.
She encouraged SPEDU to engage in strategic partnership with BOCCIM so that they become private sector driven, while government’s role will centre on creating a conducive business environment. She also advised that another strategic partnership be established between SPEDU and Botswana Investment and Trading Centre so that it plays a pivotal role in sourcing market abroad.
The minister further advised NFTRC to strive to align with immediate challenges that Batswana are faced with and address them. She said her ministry heeded to the call by the community of Selebi-Phikwe to reduce the price of land to enable them to venture into businesses.
“We can always engage each other. I pledge my support as an individual and as a minister to push the SPEDU agenda,” she said.