Mokubung outlines his SPEDA vision
Isaac Pinielo | Friday April 3, 2015 12:01
On top of his agenda is the transformation of Selebi Phikwe into a vibrant city by developing the tourism and hospitality as well as the horticulture industries in the SPEDU region, which covers Selebi Phikwe, Bobirwa, Tswapong North and Mmadinare.
Speaking to BusinessWeek on Tuesday, Mokubung revealed that the importance of attracting investment into the SPEDU region as well as developing the manufacturing industries to create employment and import-substituting products. “I will also focus on the creation of exports where possible to improve Gross National Product (GNP) for the country,” he stated.
Mokubung clinched the CEO position of SPEDU after three years of the agency operating without a substantive head. He will commence work on April 15 and he is currently serving notice at the Competition Authority (CA) where he is Director of Competition and Research Analysis.
Before joining CA, he worked at Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) as a senior economist and later head of technology assessment and economic planning. He holds a PhD in Technology and Innovation Management from the University of Manchester, a Master of Philosophy in Monetary Economics from the University of Glasgow as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics from the University of Botswana.
Earlier on, the marketing and communications manager at the agency, Kenneth Boikhutshwane had explained that SPEDU is looking for a person with strong business acumen and a solid track record of providing leadership and strategic direction. The CEO will be based in Selebi-Phikwe and will report to the chairperson of the board of directors. The executive will be responsible for coordinating, managing and directing the execution of the Economic Diversification Programme.
The post fell vacant in July 2012 after the departure of Kago Moshashane. Thereafter, Pako Kedisitse, whose substantive position is Finance and Administration Manager, was appointed acting CEO. SPEDU was established as a regional economic development agency in 2008 through a presidential directive. Its functions are to manage the diversification programme; identify projects and progress them to potential investors; work with existing project promoters and with government in respect of public sector projects; help promote and enhance the image of Selebi Phikwe and identify and secure outside technical assistance to carry out feasibility studies and other specialised tasks.