BCC demands stake in Phikwe interventions
Imi Mokgethi | Tuesday December 6, 2016 15:51
Speaking at a three-day Botswana’s 4th Alternative Mining Forum in Selebi-Phikwe, the BCC’s vice president Rev Gabriel Tsuaneng said the church is a critical stakeholder to be consulted in decision making.
He added that the government has sidelined BCC in some of the interventions in the copper and nickel town, that include counseling of ex miners and the recently launched Economic Revitalisation Strategy that is expected to create over 6,000 jobs.
“We lament the fact that the government has not engaged us in those interventions though the church is a key stakeholder that has played a significant role in the formation of this country. We appreciate the initiatives, however, we strongly believe that the government needs to think with the people not for the people and the people in this case is the church,” he said.
He stated that the BCC is mindful of the pivotal role played by the natural resources in the economy of this country, indicating that they will continue advocating for the equal distribution and benefit of those resources amongst citizens. Tsuaneng further pointed out that they would not allow any political leaders to set an agenda for them when advocating for matters that affect Batswana, highlighting that it is the churches’ role to set the agenda for political leaders.
“We won’t be silent about the use of natural resources in this country and we need to ensure that justice is done when sharing them. The church is a greater form of justice propeller than anybody else and there is no how one can make socio-economic justice and omit the church in the process, the government really needs to go back and think about it,” Tsuaneng said.
He said the forum’s theme: ‘Making natural resources work for the people-ensuring that no one is left behind’ sought to emphasise the BCC’s position that the church considers minerals to be a gift from God and there must be justice in their distribution.
“We want a long eared government that listens to what the people are saying and we are keen to work with every political leader whether in the ruling party or opposition parties to ensure that there is justice in sharing of the resources,” he said.
Selebi-Phikwe town mayor Amogelang Mojuta commended BCC interventions, adding that the crisis has taught them a good lesson to always prepare for the future.
“I have learned that it is important to invest and appreciate the fact that mining is not permanent. Even though the BCL mine was to be re-opened as some investors have already shown some interest, there is going to be a day when it will permanently shut down and one has to be prepared for that,” he advised.
The objectives of the forum were to share information on the achievements, policy gaps and strategies that could help promote good governance, transparency and sustainability of Botswana’s natural resources.