Govt to empower citizens in mining sector

PALAPYE: Botswana Geo-Science Institute director, Koketso Mojaboswa says the minerals draft policy will give more rights to locals as against foreigners.

Addressing a full Central District Council (CDC) meeting last Wednesday, Mojaboswa stated that the mining industry is currently dominated by foreigners rather than locals but added that the draft policy that is currently at consultation stage will change the status quo. He said it should be a leading job creation industry since it is very lucrative as compared to other industries in the local economy.

“But as it stands, the industry lacks local expertise henceforth expatriates dominate the industry, but with the draft policy our main aim is to change that by instilling necessary skills among Batswana to become miners of their own minerals in this country,” he said.  He added that the purpose of the consultation was to take ideas from the community and include them in the policy that was drafted in 2011.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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