Francistown, a city of shattered dreams

Better days: Operations at Tati Nickel's Phoenix Mine during its operational days
Better days: Operations at Tati Nickel's Phoenix Mine during its operational days

FRANCISTOWN: Francistown city mayor Sylvia Muzila’s worries about the collapse of the mining sector and the shooting unemployment rate are well documented.

In particular, the recent abrupt closure of the Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC)’s Phoenix Mine, which was placed under provisional liquidation as part of the BCL Group, came as the final blow.

It’s true that the unexpected closure of the mine, which was the main anchor of the city’s economy, caught many people and businesses off guard including Muzila. The city had bigger dreams of turning things around and even diversifying the economy.

Editor's Comment
FMD crisis: We must fight as one

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

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