Africa-Press – Botswana. In 2016, amidst the aftermath of the BCL Mine closure, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi made a solemn vow to breathe new life into the SPEDU area.
Fast forward four years, his promise came to pass with the launch of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project at Mannaesi Farm, thus demonstrating his unwavering commitment.
The commitment was further reaffirmed by the successful export of grapefruit after the inaugural harvest on March 21.
Ministers of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Entrepreneurship, as well as different officials gathered in Selebi Phikwe and spent a week to witness President Masisi’s instrumental role in securing an investor for the multi-million citrus project spanning 1 500 hectares at Mannaesi Farm, where 800 000 citrus fruit trees now thrive.
Consequently, on March 22, amidst the gentle whispers of rustling leaves, Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, accompanied by his entourage of ministers, graced Selebi Phikwe’s scenic landscape.
Guided by President Masisi, First Lady Neo and Selebi Phikwe Citrus project CEO and promoter, Dr Pieter Scholtz, they embarked on a captivating odyssey through the citrus rich orchards.
Prime Minister Davis lauded President Masisi’s steadfast dedication as an inspiration that would foster prosperity and community solidarity for SPEDU residents.
Inside the state-of-the-art pack house, President Masisi warmly welcomed Prime Minister Davis and his delegation, underpinning the harmonious partnership built on shared aspirations for a brighter future.
“Welcome to SPEDU. This area lies right next to an old mine that was closed in 2016, leading to job losses, among others. But we promised we are going to revive the economy of this region. I am really pleased at the progress made by the investors,” President Masisi said, after which he gifted Prime Minister Davis, a basket brimming with freshly harvested grapefruits from the citrus farm.
“I thought you should get a taste of some of the progress. I am very happy to see you here today. This is the harvest,” he said.
In response, Prime Minister Davis reflected on his visit to Botswana beaming with joy and gratitude, describing it as a remarkable journey that he found enlightening, deeply moving, and innovative, especially amidst the breathtaking beauty of the majestic Okavango Delta.
He said the farm afforded him an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with the earth, its rhythms and incredible potential to work in harmony with nature.
He also could not resist sharing his transformative experience of the Okavango Delta tour.
“What you have here, the citrus project, is nature working together in harmony with us. The Delta on the other hand is a natural wonder of the world. It offered me moments of unparalleled peace and a profound connection to the natural world that is increasingly rare in our busy lives. Transitioning from the natural tranquility of the Delta to this activity here now is struck by the sheer scale of ambition and vision that Botswana, and you, Mr President, harbour for the future of agriculture and sustainable development,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis remarked that the 1 500 hectares dedicated to citrus farming was clear proof of President Masisi’s commitment to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Batswana by leveraging the fertile land in Selebi Phikwe.
“And I hope that the people of this region recognise that. This flagship multicultural development is no doubt set to become one of the largest consolidated citrus development in southern Africa.
I understand that by December 2022, you had planted hectares of variety of citrus and you intend to expand further, as you told us on our journey through the farm,” he said.
He observed that beyond agriculture, the initiative sought to generate over 1 000 job opportunities and economic spin-offs for the people in the SPEDU region.
“For example, going into juice making, setting up juice plants. I see all the wooden crates out there. Someone could build them for you.
Opportunities are there. You in this area, I call upon you, Batswana, to get it done,” said the Prime Minister.
He also noted that the project’s vitality, rooted in leased water rights, showcased a strong commitment to sustainable development, highlighting its potential benefits for investors and the community through collaborative efforts aimed at achieving common goals for the greater good.
“Now, as I reflect on my visit again, I am filled with hope.
I am satisfied by the fact that what I have done, has affected all of us.
And I believe it will come to something that will be a sign of change in the future.
I am also filled with admiration for the people of Botswana and their leaders, particularly under President Masisi’s guidance, of which you so admirably spoke about when you told us about this project,” he added.
Prime Minister Davis lauded President Masisi’s vision, resilience, and dedication to innovation and sustainability, highlighting how his leadership served as a poignant reminder of the need to reconnect with the planet and foster peace among communities.
“Thank you Botswana, for your warm hospitality and for sharing your dreams and your land with me.
It has been an honour to witness the transformative work you are undertaking and I leave inspired by the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future that you are working so diligently to receive,” Mr Davis said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Davis’ six-day visit to Botswana sought to reinforce strong diplomatic ties between the two nations and explore new educational, economic and trade opportunities.
The visit underscored the significance of small nations forging partnerships while emphasising international cooperation’s key role in strengthening and diversifying economies.
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