19 Mar 2025

Bobirwa District Council (BDC) seeks to promote the area as a horticultural investment destination of choice.

“I believe that with its fertile land and strategic location, Bobirwa District has the potential to become a leading centre for agricultural excellence, and we’re committed to realising this vision,” council chairperson, Mr Johannes Gaosikelwe said during a full council session in Bobonong yesterday.

Mr Gaosikelwe said his tenure would be guided by a strategic roadmap aimed at fostering sustainable development, improving service delivery and ensuring financial prudence in the district.

As part of his priorities towards revenue generation and maximisation to reduce overdependence on central government inter alia, he said he would encourage investment in commercial farming, agro-processing and value-addition industries to create jobs and boost economic growth in the district.

In achieving tenets of his roadmap, Mr Gaosikelwe said he would leverage on Tuli Block as one of the eight special economic zones in the country, designated as an agro-business hub.
The chairperson said he would advocate for Platjan border to be recognised as commercial with extended operating hours. Platjan border sits on the bank of Limpopo River and has state of the art bridge which connects Botswana and South Africa.

Mr Gaosikelwe said if and when upgraded, Platjan border would support Bobirwa’s transformation into a premier horticultural investment hub as it would improve the flow of goods, especially agricultural products and making trade more efficient.

“Extending operational hours will allow business to thrive to meet market demands more effectively,” he said.

In addition to upgrading of Platjan border post, Mr Gaosikelwe said he would then advocate for the opening of Zanzibar border for creation of new trade route, expanding market access for local businesses whilst also attracting international investment.

The chairperson also dreams of positioning Bobirwa as a ‘premier tourist destination. The district is endowed with natural resources as the scenic landscapes, rivers, wild animals and the man-made dams amongst a plethora resources.

“My dream is to see tourism in Bobirwa being developed sustainably, benefiting local communities, preserving the environment and contributing to the district’s economic growth,” he said.

On other priorities on his roadmap, the chairperson said the council would strive to achieve financial sustainability while enhancing collaboration with the private sector through public private partnerships to develop revenue-generating infrastructure.

He would also place transparency, accountability and efficient financial management at the core of the administration in order to curb revenue leakages while enhancing financial oversight. Mr Gaosikelwe said community-focused service delivery would be amongst the priorities in his agenda. By so doing, the chairperson said the administration would ensure responsive development initiatives that addressed real needs of the people.

“I will also promote inclusive development by prioritising marginalised groups and ensuring that no one is left behind in our efforts to build a prosperous district,” said Mr Gaosikelwe.

Furthermore, he expressed the aim to build a transparent, accountable and corruption-intolerant district where he expects everyone to uphold the highest standards of integrity in governance. The council is expected to enforce ‘strict anti-corruption measures’ and promote ethical leadership at all levels whilst establishing mechanisms that allow for continuous monitoring and evaluation. ENDS