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The winds of change are blowing through the Tonota District Council (TDC) as its ambitious chairperson, Neo Sefume, unveils bold plans to unearth the region’s hidden mineral wealth and steer it away from its reliance on diamond revenues. Speaking exclusively to Mmegi, Sefume revealed that the council is actively identifying promising mining sites scattered across the district, envisioning a future where a diversified economy brings prosperity and jobs to its people.
“Our district sits on a treasure trove of potential,” declared a buoyant Sefume. “We have identified several sites with significant deposits of uranium, copper, and even coal, particularly around villages like Foley, Serule, and Patayamatebele. Just 30 kilometres west of Foley, we’ve located a substantial coal seam.”
The council is now working hand-in-glove with the Department of Mines to secure the necessary mining rights, aiming to lease these promising sites to eager mining companies. This strategic move, Sefume explained, will not only pinpoint commercially viable mineral deposits but also lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“Mineral exploration is not just about digging in the ground,” he asserted. “It’s about understanding our resources, managing them responsibly, and unlocking their economic potential for the long term.”
The TDC envisions a future where the hum of mining operations and related industries creates a ripple effect of employment opportunities, benefiting not just the local community but also bolstering the regional and national economies. Sefume is clear about the council’s grand vision: to propel Tonota District from a middle-income bracket to a high-earning powerhouse within the next decade.
This drive for economic independence comes at a pivotal time for Tonota. Having recently been upgraded to a fully-fledged council in 2023 under the national decentralisation strategy, the district is eager to embrace its newfound autonomy and improve service delivery.
Sefume highlighted several key initiatives aimed at modernising the district. First on the agenda is the construction of a new, larger council chamber that will be open to the public. “Currently, many residents miss out on council sessions due to limited space,” he explained, underscoring the commitment to transparency and public engagement.
Breaking free from the constraints of its past as a sub-district, where all decisions required the nod from the central district headquarters in Serowe, the TDC is determined to streamline its operations. “Now that we are a complete council district, there is no middleman. We need to step up and deliver services more efficiently,” Sefume stated.
Further demonstrating this commitment to local empowerment, Sefume proposed the establishment of a veterinary headquarters in Tonota and the creation of an independent District Health Management Team (DHMT) to end reliance on Francistown.
In a move aimed at enhancing governance and bringing services closer to the people, Sefume also passionately advocated for the merger of the Tonota and Marapong Sub-Land Boards, currently under the jurisdiction of the Ngwato Land Board. “Combining these two entities into one will significantly improve the quality of services and make them more accessible to our residents,” he affirmed, emphasizing the crucial role of decentralisation in strengthening governance.
With bold plans and a clear vision, Chairperson Sefume is leading Tonota District towards a future where the gleam of unearthed minerals could soon rival the sparkle of diamonds, ushering in an era of economic diversification and prosperity for its people.
