SELEBI PHIKWE Presentation

1. SELEBI PHIKWE Presentation PRESENTED BY: MR. MOMPATI SELEKA- TOWN CLERK SELEBI PHIKWE TOWN COUNCIL, URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

2. 1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

3. The town of Selebi Phikwe was established in the early 1960s following the onset of copper/nickel mining activities. The first official activities related to the discovery of the Selebi Phikwe mineral deposits date from 1959, when surface prospecting started over an area of some 67,000 square kilometers. • Geochemical exploration techniques were used to discover the Selebi deposit in 1963, followed by the discoveries of Phikwe and Selebi North deposits.

4. This gave an impetus to commencement of robust mining activities in 1970. The town hence evolved from the mine workers quarters which were provided by the BCL mine for its employees. Selebi Phikwe has since grown into the third largest urban centre in the country.

5. 2. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

6. 2.1 Location Selebi Phikwe is situated in the Eastern part of Botswana, about 415km by road from Gaborone (national capital) and about 150km south east of Francistown(second largest urban centre), and 60km east of the Gaborone – Francistown road.

7. It lies 80km west of Bobirwa Sub district headquarters at Bobonong and within the Eastern Planning region of Botswana as delineated by the National Settlement Policy of 2004. It shares its borders with the Bobirwa Sub-District. The closest border to South Africa, which is at Zanzibar, lies 100 km to the south east of the town while the Martins Drift Border to South Africa is 120 kilometres to the south.

8. 2.2 Size and Status Selebi Phikwe was declared a planning area under the Town and Country Planning (Declaration of Planning Areas) order of 1980. The land within the town is wholly state owned (state land) albeit the existence of a substantial number of tribal land grants within the planning area which includes BDF camp, Airport, Prisons and two exclusive surface rights areas granted to BCL for mining purposes.

9. The District Planning area boundary covers 260 km2 of which 50km2 is within the Township boundary. The land allocation and administration is the sole responsibility of the department of Lands (Ministry of Lands and Housing), while Selebi Phikwe Town Council is the responsible Planning Authority exercising all local government functions over the entire township area. The 210km2 outside the township area boundary is all tribal land, allocated and administered by the Ngwato Land Board.

10. 3. DISTRICT ENVIROMENTAL STATUS

11. 3.1 Physical Features Selebi Phikwe is well endowed with ephemeral rivers and streams, kopjes and inselbergs of granitoid rocks which rise above a flat pediment dipping gently to the north. The Motloutse, Letlhakane and Mathathane rivers are the dominant physiographic features, flowing sporadically during the rainy season from October to April; discharging northwards.

12. The topography is generally flat and typical of the basement system of Botswana lying at an altitude of between 780 - 950 metres above sea level with a gradient sloping gently to the south. The most prominent hill is the Selebi hill located at the south west corner of the township boundary. The stretch of these topographic features indeed constitutes a serious constraint to the settlement development growth in this direction.

13. 3.2 Climate Selebi Phikwe has a semi-arid climate, with summer rainfall during the months of October to March ranging between 400 and 500 mm per annum. Most of the rains fall in high intensity spells, and because of the seasonal nature of the rainfall, and the high probability of drought conditions during the dry season.

14. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purposes.

15. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 3.3 Vegetation and Soil 3.3.1 Vegetation The township lies within the eastern hardveld and the vegetation is characterized by the predominance of tree savannah, with Mophane and Acacia (Mooka) prevailing. Other tree species such as Baobab are sparsely found in the district boundary outside the township area. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

16. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo Mophane trees also bring in Mophane worm (phane) known for its nutritious status and mostly harvested in this area to sell to both locally and regionally. The worms boost the economic status of low income during summer and autumn.  The felling of trees and the effects of urbanization has led to more shrub-dominated vegetation, especially in the township area. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

17. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo The vegetation is however thicker along the banks of the rivers characterized by riparian woodland. A policy is in place which encourages the planting of trees and discourages the felling of trees in the planning area winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

18. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 3.3.2 Soils winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Selebi Phikwe area has two major soil groups, which are on alluvial deposits and soils on acid igneous and metamorphic rocks. Only a small strip of soils on basic igneous and metamorphic rocks founding in the extreme north-west, while the topsoil cover is scanty, with recorded depths not exceeding 1.75 metres, but averaging 1.5 metres.

19. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter This consists of silty sands and sandy clays with a predominant light brown to brown colour, with some grey sandy soils in the western area. Subsoil materials consist mainly of weathered and decomposed granites with laterite, calcrete and quartz gravels layers influencing the colouring of the topsoil layer.

20. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Calcrete and laterite are found on the western area while quartz gravels occur over most of the planning area. The quartz, calcrete and laterite gravels found in the Planning Area are suitable for road construction materials. The rivers in the planning area are good sources of sand used for building constructions.

21. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 3.4 Natural Resources 3.4.1 Wildlife There are limited number and types of wildlife species within the District. Baboons and other small species are common in the kopjes to the south of the town. Different kinds of birds’ species are also common, which present an opportunity for tourism development. There is plan to create a game park which will attract tourists to the area hence diversifying the town’s economy. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

22. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 3.4.2 Sources of Energy Selebi Phikwe like any other settlement in the country is dependent on electricity generated from other areas which this instance comes from Morupule Power Station. The electricity is used for mining, commercial, residential and street lighting purpose while low income uses other sources of fuel such as paraffin, fuel wood and candles. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

23. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo Though there is a great potential to use solar energy in residential houses due to high temperatures and long hours of sunlight there are only a few hours of its usage. The district authorities, through the Urban Development Plan III, have consolidated strategies to encourage the use of solar energy and discourage use of fuel-wood. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

24. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo The main water sources in the district is the Letsibogo dam in Mmadinare through a few water courses like Letlhakane, Mphakenoko and Mathathane rivers which discharge into Motloutse and ultimately Letsibogo dam. These rivers are all seasonal.Water Utilities Corporation is responsible for water supply the district with boreholes only restricted to those exploiting the sand rivers aquifers in the Ephemeral streams. LETSIBOGO DAM

25. 3.4.3 Mining

26. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo The town is heavily dependent on two minerals; copper and nickel which are being mined by the BCL mine. This has rendered the economy of the mine to be monolithic hence posing a challenge to diversify the economy. This has become more urgent since studies have revealed that the mining activities may not continue beyond 2021 owing to the depletion of mineral deposits. However, the BCL mine is doing everything in its capacity to extend the mine life beyond 2021. Exploration is continuous. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

27. 4. COMMUNICATIONS & LINKAGES

28. 4.1 Road Transport

29. There are two primary roads within the district; which are Selebi Phikwe – Serule and Phikwe -Martins Drift road. The 60 km Selebi Phikwe – Serule road links the town with Francistown, another major urban centre in the north, as well as Gaborone, the capital city, through the major Francistown – Gaborone artery.

30. This road also provides a link between Palapye and Selebi Phikwe by linking the Francistown - Gaborone road and Martins Drift - Selebi Phikwe through the 40km Tamasane – Kgagodi road. There are other link roads constructed like the Tobane – Selebi Phikwe and Mmadinare roads to close and provide better linkages with surrounding villages. There is also a network of 180 kilometers of tarred internal road. Public transport in Selebi Phikwe comprises local minibuses and taxis, and scheduled coach services to Gaborone, Francistown and other centres.

32. 4.2 Rail Transport The town is linked to the national railway line through the 60km Selebi Phikwe – Serule railway line which is solely meant to ferry goods to and from Selebi Phikwe. No passenger transport is provided in this service. There are private rail lines within the town which link the BCL mining areas. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

33. 4.3 Air Transport Selebi Phikwe has an airport with a 2.8-kilometre hard surfaced runway capable of taking aircraft up to BAe 146 and equivalent. It is scheduled as a port of entry and there are Customs and Immigration services provided. It lacks refueling and night landing (lighting) facilities. Landing fees and other charges are the same as those applied at civil airports elsewhere in Botswana. There is however need to promote utilization of air transport

37. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter 4.5 Telecommunications Currently the Botswana Telecommunications Corporations is the main provider for telecommunication infrastructure services. Mobile phone network communication provider like Be Mobile, Orange and Mascom are also available.

38. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 4.6 Postal Services Botswana Post with two postal offices in Botshabelo and Main Mall are the main postal services provider. Courier services are also provided by private companies. winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

39. 5. DISTRICT SOCAL DEVELOPMENT

40. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 5.1 Culture winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Though the Batswapong and Babirwa are the dominating ethnic groups in Selebi Phikwe, the mining town has a diverse mix of ethnical groups, attracted by employment opportunities. The cultural spectrum therefore reflects the national cultural diversity.

41. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 5.2 Population Characteristics winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Botswana Population and Housing Census of 2001 revealed that the overall population of Selebi Phikwe was 49 849 comprising of 24 334 males and 25 515 females. The 1991 revealed a population of 39 772 reflecting a growth of 25.34%. The table below shows the population projections

42. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo Source: 2001 population and Housing Census winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Table 5.2.1: Population Projections.

43. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo 5.3 Employment & Unemployment winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter According to the 2001 Census, BCL mine is the largest employer with about 5 000 people and mainly men. The census results reveal that 60% of the economic active population is employed while 40% are unemployed of which 24% are engaged in the mining sector while 14.3% were engaged in manufacturing.

44. Table5.3.1:EconomicallyActive Population Engaged Per Sector.

45. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter

46. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter Source 2001 Population and Housing Census

47. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter There was a decrease in the number of people employed in the past due to closure of manufacturing industries and a decline in the mining sector. The government introduced some measures like the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit to encourage investors to locate in Selebi Phikwe. There are deliberate efforts by the Government to diversify the economy of Selebi Phikwe and its immediate region from the mining sector.

48. 6. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

49. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter In terms of the National Settlement Policy of 2004, Selebi Phikwe is classified as a primary centre. This accords the town the opportunity to provide high order services. The town is ad ministered by the Selebi Phikwe Town Council, an elected body. The Town Council’s jurisdiction extends over the township area and it is responsible for the provision of municipal, social and community services.

50. Highest temperatures in the Township are recorded in October, with an average of 320 Celsius, and minimum temperatures recorded in July with an average of 50 Celsius. Ground and air frosts occur in the early mornings during winter months. Solar radiation levels recorded in Selebi-Phikwe are high throughout the year, which is good for heating purpo winds have been recorded during summer thunder storms. Wind speeds are highest during October and lowest in winter These include primary schools, public health, township roads, social and community development programmes, and physical planning and development Headed by the Deputy District Commissioner, several central government departments have offices in Selebi Phikwe.