What started as a dream many years ago has now slowly but surely become a reality. A 1,200-hectare citrus farm in a small town called Selebi Phikwe, a milestone celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony led by His Excellency, Dr. Masisi, the President of Botswana.
Although presented with several obstacles that led to many unforeseen challenges and delays, we can finally say that the dream is coming to life. An opportunity presented itself to many, including the employment of 1,500 people in the region.
The logistics and intensive planning around legality and staying within the Botswana government’s rules and regulations have been a lengthy but worthwhile process. We are extremely excited to witness how this project unfolds and grows into a citrus production farm that will uplift the people of Botswana and provide opportunities for growth and sustainable living.
Groundbreaking Ceremony lead by the President of Botswana
We had the honor to welcome His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Masisi, and the First Lady, Neo Jane Masisi, to the farm.
After months of dedicated effort, challenges, and meticulous preparation, the highly anticipated opening of Selebi Phikwe Citrus farm has finally arrived. The excitement has been growing among Directors, colleagues, and the local communities of Selebi-Phikwe and Hoedspruit. We were honored to have His Excellency, Dr. Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, and his wife join us for the groundbreaking ceremony.
The event began with an opening speech by Maiba Samunzala from SPEDU, followed by an inspiring keynote address delivered by His Excellency Dr. Masisi. Dr. PPR Scholtz, the director of Selebi Phikwe Citrus, also shared his insights and presented a token of appreciation to His Excellency. Countless hours of hard work were invested to ensure the success of this special occasion.
During the ceremony, His Excellency, along with the First Lady Mrs. Masisi, broke ground using one of our excavators and planted the first Valencia tree. The ceremony was a resounding success, and we would be honored to welcome His Excellency and the First Lady back to witness the progress of the farm in the future. We eagerly look forward to continuing our collaboration with SPEDU, the Department of Agriculture, WUC (Water Utility Company), and BITC (Botswana Investment and Trade Centre) as we forge strong working relationships.
During his keynote address, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, the President of Botswana, highlighted the significant economic impact that this project can bring. He emphasized its potential for job creation and the enhancement of agricultural efficiency, underscoring the immense value it holds for the nation.
Dr. PPR Scholtz, the visionary investor behind the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project, extends his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved from the very beginning. Special thanks are extended to BITC (Botswana Investment and Trade Centre), SPEDU, the government, Dr. Bernard, the dedicated Mmadinare team, and the exceptional Selebi Phikwe Citrus team for their invaluable contributions.
Honorable Molebatsi Molebatsi, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry.
Pipeline visit
From left: President Masisi and the first lady Jane Neo Masisi, Altus Geldenhuys (Operations Manager), Chrizelle Geldenhuys (Sales and Marketing Manager), Dr PPR Scholtz (CEO, Director, Shareholder), Deon Van Der Westhuizen (Director), Marius De Bruyn (Director, Shareholder), Ramachandran Ottapathu (Director, Shareholder)
First lady, Jane Neo Masisi, planting the first Valencia tree on Selebi Phikwe Citrus.
Planting of the first Valencia tree
SPEDU, BITC, President Masisi and the first lady Jane Neo Masisi, Altus Geldenhuys (Operations Manager), Chrizelle Geldenhuys (Sales and Marketing Manager), Dr PPR Scholtz (CEO, Director, Shareholder), Deon Van Der Westhuizen (Director), Marius De Bruyn (Director, Shareholder), Ramachandran Ottapathu (Director, Shareholder)
Laying the pipes
1,666 pipes are laid in the ground to complete the line.
The pipeline’s function is transporting water from Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) in Selebi Phikwe to the different dams on the farm. The water will mainly be used for irrigation purposes but will benefit the farm in different ways in the foreseen future.
The pipeline is 10km long and approximately 1,666 pipes are laid in the ground to complete the line. The first step of the process was preparing the ground for the pipeline. Two Wheel Dozers were used to clear the bushes followed by excavators that excavated the soil from the ground. As soon as the digging was done, rollers were responsible for preparing the pipe bed.
The pipes were transported from storage to the pipeline with 2 specially-built pipe trailers. Once they have arrived, the pipes were placed in the ground and two TLB’S were used to cover the pipes and secure the ground.
