Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694858061124.pdf (Botswana)
REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA 49 th COMMONWEALTH Hosted by PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE Gaborone - Botswana 2018 Theme: “The Role of African Parliaments in Fostering National and Regional Security” EXCURSIONS DEBSWANA MINE BOTSWANA MEAT COMISSIOM CULTURE DAY VENUE: JWANENG, LOBATSE & TASHY’S ROYAL GARDENS DATE: 17th AUGUST 2018 Parliament of Botswana P O Box 240 Gaborone Tel: 3616800 Fax: 3913103 Toll Free; 0800 600 927 e - mail: parliament@gov.bw BW Parliament www.parliament.gov.bw EXCURSION 1 Jwaneng Mine Tour Experience one of Botswana’s jewels, the Jwaneng Diamond Mine.
The Jwaneng diamond mine is the richest diamond mine in the world and is located in south-central Botswana about 120 kilometres (75 mi) west of the city of Gaborone, in the Naledi river valley of the Kalahari.

Jwaneng, meaning “a place of small stones”, is owned by Debswana, a partnership between the De Beers company and the government of Botswana.

It is the second newest of four mines operated by the company, having begun operations in 1982.

Jwaneng is an open pit mine.


The mine produces 9.3 million tons per year of ore and an additional 37 million tons per year of waste rock.

The mine is located on three kimberlite pipes that converge near the surface, covering 520,000 square metres at ground level.

Currently, the mine produces approximately 11 million carats (2,200 kg) of diamonds.

1 The recoverable ore grade at the mine is about 1.25 carats per ton (250 mg/t).
As of 2005, known reserves will allow production at current levels to continue for 27 years.

The high rate of diamond extraction, combined with high quality diamonds fetching excellent per weight prices, make the Jwaneng diamond mine the richest diamond mine in the world by value of recovered diamonds.

The Jwaneng mining lease includes the Jwana Game Park, which includes a field unit of Cheetah Conservation Botswana.

The game park is also host to the globally threatened lappet-faced vulture.
Departure from all hotels 0615 hours Your Kalahari bivouac starts at 6am early morning This is a leisurely drive (remember, no rush in Africa), we do however have to make it for the safety and security orientation at 0800 hours.

Along the way, we drive through several major villages of Thamaga, Moshupa of Bakgatla baga Mmanaana (home to the current President of Botswana) and the then turn off at the famous village of Kanye, the seat of Bangwaketse tribe of Kgosi Malope, son of the late Kgosi Seepapitso IV.
With a good guide, by this time you will be immersed into the rich culture of southern Botswana.

Arrival 0800 hours Upon arrival you will go through a safety and security orientation, a key component to the mine visit.

Here you will get first-hand information regarding this giant of one of Africa’s best run mines and Botswana’s economic behemoth.

The mine maintains an ISO 14001 certificate for environmental compliance, being in Botswana to achieve this certification in 2000.
Jwaneng is known for its excellent safety record, winning multiple national and international safety awards.

the first mine 2 Jwaneng Mine plant The Experience 0900 -1300 hours Immediately following your orientation, you will be whisked away by the wonderful and highly trained mine staff to begin your Diamond trail experience.

Jwaneng Mine is a highly secure facility and as such movement is strictly restricted.

This is where the fun begins!


we bring the mine operations to live outside the pit for a once in a lifetime experience.

Here you will be taken through all the intricate mine operations and production from pit to the surface.

You will get an opportunity to learn and see state of the art technology in diamond processing.

Once you have completed this part, you will be taken to the famous Jwaneng Kimbelite pit and get to view mine operations live inside the pit.

Surprise!

surprise!


They are even thinking of a special tour of some sort at the mine...lets wait for the surprise.. 1330 – 1500 hours To complete your experience, what else better than an experience of the famous Tswana hospitality.

You will be treated to a sumptuous lunch on the Gardens of one of the mine facilities.

Expect buffets of culinary excellence comprising Tswana and continental cuisine, refreshing desserts and a well-stocked bar to quench the Kalahari thirst.
We also bring you some traditional music entertainment, live, just to accompany the delicious servings.

Bon apetit!

1530 – 1700 hours A slow drive out of Jwaneng town and return to the lights of Gaborone.

But, one more surprise!

The Jwana Park for a short Game Drive.

The Jwaneng mining lease includes the Jwana Game Park, which includes a field unit of Cheetah Conservation Botswana.

The game park is also host to the globally threatened lappet-faced vulture.
Another slow drive opposite the magnificent setting Kalahari sunset as Gaborone city lights beckon.

Arrival is scheduled just in time for dinner and a long hot bath as you replay the day’s experiences.

Jwana park 3 Jwana park EXCURSION 2 BOTSWANA MEAT COMMISSION AND LOBATSE TOUR This will be a five part excursion comprising; 1.

Visit to Feedlot facilities for the Lobatse BMC Abattoir 2.

Visit to the BMC Plant 3.

Footsteps to Liberation 4.

Visit to Old Legislative Council 5.


Culture Day A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF LOBATSE ABATTOIR AND FEEDLOTS The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) was established by the newly independent Botswana government in 1965 to be solely responsible for the slaughter and marketing of all beef exports from Botswana.

4 Facilities subsidiaries and BMC south is The h e a d q u a r t e r e d in Lobatse about of 70km Its Gaborone.
facilities consist integrated of an complex which an includes abattoir, canning, tanning and by-products plants.

Botswana Beef The BMC also operates two branch abattoirs, one in Maun and the other in Francistown.

In addition the company owns cold storage facilities in South Africa.

Operations The BMC co-ordinates the production of beef from a national herd grazing on predominantly communal ranch lands which cover a large portion of the country.
The company is closely monitored by the Botswana Veterinary Services for quality control.

All stages of its production are certified to the ISO 9002 quality system.

Chilled vacuum-packed beef cuts have a shelf-life of six months provided that the cold chain is maintained at a constant, specified minimum temperature.

BMC also produces frozen boneless beef for manufacturing purposes with a two-year shelf-life as well as corned beef and other canned beef products for export.
YOUR ITINERARY 0700 – 0815 hours Your morning starts at 0800 hours from hotels.

The drive to Lobatse will take approximately one hour with a leisurely drive past some of famed tribes in South Eastern Botswana.

The villages of Ramotswa and surrounding villages of Otse, Taung and Mogobane, are home to Balete Tribe under the leadership of Kgosi Mosadi Seboko .

5 The drive offers a picturesque view of the hilly surroundings including the hilly outcrops of the Famous Lentswe la Baratani in Otse.
Legend has it that a long time ago, two lovers eloped and went up the hill never to be seen again.

Ever since, the hill has been held in awe and reverence.

0815 – 0930 The BMC visits commences with a tour of feedlots where cattle from communal areas are finished before slaughter.

This is to ensure that they attain optimal live and carcass weight in order to attract better market quality and prices at slaughter.

0930 – 1045 From the feedlots, the tour moves to the BMC Abattoir.
Here the world class operations of BMC will be revealed through the various processes of preparing cattle for slaughter and the market.

Selected operations will be showcased to showcase some of the BMC facilities.

THE ROAD TO LIBERATION 1050 – 1200 hours Lobatse is largely known for hosting great people, among them refugees, freedom fighters and the Queen of England Elizabeth II.
Though freedom fighters were considered terrorists and fugitives by the then governments, however their people considered them as freedom fighters and heroes who brought hope of self-governance.

Tswana families hosted these liberation stalwarts including Samora Machel and Nelson Mandela, compelled by the Tswana tradition of hosting fellows with open hands, little did they know that they are entertaining great statesmen.
Today a museum honouring the late Samora Machel is being constructed on the plot formerly owned by the Kgaboesele family who used to provide their house for occupation by liberation heroes.

A ground breaking ceremony in October 2017 took place for the construction of a monument in honour of the late Fish Keitseng for his role and service to the Liberation struggle.
This visit takes you through the history of one of Southern Africa’s trying times and the role played by Botswana and the men and women who stood at the forefront of the Liberation struggle.

6 CULTURE DAY 1200 – 1600 hours Tasha’s Gardens in the Bamaletse tribal Territory will host the culture day.

As Botswana, our culture is our pride.

On the way back, a stop-over at the culture day will provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy Botswana’s cultural heritage.
With performances from renowned Botswana Traditional Artists and fashion designers, this will be an experience of a lifetime.

Traditional cuisine including our famous Seswaa or pounded beef, will all be available for your culinary indulgence.

Do bring along with you, your best traditional attire and stand a chance to win a prize for best dressed region during the cultural day.
In the evening, a drive back into the city with magnificent views of the sunset along the way, will leave you fulfilled and refreshed for the week ahead.
7 BMC deboning plant EXCURSION 3 CULTURE DAY our culture our pride PRESENTED BY NTLO YA DIKGOSI (HOUSE OF CHIEFS) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY; • Traditional Botswana Cuisine • Traditional music performances, song and dance • Fashion show • Exhibition stalls/flea market • Traditional games • Best dressed CPA Regions Competition Be treated to a day full of song, dance and music while enjoying tranquil outdoor settings and the best of Botswana’s hospitality.
The culture day presents a kaleidoscope of colours, aromas and the diversity of cultures that is the nation of Botswana.

Your host, the Chairperson of the House, Kgosi Puso Gaborone and Members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi (NYD) promise you an experience of a lifetime.

Moeng goroga!

Activities of the day include a culinary journey and experience of the best of Botswana cuisine which includes the famous seswaa or pounded beef/for your indulgence.
Performances from local artists comprising renowned guitarists, jazz maestros, cultural dance troupes from different regions of the country with each showcasing their unique dances and song.

Traditional games interspersed within the day’s programme will add spice to a programme already loaded with fanfare.

Tradtional dance 10 Local fashion designers We also bring you some of Botswana’s acclaimed fashion designers who will showcase their traditional outfit designs.
Delegates will be able to order any design of their liking and taste and have it delivered within 3 days at the hotels.

There will be exhibition stalls displaying an array of local music, fashion accessories (beads), locally produced goods and preserved foods which can all be purchased for use back home after the conference.

The highlight of the event will be the crowning of the best dressed male and female from the four regions of the CPA (Central, East, South and West Africa).
Please do bring along your best traditional attire to stand a chance to win a prize for your region.

The President of the CPA Africa Region, Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana Hon.

G.T.K Kokorwe, PH, MP will grace the occassion to give a keynote address while the Hon.

Chairperson of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Puso Gaborone will welcome all Delegates to the event.

Talking of Royalty, all the 35 members of NYD will be there to welcome you.
Limited spaces available so Do join us... Tashy’s Royal Gardens situated in the Bamalete tribal territory in Boatle, a stone throw away from the city, provides a backdrop and host venue for this event.

It boasts beautiful gardens nestled in a nook of a hilly outcrop and provides just the right ambience to leave you refreshed and fulfilled.
Just what the Speaker ordered… 11 Tradtional Cuisine A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE NTLO YA DIKGOSI As custodians of culture, Dikgosi (Chiefs) from time immemorial have kept Botswana communities peaceful, caring, loving and united.

The co-existence of the Political Leadership and Traditional Leadership is what makes this country a true shining example of peace and democracy.
Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) is an advisory body to the National Assembly on issues of national interest as set out in the Constitution of Botswana.

According to the Constitution, Ntlo ya Dikgosi has the responsibility; To consider a copy of any bill which is referred to it under the provisions of Section 88 (2).
The National Assembly shall not proceed upon any bill (including any amendment to a bill) that, in the opinion of the person presiding, would if enacted, alter any of the provisions of the Constitution or affect; • the designation, recognition, removal of powers of Dikgosi, Dikgosana or Headmen; • the organisation, powers or administration of customary courts; 12 • customary law or the ascertainment or recording of customary law; or • tribal organisation or tribal property Composition of the House Ntlo ya Dikgosi is made up of 35 Members.
One Member from each of the following areas, of which person for the time being performs the functions of the office of Kgosi in respect of:- • Barolong Farms in the Southern District • Ga Malete in the South East District • Ga Mmangwato in the Central District • Goo Tawana in the North West District • Kgatleng District • Kweneng District • Ngwaketse in Southern District • Tlokweng in the South East District Twenty (20) elected Members by the regional electoral college from the following regions: Bobirwa, Boteti, Mahalapye, Serowe, Tonota, Tswapong, Tutume, Ghanzi East, Ghanzi West, Kgalagadi North, Kgalagadi South, Letlhakeng, Molepolole, Thamaga, Maun, Ngami, Okavango, Kanye, Moshupa, Ngwaketse West.
This is in accordance with Section 78 (3) and (4) of the Constitution.

Two (2) Members from Chobe and North East.

Five (5) Members appointed by His Excellency the President.

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