The first phase of the multimillion rand Mafikeng Bio-Diesel Company (MBC), a public-private partnership, was launched in May this year by Invest North West, the Barolong Bo-Rratshidi Development Company, Mafikeng Bio-Technologies, Clean Air Nurseries and the Mafikeng Industrial Development Zone Company (MIDZ). Barolong Bo-Rratshidi is the majority shareholder with 45% of MBC, committing 45 000ha of land south of Setumo Dam for the project. INW holds 20% of the shares which will be distributed to cooperatives from the community.

MBC will see the establishment of the first dedicated nursery aimed at supplying saplings of oil-bearing trees to produce bio-diesel. This renewable and environmentally friendly fuel is produced from extracting bio-oils from the oil seeds and can be used in conventional diesel engines either in a pure form or blended with normal diesel. The project aims to create over 800 jobs over the first three years. According to Darkie Afrika, North West MEC for Finance and Economic Development, a total of 9000 jobs over nine years through the three phases of the project is envisaged. The department pledged a further R 10-million to complement the initial R 4.7-million made available to MIDZ to kickstart MBC.