Selebi Phikwe before, with its large rich copper and nickel mineral deposits used to attract people, businesses and investors into the town but is no longer lively as it used to be. Formerly leading hub of copper mining in Southern Africa region, which saw the economy of town flourishing as job opportunities were vast due to the mine, ‘Zana as Phikwe is popularly called by its inhabitants now cuts the image of slow, sleepy town which left many wondering. Ghost town Apart from a lively giant retail supermarkets, banks and big renowned hotels in the town, the other business properties have closed and turned into birds’ homes, with the situation leaving the once admired mining town in the brink of collapse, Phikwe is now looking like a ghost town. Phikwe used to be a hive of activity as job seekers across the country descended to the town and since closure of the mine, there is less movement of people and mood is somber in town. The Patriot on Sunday interacted with some of Phikwe residents in the streets who shared their thoughts about life in Phikwe beyond mine which was considered a crucial source of economy. Ogone Keabilwe who sells…