25 May 2014

Principal officer of the Botswana National Service Programme (BNSP), Mr Mbiganyi Magina has informed North East District councilors that the BNSP or Tirelo Setshaba participants serve in different capacities deemed suitable for them.


Speaking during a full council meeting on Thursday, May 22, Mr Magina said it was true that some participants served as gardeners, kitchen hands, gate keepers and not security guards as some asserted.



The situation of participants serving in the stated capacities, he explained, was not peculiar to the North East District only but happened country-wide.



Mr Magina implored the councillors to understand that some of the participants had for whatever reason, not gone through formal education, hence their placement in positions in which they could still serve successfully, despite their lack of formal education.



He said it was crucial to also understand that Tirelo Setshaba participants were meant to assist and not replace staff.



“Participants should serve as assistants.

They are supposed to complement as opposed to substitute staff members,” said the principal programme officer. 


Zwenshambe ward councillor Mr Khazi Motswakae had expressed concern that some participants were serving as security guards; a situation he felt was an anomaly.



Commenting, Cllr Matthews Robby of Ditladi ward expressed misgivings about participants serving in roles such as those of kitchen hands.



He said it ought to be understood that for one to perform such functions, they had to undergo medical examinations and get clearance as being suitable for carrying out such duties.



Cllr Farai Bonyongo of Nlapkhwane ward noted that though unemployment remained high, it was important to make careful considerations before placing participants.

 ENDS