10 Jul 2014

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, has told Parliament that the poverty eradication programme is aimed at the empowerment of women, youth, people with disabilities and other disadvantaged persons thereby allowing them to overcome and reduce inequality.


Responding to a question from the MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, Ms Tshireletso said the eligibility criteria for poverty eradication programme is derived from the Revised National Policy on destitute persons of July 2002 and the poverty eradication guidelines for 2013 and 2014.


She said the revised National Policy and the Poverty Eradication guidelines set the eligibility parameters that beneficiaries should be bodied Batswana citizens aged 16 years and above who are destitute persons.


She said these beneficiaries include potential destitute persons, such as those engaged in the Ipelegeng Programme, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups who demonstrate the ability, interest and commitment to undertake the project.


Furthermore, Ms Tshireletso said people who previously benefited from the poverty eradication programme and other government schemes could be considered upon assessment for possible assistance. 
 She however said priority will be given to first time beneficiaries.


MP Mmolotsi had asked what criterion is used to approve beneficiaries of the Poverty Eradication Programme. ENDS