18 Jun 2015

Matimela Act is under review to alter the initial time frame for keeping stray livestock in kraals.

Minister of Local Government Mr Slumber Tsogwane told Mokobaxane residents during a kgotla meeting that the review of the act came after realising that the ministry incurred losses through stray livestock which were kept under its care for a much longer period.

Mr Tsogwane who is also the Member of Parliament for Boteti West said the initial time frame which had been six months would be altered to three months. 

He noted that each cow would still be P43 and if the number doubles, P3 would be added to the amount. Mr Tsogwane added that other stray animals would still be P3 and P5.

Farmers, he said, would be allowed to claim their cattle a day prior to closing date.

In addition Mr Tsogwane informed the residents that a Village Development Committee (VDC) Act have been introduced to regulate its operations and would be regulated by Local government Act.

He stated that VDC’s would operate for a period of three years and its members should have been residents of the respective village for a period of two years.

The committee he said would have 10 members with councillors and chiefs being ex-officio members. A notice of 30 days he said should have been served before election of the committee, and members would be elected through a secret ballot.

Mr Tsogwane added that members of the committee should not have positions in political party committees, should not have a criminal history or listed as bankrupt. He added that absenteeism from committee meetings for three consecutive days was prohibited.

Furthermore the minister informed the residents that review of drought relief programme was ongoing to establish how Batswana could be assisted as there were no sufficient rains in the past ploughing season.

In their comments, the residents argued that branded cattle should not be regarded as stray animals since the identity of the owner could be easily obtained from the ministry. Ends