01 Jul 2015

Kgalagadi District affirmative action coordinator, Mr Keagalemang Leshope, has pleaded with all stakeholders to work cohesively in the implementation of the affirmative action framework in Kgalagadi.

Addressing councillors during the Hukuntsi Sub-district Council meeting last week, Mr Leshope expressed gratitude towards the implementation of the affirmative action framework in remote areas since its inception.

He explained that major milestones had been achieved in developing livelihoods in rural areas through the affirmative action framework and applauded the civil service for spear heading such initiative.

Affirmative action framework, he said has facilitated and mobilised all the stakeholders in planning for programmes geared towards improving the living conditions of residents of all settlements across the Kgalagadi.

He said it is pleasing to note that affirmative action remains viable to development for remote area communities since they still face social-economic hindrances which largely emanate from their geographic location and proximity to social amenities.

Mr Leshope indicated that government is committed to resuscitating a number of community based projects to enable residents to harness their natural resources to generate income. He also applauded the youth empowerment programme for the role it plays in assisting the young RADs communities.

He said the youth are a very vibrant group of the society and they possess a lot of creativity and vibrancy that need to be taped in order to break the poverty cycle in settlements.

In their response, councillors acknowledged government efforts to empower rural communities.

Ukhwi-Zutshwa-Ngwatle councillor, Mr Npolokang Oatlhotse stated that settlements are most hard hit by poverty therefore it is essential for such communities to be empowered. He echoed that poverty eradication programmes in settlements can only be achieved through smooth implementation and monitoring of projects by all stakeholders.

He pleaded with others councillors to encourage their communities to be fully dedicated to their projects after funding. Mr Oatlhotse encouraged communities to sell cultural artifacts. Ends