31 Aug 2015

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane says tender documents should be simplified and be easily accessible to the people. Mr Tsogwane told Rakops and Xere business community in a meeting recently, stating that tender documents should be made simple for each and every Motswana to understand them. 

He also lamented that advertised tenders should reach Batswana across the entire country, saying they should not be found only in selected areas.

He noted that Local Economic Development (LED) could only be realised if businesses in local areas have the market. Minister Tsogwane further said Batswana should partake in implementing Economic Diversification Drive, noting that it should not only be seen as government’s responsibility.

He encouraged business owners to be employees in their own businesses, citing that they should have a salary.

The minister was responding to one of the business entrepreneurs in Rakops, Mr Lebane Nengu of Nengu Holdings, who expressed grievous concerns that local businesses were not progressing. Mr Nengu complained that they failed to win tenders despite their efforts to follow the right procedures and submit all requirements.

He noted that advertised tenders do not reach them in Rakops unless they happen to access the information through word of mouth prior to closing date.

Ms Ernie Engliton of Engliton Investment expressed a concern that there was lack of transparency in tendering. 

She complained that government payments for tenders took long. Ms Engliton complained that government officials sourced goods such as food products from businesses in Letlhakane when they have events in Rakops. For her part, Village Development Committee member, Ms Bashingi Boingotlo decried that she used to supply destitute persons food baskets through her tuck-shop, which has since collapsed as the tenders were now awarded to bigger businesses.

Ms Boingotlo also observed that local businesses were able to offer government institutions sponsorships when they have events, but were not getting support from government when applying for tenders.

Another resident, Ms Bosenakitso Masusu, who has been assisted through Poverty Eradication Programme to operate a catering business, also complained about lack of tenders. In response, principal economic officer, Ms Favour Phumusa noted that there was need to conduct public education on tendering procedures.

She also noted that the issue of feedback for failure to be awarded tenders needed to be addressed.

Ms Phumusa further explained that supply of stationery in primary schools was an open tender, while supply of school uniforms, destitute food basket, destitute housing and minor maintenance in schools were all awarded to locals.

District officer, Mr John Baitseng said he would address local events issue to ensure that organisers of public events such as independence days procure goods from locals. Ends