22 Sep 2015

Former Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has called on members of the Mmadinare Development Trust (MDT) and community as a whole to work in synergy in order to achieve the trust’s strategic objectives.

Speaking at the launch of the MDT strategic plan recently, Dr Kedikilwe who is also patron to the trust said the plan’s aim is to address a range of economic, social, environmental and other crucial issues within the community ecosystem.

Also, he said the MDT should come up with ways to use natural resources in the area to create employment, empower locals and help diversify the economy of the region.   

He said the trust should partner with the private public and third sector organizations to come up with sustainable projects that would benefit the community and future generations. 

He said the project they undertake should be able to generate income to keep the organisation afloat. He said every individual has a role play in the MDT programme and the trust itself should always seek advise from different stake holders to realize its ambition. 

He said poor management of the trust and its resources would sink the project.  

He expressed concern that previously some organizations or associations in 11 villages that fall under the Mmadinare constituency failed to capitalize on the funds they were awarded by African Development Bank, government of Botswana and United States of America to pioneer projects to sustain their lives, which he said should not happen to the MDT.   

He encouraged the MDT to manage their resources objectively. He said they should strive to attract investors. 

He said they should work with government institutions such as CEDA, LEA and cooperatives to gain experience, guidance and expert advise on their projects. Dr Kedkilwe also urged the Trust to use Information Communication Technology and other latest technologies to advance their ambitions. 

He also advised them to have internal and external auditors to avoid improper use of funds.    

The Chairperson of Non-governmental Organisations Mrs Bookie Kethusegile who is a resident of Mmadinare and contributor to the MDT strategic plan also highlighted the importance for the Mmadinare community and stakeholders to work together with the MDT to achieve the organizations strategic objectives.   

She said the trust will play a meaningful role in eradicating poverty in the area through the projects that will be implemented. She said MDT like other organizations should aim for industrialization to help improve the economy of the country.  

When giving a vote of thanks at the launch of the Mmadinare strategic plan, MP for Mmadinare, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila urged the government to consider residents of Mmadinare constituency to be given priority when land is allocated along the Letsibogo and Dikgatlong Dams to start commercial projects.   

He also noted that the project to convert a fish hatchery project in Mmadinare to or fish farming project will go a long in empowering residents.

He said the project has potential to bring in sustainable prominent jobs.   

The legislator also called on residents of Mmadinare to work together to realize MDT strategic objectives. He also stated that the community and other stake holders should advise and give guidance to MDT.  

Mr Mzwinila went on to call on the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), Citizen Entrepreneurs Development Agency (CEDA), Ministry of Trade and Industry to play a role in MDT programme to help it reach its goal. 

He also urged residents and committee members to come up with ways to lure investors into the MDT project. Ends