11 Nov 2015

Realising the overwhelming workload at the Thamaga District Office, Ms Keamogetse Mogome found the need to establish a counselling team in order to ease congestion.

During the committee launch at the Thamaga main kgotla recently, Ms Mogome explained that previously some residents would approach the office to seek counselling assistance, but would be turned down since either the marriage session would be on, or the commissioner would be engaged in other activities.

She said it felt awkward because a resident could be needing urgent counselling hence the need for the counselling team. 

Ms Mogome said the committee was made up of local pastors, guidance and counselling teachers as well as non-governmental organisations which specialise in counselling.

Officially launching the team, Mogoditshane/Thamaga Sub-district deputy commissioner, Mr Frederick Monyakeng said a church plays a big role in the community by providing counselling which helps mold the community.

Mr Monyakeng explained that the counselling team was not only meant for married couples, but for the public at large as well as parents struggling with problematic children, professionals, people with disabilities  as well as the youth. 

He said counsellors specialise in different areas such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence and rape and marriage.

Team chairperson, Pastor Mosimanegape Kebafe revealed that they established the Thamaga counselling team in July 2014. 

Pastor Kebafe also noted that the counselling sessions could be accessed only during the week. Partakers are said to be volunteers who are not to be paid for their service provision.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of Re a Nyalana, Ms Annah Morwaagole commended the establishment of the programme, saying it would help bring stability in families. 

Ms Morwaagole further urged parents to utilise the programme, saying there could be parents who were stressed by their children’ s ill behaviour, or those who were deserted by children, adding that the stress could result in ill health hence the need for counselling.

It was also noted that the Thamaga counselling team was open to provide pre and post marital counselling. 

Couples were advised to seek marriage counselling three months prior to the wedding. Thamaga residents embraced the programme and were grateful that the counselling was all inclusive. Ends