18 Apr 2016

The Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia says the low uptake of the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD) is a concern.

The MP, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, said this during kgotla meetings in Magotlhwane and Kgomokasitwa recently. He noted that since its inception in 2008, the programme was yet to realise its objective of augmented throughput as well as establishment of strong farmers.

“Instead of getting established and attaining self-sufficiency, the majority of beneficiaries under the programme are regressing,” he said.Particularly disappointing, he said, was the use of underhand tactics by some farmers to cheat the government.

Mr Ralotsia said the status-quo calls for the review of the programme to see how best it could serve the nation and curb potential abuse.Dwindling school results was another area of concern to Mr Ralotsia. “Let us avoid the blame game and come up with corrective measures,” he said.

The Kanye North MP also called on residents to prepare for the 50^th golden jubilee slated for September 30, adding that this year’s festivities bear huge significance for the nation.

A community member, Ms Olebogeng Kgabanyane said poor results at schools were a result of waywardness that has engulfed learning institutions across the country.

“Please tell married men to stay away from our children and to stop buying them cell phones and other expensive items in the name of love,” she said.Another resident, Mr Modisakgomo Molefi blamed students’ unruliness on school authorities’ decision to spare the rod. END