19 May 2016

Former minister of labour and home affairs, also member of Presidential Inspectorate Task Team, Mr Peter Siele, says success of the poverty eradication programmes depends on public servants.

He, therefore, urged programme officers to improve on the monitoring and coordination of these programmes.

Addressing kgotla meetings in Sehithwa and Tsau recently Mr. Siele stated that officers should evade apathy and do follow-ups and proper assessment of empowerment projects to elude misconceptions and improve delivery.

He said this in response to some of the various concerns raised by beneficiaries that some officers were  indifferent when assisting them in empowerment programmes such as Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID.

“Programme officers are the agents of social change hence they should make amends and do extension services and regular follow-ups and evaluation of projects and assist beneficiaries in any way possible on how to improve their ventures,” said Mr. Siele.

Furthermore, Mr Siele noted that  government was doing everything in its power to improve the economy hence it has set up these poverty eradication programmes to change the lives of Batswana for the better.

Just like the rest of the country, residents of Sehithwa and Tsau took advantage of poverty eradication programmes such as small stock, back yard gardening, catering, tailoring, welding, leather work, bee keeping and others. 

The youth have also embraced the Youth Development Programme (YDF) in ventures like fisheries and bakery.

The beneficiaries told the team that some of their projects were doing well while some were still facing various challenges like stock theft, animal diseases, lack of market and unfavourable weather conditions.

Assistant council secretary Ms Mogomotsi Seemule assured them that they woon soon conduct workshops to ensure that beneficiaries understand what is required of them. 

One of the poverty eradication beneficiaries who excelled in beekeeping Mr Sebinang Samanga of Tsau hailed the poverty eradication programme and explained that it has shielded him and his family from  hunger as he was now earning profit by selling honey. ENDS