27 Jun 2016

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has urged Orapa residents, particularly those working at the diamond mines, to find avenues that are economically viable and could uplift their lives in future when they retire or resign from the mining life. 

Speaking at a kgotla meeting at the township, Mr Tsogwane said such avenues included but not limited to uptake of government programmes like ISPAAD.  

He advised those who had enough funds to buy tractors and farming implements to take advantage of ISPAAD by way of ploughing and planting for Batswana. 

Again, the minister warned that too much reliance on minerals was not only dangerous to Botswana economy but, even to individuals employed in the sector. 

He cited that a slump in diamond revenue could spell doom for miners which could result in retrenchments. 

However, he said, if employees invested wisely implications of downturn in diamond sales could have minimal ramifications.

Mr Tsogwane also implored young miners to invest wisely, arguing that purchase of modern luxurious cars could not be regarded a wise move because often such cars were liabilities. 

He also told them that their forefathers who worked in South African mines had invested their money in agriculture which still remained a viable sector as people needed to eat every day.  

He said by buying tractors and farming implements whilst still working would also provide job opportunities for other Batswana.

Also, he informed residents that government paid better than South Africa in terms of hectorage. 

Mr Tsogwane stressed the viability of ISPAAD saying a lot of money disbursed for the programme was returned to government coffers because of shortage of farming machinery.

He also encouraged residents of Orapa to invest in their children’s education, adding the importance of education could be overemphasised. 

On other educational matters, Minister Tsogwane informed residents that government would spend P40 million to build 22 teachers quarters through Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

He conceded it was difficult for children whose parents did not work for Debswana to access primary education in Orapa since the township was in a leased area. 

However, the minister promised to engage concerned stakeholders on the issue. 

Chief education officer in Letlhakane, Mr Othusitse Namane reiterated that Orapa was a special area that did not have public schools.

Mr Namane said the only public school was the community junior school. 

He informed residents that public schools did not adhere steadfastly to teacher pupil ration because government’s intention was to have students complete a 10 year basic education.

He also revealed that government did not interfere in the running of private schools and recruitment of teachers at Debswana schools.  

The chief education officer was responding to requests from some non-Debswana workers who wanted their children to access education in the township arguing that it was a risky and costly exercise to have their children attend schools outside Orapa. Ends