17 Aug 2016

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale says a marvel and envy that characterise Botswana is due to the hard work and selflessness by ordinary Batswana.

He said Botswana’s 50 years of progress and continuous self-rule since independence in 1966 gives credence to the good work individual Batswana had put in to further develop the country.

Mr Molale said during a kgotla meeting he addressed in Tshidilamolomo in Good Hope Sub-district on August 16, therefore that such commitment to duty and country needs commendation.

“You have in the process left an indelible mark that will go into history as a people whose selflessness and hard work has greatly changed the socio-economic landscape of this country,” he said.

On others, Minister Molale assured residents that government is working round the clock to ensure the tarring of Phitshane-Molopo/Mabule which has experienced a number of challenges is completed before the end of the year.

He told residents that he has also expressed his misgivings about slow progress of the road to the leadership of the country.

The minister said however that portfolio Minister, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo was expected to call a meeting on Tuesday next week to shed more light on the matter.

On Electoral (Amendment) bill of 2016, Mr Molale expressed happiness the bill which was deliberated upon in parliament recently has seen the light of day amid resistance from the opposition.

The bill, addresses issues such as electronic voting, registration of voters, preparation of rolls, deleting provisions for supplementary rolls and assistance for voters.

Mr Molale said the bill is a welcome development in that it will help expedite the entire voting process.

“It is also ironic that some Members of Parliament who objected the bill are the same people who have been bashing government for its failure to move with the times and embrace the use of electronic voting machines,” he said.

Further, Mr Molale called on residents to take up poverty eradication programmes and oust abject poverty.

Government, he said is continuing to evaluate the programmes and hire experts in view of ensuring improved livelihoods for Batswana. He therefore implored government employees, whom he said are part and parcel of governance to work hard and ensure that Batswana get the necessary assistance.

Earlier on, Kgosi Mogorosi Legotlhwane of Tshidilamolomo decried shortage of furniture, vehicle and working space at the kgotla offices to which Mr Molale responded by saying the problem seem to be all over the country.

The minister could only, but wonder why Tribal Administration was not taking the responsibility to procure such resources. ENDS