26 May 2013

Village Development Committee (VDC) members that supervise Ipelegeng programme employees have been warned against corruption.

Addressing VDCs in Mahalapye sub district , Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said there were too many incidents of corruption especially in the hiring process.

Ms Tshireletso said VDCs have been entrusted to help and guide during the recruitment of Ipelegeng workers.

However, she said it was disappointing that VDCs were manipulating the system and engaging their family members and friends and disadvantaging other beneficiaries. 

She pointed out that beneficiaries were to be engaged on rotational basis but of which that has not been the case in some areas.

She noted that some people have been more or less employed permanently yet the programme aims to provide short term employment to the vulnerable members of the community. 

She also urged dikgosi and councillors not to get involved in the hiring process of Ipelegeng workers.

In addition, she urged Ipelegeng supervisors to be at work at all times saying some have the tendency to come to work only at the end of the month.

 “Some literally go to work to sleep, get to work late, some play truancy, whereas some are in the habit of dodging during working hours and or after feed time or knock off early on Fridays which is not stipulated in their duty,” she said.

The assistant minister also condemned VDCs supervisors for misuse of materials and equipment. She said there were cases of materials being stolen by VDCs supervisors for their own use.

She further encouraged Ipelegeng workers to work hard so that they could contribute to the development of their communities by carrying out essential development projects that have been identified and prioritised through the normal development planning process.

She also pleaded with those who have been tasked with cooking for the workers to prepare different dishes and not provide bread and drink only. ENDS