27 Nov 2016

Poverty Eradication Programme beneficiaries at Ranaka and Lekgolobotlo villages have expressed mixed feelings about the initiative.

The Presidential Inspectorate Task team toured the poverty eradication projects led by former minister, Mr Johnnie Swartz in Moshupa Sub-district  last week.

The visit was to understand the challenges the beneficiaries had encountered and also appreciate the succrssful ones.

Though, Mr Swartz was worried that a number of beneficiaries were not keeping records and business cash books, he said he was happy that some of them were doing exceptionally well.
He said they had identified successful projects and challenges they had faced.

He noted that some beneficiaries were able to sustain their families through the projects.

Mr Swartz said they would report to President President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama after touring projects in the country.

Meanwhile, some beneficiaries pointed out that acquisition of small stock was limited.

Some indicated that limited market was one of the reasons, their projects were not doing well.

They said shortage of water and high water bills in some instaces, led to the collapse of most of the backyard projects.

Most of them said social development officers rarely visited their projects for monitoring purposes.

In Ranaka, Mr Jani Sebobi, aged 54, who was given 11 goats, had only seven goats when the team visited him.

He said the goats, which were bought in the Kgalagadi area died.

Ms Thesane Ramatsoga, aged 42, was given a grant to buy a hot dog machine, cylinder gas, tables and chairs.
She said the business was doing well during weekends and holidays.

Mr Ben Rebakgosi, who runs tyre services was funded in 2016.
He said he was given a compressor, jack, generator, toolbox and vacuum cleaner.

He said business was doing well, even though he was not keeping records.

Ms Keneilwe Thempho and Baitshephi Kgosiemang who were engaged in backyard gardening were worried about water shortage and high water bills.

Ms Malebogo Setsiba who keeps chicken layers was doing well and Ms Boikanyo Keyateng who runs bakery and supplied bread to Lekgolobotlo Primary School.

Mr Shimane Matlhare , who was involved in beekeeping said he was doing well even though there was unreliable rainfall.

He said bees need enough water and flowers to produce honey combs.  ENDS