23 Jan 2017

Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile has challenged Mongala Village Development Committee (VDC) to take a role in development initiatives rather than depend on government for decision-making.

Mr Kesupile was addressing a kgotla meeting at Mongala ward on Wednesday.

He said some members had distanced themselves from one another so much so that they do not share information among themselves, and urged them to set their differences aside.

He said VDC helps in governing and managing the affairs of the community, meet people’s needs, solve problems and improve livelihoods.

He said that residents have complained that Mongala VDC was not functioning and never consults members of the community.

Mr Kesupile explained that as leaders they should involve community members including bogosi and S& CD official in decision making and planning processes.

He also said leaders should ensure that community members know VDC mandate, ensure books are audited and reports are done regularly.

Therefore, he emphasised transparency and accountability as vital components of local structures so as to achieve good governance.

He noted that dikgosi should act as a link between communities and structures in their territories

He therefore urged them to work together as a team, adding that it was important for institutions to comply with their guiding instruments.

The committees should also help their communities develop, be self-reliant and come up with ideas that could transform communities.

He said the VDC must demonstrate devotion towards bringing development to Mongala ward.

He said since village committees played an advisory role to government, they are part of the decision-making process, meaning that the committees formulate ideas for projects that will benefit the communities.

In other issues, the MP encouraged parents and teachers to work cooperatively together to improve school results as some schools in his constituency are under performing.

He praised Lefoko primary school for obtaining position one in Standard Seven results.

He also talked about Electronic Voting Machine, which will be used in the next general elections, saying the use of the machine would reduce long queues, ensure no spoilt ballot papers as well as no cheating.

In response, the residents complained about Sandulela Company, which took over from Post Office in paying pensioners their allowances. Most pensioners said their payments are always delayed.

They also complained about  poverty eradication project backlog and shortage of equipment for Ipelegeng. BOPA