12 Jun 2013

The number of beneficiaries under the poverty eradication programmes, especially LIMID, has increased at Kaudwane in the Letlhakeng Sub-district.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in the village, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso advised the beneficiaries to take care of the livestock they were given adding that it was a shame that in other parts of the country, beneficiaries had nothing to show.

“People have a tendency of selling and killing for consumption such livestock whenever they wish, then still look to government to assist them in other ways,” she noted.

Ms Tshireletso told beneficiaries that programmes such as LIMID were meant to save them from poverty.  On other issues, Ms Tshireletso expressed concern at what she termed lack of proper care of vulnerable and orphaned students in the sub-district, saying in many cases they were found to be struggling with lack of basic items such as toiletries and school uniform.

She therefore urged the social and community development officers in the area to assist, noting with concern that negligence could lead to the remote area dwellers students deserting school.

Ms Tshireletso also informed residents about increment of the Ipelegeng wages to P480 for labourers and P560 for supervisors. She advised that Ipelegeng supervisors should not necessarily be the Village Development Committee (VDC) leadership.

She also noted with concern that when tasked with supervision, the VDC leadership often neglected their duties and run their personal errands while on duty. The assistant minister advised that  Ipelegeng snack should vary from the traditional bread and drink, stating that meals such as beans should be considered, especially as they were cheap and easy to prepare.

For his part, the area MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka advised residents to take care of the livestock under LIMID, saying it was not good for government to assist the same people over and over again.

“Like any benefactor, government wishes to see people graduating from poverty and our desire is that next time we should see different people being registered under such programmes as LIMID. We cannot be assisting the same people each and every year,” he said.

He said people should learn to take care of the livestock and ensure that they multiplied. “It is our wish that when we visit the beneficiaries they should be able to show us the progress they have made under various poverty eradication programmes. You should be able to prove that your livestock has increased and that you have managed to build a shelter for yourself,’’ he said.

Ms Tshireletso also visited Sorilatholo and Mosime. ENDS