21 Feb 2017

Ms Olebogeng Merementsi, a social worker at Werda Department of Social & Community Development (S & CD) says it’s unfair for the public to negatively critisise Village Development Committee (VDC) members when presenting their financial reports as they are not skilled accounting professionals.

Speaking during a Werda VDC dissolution and elections meeting on Thursday at the main kgotla, Ms Merementsi said ordinary Werda residents possessing necessary bookkeeping skills are at liberty to offer help to the VDC executive instead of subjecting the volunteers to endless accusations.

“The VDC belongs to the community and you are liberty to play a role in its running. If you possess accounting qualifications then I urge you to help your VDC with modern reporting methods. We are living in an ever-changing world that requires a certain level of expertise,” said Ms Merementsi.

However, Ms Merementsi lauded the outgoing VDC team for coordinating projects and their good accounting skills. She noted that Tsabong Sub-district Council audit team has finished auditing books of the outbound group, but indications  are that no wrong doing was committed.

“There is absolutely nowhere an incumbent VDC executive can be dissolved when there are pending issues of concern. So I can put to you that this VDC did a stelling job.”

Furthermore, the social worker outlined the VDC elections procedures. She noted that the council as the local authority, together with ex-officio members such as dikgosi and district commissioners, are vested with the mandate of arranging for elections.

She stressed that prospective candidates should have a clean criminal record, not holding any political position and most importantly, the aspirant has to be politically neutral.

The community development officer said individuals vying for the positions should be determined to sacrifice their time and energy for the benefit of village development. She noted that VDCs as the servants of morafe, are expected to consult with members of the public on regular basis and coordinate developments fairly.

In the elections that ensued, 10 persons were voted into office. The gender parity element that was recommended earlier on seemed not be observed as seven of the 10 members were females whereas three were males.

Mr Thabo Banda was elevated to the position of chairperson, Ms Matshwenyego Magotlho nailed the vice chairperson seat, Ms Seanokeng Thumpe was voted the secretary with Ms Thulaganyo Gobane deputising her.

Mr  Thusoyaone Dipuo was given the treasurer position. The remaining 5 are additional members.

For his part, Kgosi Keolefile Phihadu of Werda appealed to his subjects to desist from infusing political discussions into official government matters. BOPA