21 May 2017

Residents of Taung in the South East District have pleaded with their MP, Mr Samuel Rantuana to lobby Parliament to pass a law that outlaws playing loud music in bars and all-night prayers.

They made the appeal during a kgotla meeting addressed by their legislator on Thursday in Taung.

Residents opined that bars should not be allowed to invite live bands or play loud music as that was a nuisance for residents living nearby.

Kgosi Lebogang Masie of Taung said it was difficult for children to study when bars and churches played inviting music, hence they contributed to the decline in students’ academic performance and delinquency.

On other issues, Kgosi Masie pleaded with parents to respect their children so that they in turn respect them. Kgosi Masie told villagers that during the recent Taung JSS boot camp, it was realised that some parents used abusive and derogatory words against their children.

He cautioned that the customary court would not shy away from taking action against parents who verbally abused their children if such children report the matter to the court.

The MP promised to take the villagers concerns forward, but added that it was difficult to measure noise distance under the current bye laws. Mr Rantuana said bye-laws stipulated that the noise should not exceed 200 members distance and added that it was difficult to measure noise, adding that those breaking the law easily won their cases.

Mr Rantuana further pleaded with parents to set a good example for their children, saying most of the challenges the youth faced were caused by parents.

On other issues, he told the villagers that they were still awaiting the council audit report of the Ramotswa internal roads, which included Taung village.

Mr Rantuana said the company that was engaged constructed sub standard roads, which were already wearing off.

He further told the meeting that the next Parliament sitting would, among others, discuss the Citizenship Amendment Bill and Tribal Land Bill as well as National Assembly Salaries and Allowance Amendment Bill. ENDS