20 Aug 2017

Government economic empowerment programme, poverty eradication is proving to change people’s lives.

Programme beneficiaries said recently that since their enrolment, their lives had changed for the better.

One resident, Ms Lorato Motlokwa of Taung in the South East District said she was funded for tent hire business in 2013 and her business had progressed well thus impacting positively on her life.

“I never turn a customer away, that is my strategy,” said Ms Motlokwa who said her business was always booked despite the competitive tent hiring market.

She noted that she had managed to extend the family’s two roomed house with additional two bedrooms, kitchen, toilet and as well having the house connected with electricity.

In addition, she had also bought a van for her business for easy transportation.
 

Through the assistance, Ms Motlokwa said she had managed to graduate from government safety net programme.

 “I no longer bother social workers with assistance. I sustain myself and my extended family,” said Ms Motlokwa.

Another beneficiary, Ms Irene Mokgosi also from Taung stated that she was given 10 goats under the programme in 2013.

Although at first, she was hesitant when approached by the social workers to apply for the poverty eradication programme, she later gave in amid reservations.

 “I suspected that this was a trap, I could not believe that I could be given goats for free,” she added.
 

Years after getting assistance, Ms Mokgosi managed to graduate from poverty and like other members of her family, she now contribute in family commitments such as funerals and marriages.

Ms Mokgosi said her goats had multiplied and reached 58 and she pleaded with other beneficiaries to work hard and make their business a success.
 

She stated that the programme  had the potential to improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries if taken seriously.

About 691 people have benefited from poverty eradication in the South East District since its inception.

Poverty eradication is one of President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Kham Ian Khama’s flagship programmes aimed at ensuring that all able bodied destitute and potential destitute step out of poverty and transform to sustainable livelihoods. Ends