23 Oct 2017

Residents of Mogobane in the South East Distinct have called for extensive consultations concerning government programme implementation and amendment of existing laws.

Residents stated at a kgotla meeting addressed by their Member of Parliament, Mr Samuel Rantuana recently.

One resident, Mr Busang Mosarwe said the country enjoyed peace and tranquility owing to the existing laws, hence efforts to amend them should be relayed extensively to the communities.

He regretted that there had not been adequate consultation for amending some laws, hence he feared it could disturb the country’s reputation.

Mr Mosarwe further stated that the Village Extension Teams were not visible in the village except during meetings addressed by senior government officials.

Another resident, Mr Mokgalo Sharwane stated that all decisions should be informed by the will of the people, hence the need to improve on consultations

He further said there was need for the law to be amended to allow the sitting President to choose Cabinet from outside Parliament members.

Ms Tsholofelo Letshoo raised a concern that information about empowerment programmes did not flow apropriately to the community.

For instance, she said young people applied for empowerment programmes, but were never given feedback by the accounting authorities.

Other residents complained about poor working conditions of security guards throughout the country, something that Mr Rantuana attested to.

He said there were many complaints about poor working relations between security personnel and their employees, adding that some companies even disappeared without paying employees.

Mr Rantuana said the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security was aware of the difficulties faced by security company employees.

He said efforts were ongoing to blacklist all companies and directors of companies trampling upon the rights of their workers.

Furthermore, he said his office was inundated with complaints regarding land policy, which outlawed spouses to be allocated plots individually.

He said the policy disadvantaged people who were married and was contrary to the constitution, which allowed for every Motswana to be allocated a plot.

Mr Rantuana encouraged community members to register their plots, adding that the exercise was for their own good and they would not lose their plots.

Mr Rantuana was addressing a meeting in his constituency ahead of the November Parliament sessions and shared with them bills passed during the previous session

Among such was the Tribal Land Amendment Bill, Deeds Registry Amendment Bill, National Registration Amendment Bill and Prisons Amendment Bill. ENDS