21 Dec 2017

A member of Mmasepala Welfare Commission, Mr Charles Amos says their new initiative, dubbed “payroll interface scheme,” can only work if there is a market.

The welfare commission is a delegated arm responsible for Botswana Association of Local Authority (BALA) welfare programmes and activities.

Mr Amos explained in an interview that the initiative was a financier, and stated that if members of BALA could approve it, it would open a new window in terms of financial capacity. He explained that the initiative was meant to improve the welfare of BALA members.

Earlier on, Mr Amos informed  councillors that the scheme was at the proposal level, noting that the BALA executive committee, in conjunction with the Mmasepala Welfare Commission, had identified a financier in the administration of the scheme, and that they were currently awaiting a signed agreement and endorsement by individual local authorities.

He said the executive committee gave the scheme the green light, and that some of the benefits of the payroll interface was the interface of management of individual salaries. He added that the scheme would also determine borrowing levels and patterns, guard against indebtedness, consolidate loans and help create better take home pays.

The scheme also offers alternative schemes, eliminates human error, assists with study loans for members, and also offers advice on financial literacy and investment

Mr Amos also briefed members about the partnership with Kgolagano College. He said it was another new leadership development initiative which would be offered at affordable prices.

He said the college had agreed to a mobile approach whereby members grouped themselves, registered and invited the college staff to offer the course.

He added that courses would be designed according to the needs of the group. Another member of the commission, Mr Manota Kachana said the scheme would benefit only those who would come back after the 2019 elections.

If the council endorsed the scheme, he said there would be a lot of benefits, noting that members would qualify for a personal loan to the maximum of P500 000.

He also stressed the need for councillors to develop themselves so that they could debate and deliver effectively in council business. Mr Kachana said they would also be able to understand their roles and refrain from buying votes during elections.

For their part, councillors endorsed the initiative, saying it was a welcome development. However, they called for the proper implementation of the initiative so that it could produce desired results ENDS