26 Feb 2018

Kanye Administrative Authority (KAA) Sub-district councillors have been informed that the sub-district has been experiencing an increase of destitute persons over the years, and that it compelled the sub-district to conduct mass assessment.

Speaking during the sub-district council meeting, the chairperson of the sub council, Mr Tlhomamo Dibeela said during the assessment they discovered that some clients were dead, but that their cards were still being used and that some had relocated outside the district without informing the office.

“Another disturbing issue was too much consumption of alcohol in some areas which led to too much dependency on government safety nets and the neglect of children,’’ Mr Dibeela stated.

He informed councillors that 195 persons were removed from the list based on their improved livelihoods, and that 95 destitute persons were found to be dead bringing a total reduction of the load by 290.

He said there was also a decline in the number of home based care clients due to death and the graduation of orphans, adding that there was a slight increase in the number of needy students due to the registration of orphans graduating from the orphan care programme.

“It is anticipated that all these changes will lift the burden on our budget. Council continues to provide the required services like food baskets, transport and school uniform timely to our clientele,’’ he said.

Mr Dibeela noted that the department was currently engaged in visiting schools to identify beneficiaries who may be in need of uniform.

“It is to my disappointment that of all cases that are recorded 50 per cent of them involve children. This is a serious concern as it shows that elders are the ones abusing children when they are supposed to be protecting  them despite efforts to raise awareness on child protection issues,’’ he lamented.

He added that efforts had been made to revive child protection committees, and that four more were trained in December in Gasita to assist in identifying cases in their communities and refer such to relevant authorities for intervention.ENDS