29 Apr 2018

Local authorities are charged with the mandate to bring developments and improve the socio-economic status of their communities.

Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) official, Ms Josephine Baagetswekae said this at the South East District Council excellence awards in Ramotswa recently.

She noted that local authorities were the backbone for success and that they had to conduct their business in a way that would assist the community to succeed.

She noted that LEA provided a support role to existing programmes such as poverty eradication, economic stimulus programme as well as the engagement of small contractors and artisans by local authorities.

Ms Baagetswekae stated that LEA wished to see beneficiaries becoming more entrepreneurial and competent, adding that there was need to have a vibrant business community.

“We are glad to see small contractors and artisans growing into big entrepreneurs,” she said.

She further encouraged council employees to know the vision of their council, saying it would help them to deliver services accordingly.

She said it was important for council employees to note that they had a social contract with people within their district.

“As public servants you are in charge of people’s resources and livelihood to a certain extent,” she said.

She cautioned employees against corruption, saying Batswana had been sensitised about corruption hence they would raise alarm whenever they suspected acts of corruption.

South East District Council chairperson, Mr Phenyo Segokgo challenged staff to start believing that they matched the services offered by the private sector and public enterprises.

The awards were held under the theme: Integrity and excellence. ENDS