22 May 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi says government is planning to establish a task force on liquor trading hours.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Thabala recently, Dr Venson-Moitoi said the taskforce, to be established by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, was in response to grievances expressed by members of the business community.

She noted that there had been growing concerns that the current trading hours had crippled many businesses leading to loss of employment.

Dr Venson-Moitoi advised residents of Thabala to be on the lookout for the taskforce and to participate as their input would be appreciated.  

She noted that the move was not meant to encourage excessive drinking, as alcohol posed danger to society.

She reminded her constituents that alcohol had the potential to destroy lives and families, adding that government previously reduced hours of operation for bars and liquor outlets in an effort to curb the rate at which alcohol was abused.

Dr Venson-Moitoi also informed residents about bills which were passed by the last Parliament session, among them the Matimela Act.

She said the bill sought to improve the management of matimela, adding that one of the amendments was a provision for shorter periods of reporting matimela to ensure their timely collection.

She noted that the bill also provided for the branding of matimela placed in matimela facilities with councils’ brands within five days.

She also warned residents about cybercrime and computer related crimes, revealing that there were tough penalties to respond to growing trends of misconduct and illegal acts through the use of electronic devices.

“Penalties for offences relating to the use of cellphone are now stringent as fines range from P20 000, with imprisonment sentences varying in years,” she said.

She warned those fond of insulting, harassing and threatening others, publishing sexual photographs or videos on social networks to be on the lookout.

Residents decried the lack of a market for their livestock, as a result of the closure of the Botswana Meat Commission in Francistown. The said they were now at the mercy of butchery owners who bought their livestock at low prices, but still struggled to pay them.

Residents also requested government to consider reverting the management of clinics to local government, pointing out that the central government was not capacitated to supervise security personnel or maintain clinic facilities and vehicles. Ends