30 Jul 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has urged societies to stay focused and maintain their goal of restoring dignity to the less privileged.

Launching Oodi-Matebele Segotja Molelo branch on July 28 at Oodi Matebele kgotla, Minister Venson-Moitoi said societies had restored dignity to most families and continued to do so.

She said most societies collapsed due to lack of proper communication.

Dr Venson-Moitoi commended the founders of Segotja Molelo for their determination in helping families during the departure of their loved ones.

She noted that forming a society was not easy as one has to deal with different individuals.

She encouraged members of Segotja Molelo to support and work as a team to reach their goals.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said the society displays the Setswana culture as it encourages the spirit of caring and loving one another.

Segotja Molelo president, Ms Goleba Mokwena said the society comes a long way in helping the less privileged people and thanked the God almighty for sustaining them through all the ordeals they encountered.

She also thanked all stakeholders for believing in their concept and giving them an opportunity to work with them to achieve good results.

Ms Mokwena said the society started in 2006 in Letlhakeng in the Kweneng district and the society currently has 7 552 members with 25 branches.

On challenges encountered, she cited corrupt and unfaithful members, lack of funds to build offices in Letlhakeng, where they had been allocated a plot.

Moreover, Ms Mokwena said due to budgetary constraints, they were unable to employ staff for their Gaborone offices.

She however encouraged members to stay faithful and pay their monthly fees.

Oodi-Matebele branch chairperson, Ms Gaone Ramotshabi thanked all the Segotja Molelo members for assisting them to achieve their goal.

She said her branch has 180 members from Mochudi and surrounding areas and was hopeful the number would double as time goes on.

Ms Ramotshabi said they built toilets for Oodi Matebele cemetery.

Ms Ramotshabi thanked Oodi and Oodi-Matebele leaders for always assisting them with all the help they needed.

Kgosi Bana Sekai thanked the society for coming up with the concept and encouraged them to focus on growing and reaching other villages. ENDS