13 Aug 2018

Sixty-eight poverty eradication beneficiaries in the Kweneng District have been able to adapt to the business world and are making good progress in their projects. 

Speaking in an interview, the district’s poverty eradication coordinator, Mr Gaotlhobogwe Kwelagobe said there were currently 31 successful poverty eradication projects in Letlhakeng Sub-district, 24 in Molepolole-Lentsweletau while 13 were in the Mogoditshane-Thamaga Sub-district. 

He said such projects range from kiosks, catering, bakery and backyard tree nurseries and that the packages were funded with sums amounting to P9 000 to P15 000.

“Those beneficiaries have been able to own and manage their projects just like self-funded businesses.

They have been able to advertise their businesses and establish a proper market for their goods and services, thus putting them in a state to make good profits,” he said. 

Mr Kwelagobe also said they were happy that such beneficiaries have been able to use their profits to grow their business to a sustainable level rather than always relying on the poverty eradication office for assistance.

He said though they were progressing well, beneficiaries have challenges of poor market because of competition from well-established retailers which forces them to reduce prices in order to retrain clients.

He said some of those who have been given backyard gardening projects have complained of shortage of water in their residences, therefore resorting to growing in small portions.

He however, explained that from the month of April to August last year, P11 million was allocated to Kweneng District and has been properly disbursed among its three sub-districts, and that so far the funds have been spent to clear backlogs for projects that were partially assisted while entirely new ones would be assisted when funds are available.

Mr Kwelagobe said so far 23 456 people have been assessed for eligibility and 14 173 qualified for assistance. He added that only 7 911 have been trained while 3 611 were given full packages.

He said 1 024 beneficiaries were yet to be given full packages because the suppliers were running short of materials and prices get inflated overtime, which made it difficult for them to purchase the remaining materials.

He said that among the 3 611 who were given full packages, only 2 888 were operating while 592 have abandoned projects. 

Mr Kwelagobe said they often organised exhibitions for the beneficiaries as a way of nurturing them and that about 60 exhibitors were annually invited to share their success stories. ENDS