23 Aug 2018

Community development and Social Services chairperson in the Serowe Administrative Authority, Mr Solomon Dikgang has advised day care centre managers to address issues surrounding their area of work collectively. 

Mr Dikgang said this at a meeting held for the Serowe day care managers by the council through the Department of Social and Community Development Home Economics section. 

He said the council was concerned that majority of day care centres did not adhere to regulations, something which threatened the closure of such entities.

“We are here to map the way forward. Let us come together as day care centres to find a way in which we can amend our current bye laws to meet our lifestyle since we live in a traditional village."

Mr Dikgang said it was difficult for most to meet set standards for licensing, adding that it was up to them to address such challenges.

“We do not desire to close down your day care centres. Our aspiration is to see all the day care centres fully functioning towards the development of the community,” he said. 

He further advised them to form a committee which would work in consultation with the council in ensuring that bye-laws were in line with the current times and favourable for the smooth operation of their businesses.

 Mr Dikgang said there would be joint inspections facilitated by the licensing departments but however, advised the managers that the responsibility to license their businesses rested with them not the licensing officers. 

He informed the managers to pay attention when signing lease agreements adding that there had been many cases where day care centres had to relocate because they did not pay full attention to their lease agreements. 

Managers stated that it was difficult to meet the standards set by the licensing offices, especially the physical planners and environmental inspectors.

They requested for consistency among officers conducting inspections. Managers also decried late feedback by licensing officers due to lack of transport. ENDS