01 Aug 2013

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has told Parliament that the Kgomodiatshaba leather workshop was constructed in 2003 with the main purpose of providing infrastructure to be used by beneficiaries in carpentry work.

Responding to a question, Ms Tshireletso stated that a leather works component was added to provide space for beneficiaries interested in leather products.

The assistant minister indicated that none of the six beneficiaries graduated adding that the group disbanded due to various reasons ranging from health to reduced commitment citing lack of regular income as the main factor. She said since none of the beneficiaries graduated, none of them was engaged in meaningful employment as a result of the graduation.

Ms Tshireletso said there was no income accrued to individual beneficiaries directly from the use of the workshop in the last three years as the project was not operational during the specified period. The assistant minister said currently the process of resuscitating proper utilisation of the Kgomodiatshaba carpentry/ leather workshop has started.

She said three beneficiaries have already been identified who are interested in utilising the workshop for different projects like art.She stated that procurement of required materials is ongoing under the Poverty Eradication funding.

Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West, Mr Gilbert Mangole had asked the minister to state when the Kgomodiatshaba leather workshop was constructed and the purpose for its conception. Mr Mangole also wanted to know the number of beneficiaries who have graduated from the workshop to date and the number of graduates who are engaged in meaningful employment as a result of that graduation.

The MP further asked the minister to state the income which has accrued to individual beneficiaries directly from the use of the workshop in the last three years. ENDS