05 Aug 2013

Government will continue to fight abject poverty to ensure people achieve a dignified life.

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dr Gloria Somolekae said this on Friday during the official hand over and opening of a one roomed house in Sefhophe belonging to one youth Ms Segametsi Mogwathe.

Ms Mogwathe managed to erect a house for herself after she won a 3-months tender to supply snacks to Ipelegeng workers and used the proceeds to build a house. Dr Somolekae said it proved that government initiatives were producing the intended results of getting people from abject poverty.

She said some people were quick to dismiss government projects and said Ms Mogwathe’s house was a living example. She explained that through back yard gardens and Presidential Housing Appeal, government was committed to eradicate poverty and challenged people to join hands in order to improve and reduce reliance on government handouts.

She said Ms Mogwathe’s effort deserved commendation because she was a role model to other youths who experienced similar life challenges.The assistant minister said Ms Mogwathe managed to finish her project because she had a great determination and urged other youth to follow suit.

She managed to overcome challenges because she had the support systems such as her members of the family, relatives and the village leadership which she said was crucial. Dr Somolekae bestowed Ms Mogwathe to be the ambassador in her ministry’s poverty eradtication programmes.

“I understand that her dream was to own a bakery business and I offer Gender Affairs department to mentor her so that she achieves her mission”, she stated. Assistant minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Keletso Rakhudu who accompanied Dr Somolekae said youth should be encouraged and mentored to venture into businesses.

He stated that his ministry would give permits to some businesses to operate from homes. He emphasised the need for one to be patient and committed for their businesses to prosper.

Earlier Ms Mogwathe said she started raising startup money by collecting Phane worm and was later offered a tender to supply bread to Ipelegeng workers for three months and saved more than P10 170 at Standard Charted Bank.

She hailed Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Essau Foraga for supporting her project. She encouraged other youth to spend their money wisely not on alcohol and other unnecessary luxury items. ENDS