09 Apr 2019

Mahalapye Sub-district has budgeted more than P7.2 million to sustain 38 686 temporary employees engaged under Ipelegeng in the four constituencies of Shoshong, Mahalapye West, Mahalapye East and Sefhare/Ramokgonami.

Ipelegeng coordinator for Mahalapye Sub-district, Mr Eric Sephetsolo revealed in an interview recently that during the previous financial year, the local authority engaged 1 780 members of the community to provide snacks for Ipelegeng employees. 

Mr Sephetsolo said out of the cumulative number of beneficiaries, 697 were youth, of which 535 were females and 162 males, adding that 22 were people living with disabilities. 

He said beneficiaries providing snack to Ipelegeng employees were engaged on a three-month contract for a snack supply worth P4 000 per month. 

He observed that if spent wisely, the funds generated through the three -month contracts could add value to one’s life, adding that the beneficiaries were encouraged to invest in income-generating projects. 

He said even though engaging beneficiaries on a short term basis, the programme was among the government initiatives aimed at empowering unemployed members of the community.

Mr Sephetsolo said even though the programme had its positives, some members of the community, who did not qualify always wanted to benefit, stressing that despite the hiccups, council authorities would ensure that those who qualify enjoy it.

He noted that some of the beneficiaries did not deliver the snack on time due to shortage of transport as some of the Ipelegeng projects were outside villages. 

He, however said efforts were made by the beneficiaries to deliver despite the challenge.

For her part, one of the past beneficiaries of the programme, Ms Maitshoko Keetile of Mahalapye noted that despite the short contracts, the programme had the potential to uplift the lives of beneficiaries. 

Through her earnings, Ms Keetile said she managed to finance some of her projects such as buying electrical materials to wire her house. 

She said she managed to deliver as per the requirements of her contract through dedication, as she walked the long distance to deliver to her designated team.

“I was delivering snack at the two wards of Dilaene 1 and Dilaene 2”, she added. 

She therefore encouraged the unemployed who qualify for the programme to try their luck as the little that they get would add value to their lives. 

She also acknowledged receiving her payments on time from the Ipelegeng office. ENDS