13 Aug 2013

The criteria used in determining settlements covered by the Affirmative Action for disadvantaged groups are those recognised as Remote Area Communities Settlements, Parliament has been told.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Monday, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said currently, there are 67 of such settlements based in the seven districts of Central, North West, Southern, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Ghanzi and Kweneng.

Ms Tshireletso said these are currently assisted under the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) in line with the Revised Programme guidelines of 2009.

“Maboane does not qualify under the set criteria,” she clarified.

However, she said, identified poverty stricken individuals or families at Maboane and any other part of the country not covered under RADP settlements would continue to be assisted under provisions of the destitution programme or other government economic empowerment initiatives.

Ms Tshireletso was responding to a question that was asked by MP for Letlhakeng West, Mr Ngaka Ngaka who wanted the minister to state the criteria that was used in determining settlements covered by affirmative action. He also wanted to know whether Maboane village does not qualify under the said criteria considering that it is highly poverty stricken. Ends