05 May 2019

Member of Parliament for Tonota, Mr Thapelo Olopeng has called on the members of Lentswe la Bomme association to steer clear from politics to advance the association’s noble course of improving people’s livelihoods.

Mr Olopeng, who is also the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology sounded the warning during the launch of Lentswe la Bomme association under the theme; ‘Mosadi ke Thari Ya Sechaba” at the main kgotla in Tonota recently.

Formed in 2008 by women mostly wedded to dikgosi in Tonota, the association is aimed at educating and mentoring the girl child and providing support to the village leadership by ensuring a meaningful participation in community activities.

“This association should remain non-partisan.

In politics people get polarised but you are primarily an inclusive entity that has to embrace everyone. You should as such remain true to your course,” he said.

He further said members of Lentswe la Bomme ought to tread carefully and make sure they do not get caught up in needless power struggle, which he said had the potential to put asunder any given group.

MP Olopeng  also challenged Lentswe la Bomme to recruit more young women into its fold for continuity purposes.

He pledged government’s support for noble courses such as one undertaken by Lentswe la Bomme, adding that the former would continue to create an enabling environment for well-intended organisations to thrive in order to impact the lives of the people.

Kgosi Basadi Seipone of Kang who was the guest speaker at the launch praised the achievements attained by the association since inception over 11 years ago.

The development, she said could only give one a ray of hope at a time when morality especially among young people was at its lowest ebb.

“Young people need committed people like you to guide them if they are to grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow.

Even more encouraging is the fact that you work closely with various government departments to turn around people’s lives,” she said.

Kgosi Seipone also said associations such as Lentswe la Bomme should be at the forefront and encourage people to register and vote.

Queen Mother from Mochudi, MmaSeingwaeng shared other speakers’ sentiments about the many milestones that had been achieved by the association and encouraged it to make sure that its voice continued to be heard for further advancement of the lives of the people of Tonota and beyond.

“As women you should continue to use your voices to build and not destroy.

Those who have not yet joined Lentswe la Bomme should do so as a matter of urgency to increase its footprint,” she said.

The Association Chairperson, Ms Moeng Majoo said so far, the association which had about 60 members had been able to donate items such as chairs to some wards and schools in Tonota.

She stated further that the association had been at the forefront of decorating the main kgotla and took part in numerous community development initiatives.

Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse of Tonota also gave the association a pat on the back and said its launch marked the beginning of a great journey.

The day which was filled with fanfare was graced by women from as far as Manyana, Kgatleng district, Serule and many other areas who also burst into song and dance as a gesture of solidarity and good will to Lenstwe la Bomme. ENDS