31 Jan 2020

Modern technology has the potential to grow the economy and reduce reliance on diamonds.

Speaking during kgotla meetings at Mmadikola and Toromoja villages on Wednesday,    Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said government therefore planned to use advanced Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to elevate the local market and boost the economy.

The objective, he said, was to promote fourth industrial revolution features such as  automation, 3D technology and internet banking. 

The Boteti West MP said the aim was to attain an export-led economy which required employment of ICT.

Urging businesses to embrace new technology, Mr Tsogwane said local goods such as baskets and crafts could be marketed online.

He advised the application of advanced technology in the development of seeds, enhancing and testing soil fertility as well as developing cattle breeds.

Vice President Tsogwane said the education system could also be enhanced through the use of ICT by ensuring access to internet services and having educational materials online.

 Education, he said, would focus on knowledge and innovation.

Mr Tsogwane said government would provide support such as infrastructure to ensure that use of modern technology was widely spread across the country.

He emphasised the use of artificial intelligence and called for innovation for the purpose of designing machinery.

Residents were informed of government’s plans to produce an electric car locally.

They also heard that a  transformation strategy team had been appointed.

On other issues, Mr Tsogwane said the Central District was too broad adding that Boteti should be fully-fledged district with Rakops as sub-district.

Mmadikola Village Development Committee (VDC)representative Ms Gabammatle Maatlaaborwele asked for power network expansion in the village. 

She complained about shortage of permanent and pensionable teachers at the local primary school as well as the Mmadikola mobile clinic which she said was not operating.

Another concern was the dilapidated state of the Rakops Junior Secondary School hostel.

Toromoja VDC chairperson Ms Masedi Lefeletse appealed for  water network expansion, gravelling of the 19-kilometre Rakops/Toromoja Road, a court bailiff and expansion of the health post. Ends