03 Apr 2020

Jwaneng Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Lesang Kgomoetsile has advised people, especially farmers to get permits to travel during the lockdown period from departments relevant to the purpose for which they seek such permits.

Mr Kgomoetsile whose office was flooded by people seeking permits for different purposes,  advised that farmers seeking to travel to cattleposts should get permits at the Department of Veterinary Services, while those seeking to go to cattleposts should contact the Department of Crop Production.

He also said that private companies had been empowered to issue permits to their employees that are deemed essential, and that such people did not have to get permits from his office.

Mr Kgomoetsile said that his office started experiencing an influx of permit seekers yesterday evening, and that the situation got even worse this morning.

“Yesterday, (April 02) we received the required permits late from the authorities, so we could not assist them,” he said.

He said the situation was worsened by people who wanted permits to transit to other districts, especially those commuting to far places and could not make it home in time after knocking off.

“Some people work far and wanted to travel home, but because of other challenges such as car break-downs and time constraint, they could not make it home before lockdown, but now they are here seeking permits to go home.

However, the message from government was clear that people should avoid travelling, so it will be difficult do give them such permits, rather we will only issue permits that send them back,” he said. Ends