27 Jul 2020

Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape has challenged his constituents to form trusts to change economic landscape of their respective areas.

Addressing kgotla meetings in Selokolela and Sesung respectively recently, he said it was imperative to look into what the area was blessed with and come up with innovative ways to optimally benefit from natural resources.

Dr Kwape who is also Minister of Health and Wellness cited that as for Selokolela the area was blessed with Mogonono tree hence forming a trust to harness the benefits which come with the tree could help achieve biodiversity conservation and rural development.

He informed the resident that  trusts would allow them to bring together a pool of resources under one roof for better management of natural resources as well as increase local power and control over resources.

Trusts, he said had the potential to improve attitudes of local communities towards sustainable natural resource utilisation,.

He shared that once such trusts were operational they would enhance resource management for the benefit of all the villagers as well as securing the preservation of features of historic or public interest, including the village’s history.

He said such trusts could create a platform to promote high standards of planning, to support financially and promote any purpose for the benefit of villagers and in particular, the children and senior citizens.

Dr Kwape said the formation of trusts would provide financial support for many village projects.

He challenged constituents to come up with initiatives that would lure tourists to the area arguing such a move would bind communities together.

He shared that trusts would enable a wider spread of benefits to communities beyond those already directly gaining from the operations of such village trusts citing employees.

He added that would also develop the skills and capacities of rural communities to improve and enhance their livelihood activities.

The trusts, he said would include assisting villagers in training, in facilitating income-generating projects and assisting in social improvement projects.

Trusts give constituents opportunities to explore projects such as tailoring, soap making, handicrafts, health projects, used cooking oil reprocessed for making fuel, traditional method of weaving palm, as well as facilitating contracts and marketing links for the sale of ‘Village made’ products, he said.

On other issues, he implored constituents to take pride in their culture, noting he was yet to see decorations that showcase culture in weddings. ENDS