29 Oct 2020

 Government took a decision to review all economic empowerment programmes including the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (WEE) in 2019, Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi has said. 

Responding to a question during the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi meeting, Ms Mokgethi said the reviews were done to close gaps, streamline service delivery and ensure effective management of public resources. 

She said the consultations on the consolidation of the programmes have been concluded, adding that the review exercise would come up with new operational guidelines including eligibility criteria. 

This process, Ms Mokgethi noted was led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Ministries of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development as well as Local Government and Rural Development. 

Furthermore, Ms Mokgethi said her ministry was aware of public concerns regarding the length of time taken to conclude the review process. 

She said it was however important that the review followed due process, which included extensive consultations with key stakeholders. 

Specially Elected member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Oatleng Setlhodi had asked the minister if there were any plans to review the WEE grant and if the grant would target women only. 

Kgosi Setlhodi also inquired about the length of time the review would take. 

He also asked if the ministry was aware of public concerns on the delay of the review of the grants. Ends