22 Apr 2021

Poverty, unemployment and inequality are challenges faced by Batswana which need to be addressed with lasting solutions, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has said.

He said this when handing over a two-roomed house and a toilet built by Tshikinyega Village Development Committee for a 28-year-old mother of three, Ms Kenosi Obonetse, in Mahalapye on Wednesday.

Noting that the challenges had been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Tsogwane said the donation was one such lasting solution.

He commended the VDC for identifying Ms Obonetse’s needs, lobbying for financial support from the private sector, village leadership and community and building the P50 000 structures within a short period of time amidst COVID-19 challenges. 

Mr Tsogwane said those were the type of efforts that could help government address the challenges.

“You will recall that, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals is committed to eradicating poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030 worldwide, ensuring that no one was left behind. It is worth noting that government alone cannot achieve this pillar, we need prompt response as you have done,” said the vice president.

The success of the project, undertaken between February and March, demonstrated the unity and cooperation that prevailed among Tshikinyega VDC members, he said.

Mr Tsogwane also commended Thama Services for playing an active role in the community as the main project sponsors.

The vice president extended his thanks to everyone who contributed towards the project for having sacrificed their resources during the most challenging times to ensure Ms Obonetse’s family had a habitable abode.

On COVID-19, he encouraged Batswana to continue observing all protocols and to take the vaccine stressing that “your protection is not the duty of government alone, you are also responsible for your own lives as individuals”.

Mahalapye deputy chief, Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe, had in his welcome remarks also emphasised the need for Batswana to continue adhering to the set COVID-19 protocols.

The protocols were currently the only preventative measures, he said.

Mahalapye West MP, Mr David Tshere thanked the vice president for having made time to officially hand over the house to Ms Obonetse saying it showed he cared about society’s needs.

 

For her part, Ms Obonetse, who was also presented with P1 100 cash contributed by attendees, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to ensure she had decent shelter. ENDS