17 Mar 2022

Corruption undermines policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty, and everything must be done to uproot it, Central District Council (CDC) councillors have said.

Debating the CDC chairman, Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe’s speech during the on-going virtual full council session, the councillors said because it interfered with government programmes and policies, corruption also hindered investment, resulting in negative economic growth and job creation.

They gave examples of Village Development Committees’ elections and those of dikgosi, Ipelegeng employment, as well as bids for tenders, where candidates often gave kickbacks to get votes.

Such widespread corruption was not only a deterrent to investors, but was also a canker that continually weakened the economy and threatened the country’s peace and stability, they said.

They called on the government to use technology to fight corruption at every level. Malatswae Councillor Mr Bernard Kenosi, said fighting corruption should begin with local leaders, including councilors, taking effective, practical steps to prevent and prosecute corruption.

He said the impact of corruption negatively affected the most vulnerable people in society, especially people living in remote areas.

Mr Kenosi also called on pastors to preach against corruption.

On other issues, the councillor complained bout joblessness among RADS graduates, and appealed to CEDA and LEA to conduct workshops about their services in remote areas, so they may also benefit. Councillor for Patikwane, Mr Nametso Senku said implementation of development projects was too slow and costly to the government.

Further, he said, it also resulted in some people engaging in corrupt acts.

He decried poor school results, saying those who failed often resorted to crime.

Mr Senku called for an audit of schools’ academic performance to determine the root cause.

He also expressed concern about water shortage at Mannathoko, Paje and Mabeleapudi , saying it halted developments. ENDS