30 Nov 2022

Any discrepancies identified in the implementation of the Remote Area Service Allowance (RASA) are dealt with to avoid depriving workers of their right to benefit from the scheme.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Assistant Minister for State President, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu said eligibility for the allowance was dependent on the accessibility of an area to the supply centre, therefore the criteria could only be changed upon review of RASA.

In terms of criteria, he said it was possible that a village furthest from the supply centre could get a rate lower than that of an area closest to the supply centre.

As such he said Sankoyo, was under category one, which was the remotest while Matsaudi, Chanoga and Makalamabedi fell under category two, which was more remote.

Shorobe, according to the assessment, was not eligible to earn RASA.

Also Makhutshumo Quarantine Camp attracts the allowance at a lower rate than Makalamabedi Main Gate as it is within the Makalamabedi village where it is easier to access amenities.

The minister’s response was prompted by a question from Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile on discrepancies in the implementation of RASA in different settlements which disadvantaged workers of their right to benefit from the scheme.

MP Kekgonegile also wanted to know whether Sankoyo, Shorobe, Matsaudi, Chanoga and Makalamabedi were among the villages eligible to benefit from RASA and the criteria used to determine the benefit looking at distance or remoteness. Ends