06 Dec 2022

Government currently has no plans to transfer the Matimela Programme from the Ministry of Local Government to the Ministry of Agriculture.

In response to a parliamentary question, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele said the recent restructuring of government portfolio responsibilities placed Matimela function under his ministry.

“My ministry through local authorities is responsible for provision of services at local level, including Matimela function,” he said.

Mr Modukanele said the local government ministry was engaging with that of agriculture to improve matimela services by utilising the Botswana Information and Traceability System (BAITS) to notify owners of matimela where practicable.

Takatokwane Member of Parliament Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe had asked the Minister if he would consider ceding the Matimela Livestock Department from his ministry to that of agriculture where cattle owners could be easily located through BAITS. ENDS