27 Sep 2023

The City of Francistown is currently facing a significant increase in child welfare cases compared to the previous year. 

 During a recent full council meeting recently, Mayor Godisang Radisigo addressed the issue and highlighted that the council has been dealing with a high volume of cases, particularly those related to sexual offenses such as rape, defilement, and indecent assault.

  According to the mayor, there were currently 206 welfare cases that have been referred by various agencies including the Police, Magistrate, and High Courts. 

  Out of these cases, he said  39 involved children facing charges such as murder, rape, robbery, and unlawful wounding.

 Mayor Radisigo further revealed that out of the 206 cases, 105 were sexually related offenses against children. 

 Most of these cases involve perpetrators who are known to the victims and their families. Additionally, there were 29 cases of child neglect and cruel treatment.

   In light of this concerning situation, Mayor Radisigo urged society to take full responsibility, particularly in terms of parental guidance and protection. “It is crucial for parents and guardians to prioritize the safety and well-being of their children.”

  Aside from child welfare cases, the mayor expressed concern about the high dropout rates among learners in Francistown schools. In 2022, there were a total of 37 dropouts, and by the first term of 2023, there were already nine dropouts. 

 The reasons for the dropouts included desertion (four cases), absenteeism (three cases), and pregnancy (one case).

 Desertion has become a major concern, especially among boys in the city. This issue is often linked to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as negligent parents and guardians who fail to monitor their children’s school work.

 Efforts are being made to address this problem through the involvement of the Child Protection Committee, Dikgosi, and social workers. Their goal is to bring back the deserted boys and provide them with the support they need, the mayor said.

On a positive note, Mayor Radisigo said that the multipurpose youth hub project, led by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture (MYSC), was progressing well. 

 One of the companies operating from the hub, Sego sa Letlotlo PTY LTD, has developed a recreational park that is currently 70 percent complete. The hub has also facilitated mentorship and support from a commercial farmer in Sefhare, allowing beneficiaries to grow and develop.

 On other issues, he said Francistown was currently facing water leakages due to pipe bursts in various parts of the city. 

 “These recurring bursts are primarily caused by aging networks that can no longer withstand the pressure,” he said. 

As a short-term solution, Mr Radisigo said the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) was attending to the bursts, prioritising them based on their severity and the availability of water resources. Ends