25 Oct 2023

Sepako residents have been implored to find other means of earning a living instead of waiting only for government’s welfare programmes such as Ipelegeng aimed at cushioning them while looking for long term employment.

Addressing at kgotla meeting in Sepako on October 24, the Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga encouraged residents to think creatively and find ways to make a living out of their unique habitat. Mr Majaga noted that though they were faced with human-wildlife conflict, which inhibits their efforts of rearing livestock and growing crops, that should not discourage from finding other means.  

He pointed out that though the government encourages Batswana to form cooperatives and clusters so that they could be assisted as groups, many people were not eager to embark on such initiatives.

Mr Majaga advised that working in groups made it easier to access funding, citing that in their case where they have fertile black clay soil found along the Sematlaphiri area, which is similar to that found in Pandamatenga farms, they can come together and seek assistance from the government to have the area fenced with electric fence to keep away animals and they start producing food.

Besides producing food, he added that such a project would create employment. He said fighting for the limited slots at Ipelegeng would not help them in the long run or help move the country forward.

“Let us revive the spirit of self-reliance and start doing things for ourselves for there is no one who will do things for us,” he said.

Mr Majaga informed his constituents that work to repair the A3 road will be done in phases. 

He said consultants have started addressing communities living along the area where the road is severely damaged along the Nata-Zoroga area. He expressed hope that the project will commence before the end of the year.

The Village Development Committee chairperson, Ms Keitiretse Blacky decried the severe water shortage in their village, which he said was affecting teaching and learning at the local primary school, which was already producing poor results.

She suggested that although Water Utilities Corporation is bowsing water for them, the water rationing affects them as they often go for days without water. ENDS