08 Dec 2013

A comprehensive and well informed family policy is crucial to serve as a guideline for informing effective and efficient programmes that affect the needs of the family.

Presenting a draft report on the development of a family policy to the Kgatleng District Council recently, the deputy director of the Department of Social Services, Ms Mmaphefo Setabo-Kgetse said the family policy would act as a framework within which a comprehensive approach to social development would be implemented.

Ms Setabo-Kgetse said families experience challenges which need a holistic approach, particularly that a family as a basic unit of society plays a vital role in political, cultural and socio-economic development.

She said families in Botswana have been affected by different issues which have varied impacts on the family setup. The deputy director said traditional roles of women and men have changed as women have joined the labour market for economic reasons with some holding high positions.

“There is a need to develop a national policy for the family in Botswana which will guide the development of family programming strategies in a holistic manner to enhance the well-being and optional social functioning of families,” she said.

Ms Setabe-Kgetse further said the development of the policy was in line with the government’s commitment in the context of the African Union plan of action of the family in Africa. Commenting, some councillors argued that ever since Batswana lost their cultural values, things had never been the same.

Cllr Stephen Makhura of Malolwane/Ramonaka said it was important for Batswana to go back to their Setswana values and norms to curb the evil that has besieged today’s generation. Kgatleng Council chairperson, Mr Tona Mooketsi argued that times have changed and today’s marriage cannot be compared with marriage in the olden days.

“Culture is dynamic and people are now living in a globalised world where different lifestyles are influenced by global media, food, fashion and music,” he said.

Mr Mooketsi implored councillors to adjust to the current times and the perpetual winds of change. He said Botswana also needs a policy for the elderly people to ensure that they are taken care of. ENDS