22 Jan 2024

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has urged the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to assess the impact of the hunting quota.

Addressing heads of departments in Letlhakane on January 17, he stressed the importance of determining whether its implementation was a viable solution to farmers’ concerns and whether it could be increased. 

He also added that some farmers were unable to yield any produce from their fields due to elephant disruptions.

Mr Tsogwane, also a Member of Parliament for Boteti West, noted that the hunting ban had led to a dramatic increase in the elephant population. He commended President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for addressing the concerns of farmers in Boteti.

Additionally, Mr Tsogwane observed that the realignment of the Makgadikgadi National Park game fence had resulted in increased pasture for farmers. 

He emphasised that this initiative would help reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhance the livelihoods of affected communities.

In other matters, Mr Tsogwane emphasized the importance of providing a comprehensive report on school maintenance in his constituency. 

He stressed the need to enhance the performance of schools in his area and suggested recognizing schools such as Khumaga Primary School for their academic achievements.

The Vice President urged public officers to make diligent efforts to improve the living standards of people in rural communities. 

He also highlighted the desire of some individuals living in cattle posts to enroll in non-formal education. 

He voiced concerns about the lack of progress in establishing a proposed two-teacher primary school in Mmadikola.

Mr Tsogwane also expressed worry that agricultural demonstrators were not sufficiently educating and guiding farmers on the Temo Letlotlo program, which plays a crucial role in ensuring food security.

The senior economic planner for Boteti District informed the MP that they had submitted a community elephant hunting quota to the DWNP for the umbrella committee representing seven trusts within Boteti West. ENDS