19 Sep 2024

The Xhauxhwatubi Development Trust, in  North West District, is reportedly excelling in governance and effective utilisation of community funds.

The trust generates revenue through the sale of its hunting quotas, which contributes to sustainable development in the village and creates employment opportunities for the  youth.

During a District Development Committee (DDC) report presented at the North West full council meeting on Tuesday, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Office of the District Commissioner, Mr Pelotshweu Ntesang, confirmed that the trust stands out as a model of successful operations, in stark contrast to others grappling with maladministration and fund embezzlement that had hindered their effectiveness.

Mr Ntesang commended the Xhauxhwatubi Trust for maintaining high standards of good governance and prudent financial management, positively impacting the livelihoods of the communities it served.

Currently,  he said the trust had acquired two plots of land: one designated for constructing an office and the other earmarked for agricultural activities. “All developments on these plots have been budgeted and approved by the community,” he stated.

In addition to its core activities, the trust has broadened its tourism offerings to include a campsite and a mobile safari, both of which are operational and serving to diversify its income streams.

Mr Ntesang also highlighted the trust’s financial contribution toward constructing a community cultural village, which aims to expand tourism offerings in the area. The cultural village endeavours to promote local arts and culture, providing a framework that embodies social customs and traditions while offering visitors a unique and memorable experience.

This initiative is pivotal, aiming to transform Phuduhudu into a key destination for tourists, particularly given its proximity to the wildlife-rich Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan national parks.

Despite the success of Xhauxhwatubi, Mr Ntesang expressed concern about several local trusts that were struggling to fulfill their mandates.

He pointed out that trusts such as the Tsau, Semboyo, and Makakung Management Trusts were languishing due to constitutional lapses in signed agreements which had led to costly court cases.

Additionally, the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) is facing crippling governance issues that have diverted most of its funds toward legal disputes.

Other trusts, including the Sankoyo Tshwaragano Management Trust,  he said were  grappling with financial mismanagement, with a reported debt of over P3 million owed to Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) for penalties incurred since 2011.

Mr Ntesang noted that while Sankoyo has paid P1.5 million, the outstanding balance continues to escalate due to accruing interest.

He also mentioned the Nxaraga Development Trust, which lacks the funds necessary to hire legal representation in a critical case, and the Lake Ngami Conservation Trust, which has had its vehicle seized due to unresolved labour disputes, illustrating the challenges facing some trusts in ensuring that local communities benefit from natural resources.

To address these issues, Mr Ntesang revealed that several interventions had been implemented such as engaging the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) before entering into any agreements and to consult with community leaders regarding potential assistance requests.

Furthermore, Mr Ntesang said additional measures include training for board trustees in good governance and basic financial management, as well as advising them to report any incidents of fund mismanagement to the authorities. Ends