23 Mar 2025

Councillors in Kanye have emphasised the importance of revisiting the Village Development Committee (VDC) structure and regulations at least every five years.

They said during a recent Kanye District Council meeting that the review would ensure that VDC operations remained relevant to the dynamic nature of communities. The council had convened to discuss proposed amendments to the VDC regulations based on consultations conducted by the Social and Community Development (S&CD) unit with the local leadership in Kanye.

One significant proposal was to establish two umbrella VDCs to represent Kanye East and West constituencies. Councillors  voiced a variety of opinions on this proposal, with some representatives from villages surrounding Kanye arguing that having two umbrella VDCs would allow for more timely and relevant service delivery, tailored to the unique needs of different localities.

Some expressed concerns that prioritising two umbrella bodies concentrated in Kanye could lead to neglect and underdevelopment of neighbouring areas. Mr Shimane Thelo, councillor for Lotlhakane East, expressed concern that creating two distinct umbrella VDCs might foment discord within the village over project prioritisation and implementation. He warned that this separation could foster divisions among residents.

Ultimately, majority of councillors opted for a single umbrella VDC to encompass both Kanye East and West constituencies, along with other VDCs from neighbouring villages. Additional discussions included a proposal to extend the term of VDC members from three years to five years to better align with the tenure of councillors and to grant VDCs sufficient time for the completion of long-term projects.

However, the council decided on a two-and-a-half-year term for VDC members. The issue of remuneration for VDC members was also raised, with discussions about the introduction of a basic salary alongside sitting allowances for committee members and ex-officio members. While some councillors advocated for a basic salary in recognition of their extensive service beyond standard hours, others insisted that VDC roles should remain volunteer-based.

Furthermore, a proposal to set minimum qualifications for committee members to have at least standard seven was debated. The original clause required candidates to be able to read and write in English or Setswana.

Councillors countered this, arguing that such qualifications might disenfranchise capable individuals who may not meet the formal educational criteria but possess practical abilities and experience. The meeting concluded with the decision to continue reviewing the qualifications while ensuring capable candidates are not overlooked in the selection process. ENDS