21 Aug 2025

The  MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane, has expressed concern over the decision to reduce the quota of Ipelegeng programme workers in the northern city.

Addressing a kgotla meeting at Monarch East on Wednesday, Mr Moswaane implored relevant authorities to review the decision with urgency, citing the potential negative impact on the lives of affected workers and their families, particularly at Gerald Estate, where the number of workers had been reduced from 98 to 28.

Mr Moswaane cited that cutting the number of Ipelegeng workers from 98 to 28 was a huge blow for the community, adding that the decision should be reviewed with the agency it deserved. 

“The Ipelegeng programme was introduced to alleviate poverty and hunger among Batswana, and it has been a vital source of employment in many areas, including Francistown,” said Mr Moswaane. 

He explained that since the country was currently faced with difficult economic times, reducing the number of Ipelegeng workers was not a solution. Instead, he said it would exacerbate poverty and hunger.

“I strongly believe this is not in the best interest of our people,” he said.

The MP emphasised that the programme was a lifeline for many residents and that its reduction would have far-reaching consequences. He urged authorities to consider the impact of the decision on the community and to explore alternative solutions that would mitigate the effects of the economic challenges facing the country.

“I understand that the government is facing financial constraints, but I believe that reducing the Ipelegeng programme is not the answer. We need to find ways to support our people during these challenging times, not abandon them.  I will continue to advocate for the review of this decision, and I hope that the relevant authorities will take our concerns into consideration.” Mr Moswaane said.

He assured residents that government was working to address current challenges by finding solutions that would improve the lives of Batswana.

The Deputy Town Clerk-Operations of the City of Francistown Council, Ms Pedzani Mahama, explained that the decision to reduce the Ipelegeng programme quota was necessitated by good rains experienced in the past season, which allowed many people to engage in farming and food production. However, Mr Moswaane countered that the rains had a devastating effect on many residents in Francistown, who were left homeless and hungry due to the floods. ENDS