07 Oct 2014

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II of Barolong has commended the Southern District Council (SDC) chairperson for having inspired the council to achieve more with less resources.

Speaking during the SDC chairperson’s ball recently, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said the district had enjoyed notable development projects during Mr Leach Tlhomelang’s tenure, despite the economic meltdown, as a result of his visionary leadership.

Kgosi Lotlaamoreng said there was a time when constituents almost lost trust in the current SDC councillors because of stalling development projects but little did they know that the representatives were hindered by recession. He also wished SDC councillors well in their future endeavours particularly those standing for this year’s elections.

For her part, the SDC deputy council secretary Ms Lenah Mahalelo who described Mr Tlhomelang as a results focused straight talker also reiterated that the district had achieved a lot under his leadership despite the economic meltdown.

She cited the construction of Mongala mall, which she described as the envy of many, as the flag ship of Mr Tlhomelang’s contribution. Mrs Mahalelo added that the installation of Kanye traffic lights and Mabutsane street lights bore testimony to his leadership.

Ms Mahalelo said for both 2009/2010 financial years, the SDC could not even afford to foot the wage bill of its employees but managed to source supplementary funds from central government due to Mr Tlhomelang’s advocacy.

The deputy council secretary said SDC has decentralised authority and a number of critical services to its four sub districts during his time in office.

The district commissioner, Mr Moses Gaealashwe was also delighted that they have registered hard work and success against recession in the last five years through Mr Tlhomelang’s leadership.

He highlighted the construction of Ketlogetswe and Gopong primary schools and Moshupa Rural Administration Centre (RAC) as some of the developments the district has enjoyed during his time at the helm of SDC, likewise adding they have achieved more with less.

Mr Gaealashwe said he was happy that SDC has achieved the feats working as a unit with other stakeholders. The district was blessed to have had a pushy and decisive political leader like Mr Tlhomelang, he added.

For his part, Mr Tlhomelang said, “I am mindful of the fact that the gap between where we are and what we want to achieve is big, but we look back with pride.”

He said they have built some kgotla shelters across the district, roads and renovated schools through the Ipelegeng programme and that substantial authority has been decentralised to the sub districts.

“This is because I’m of the view that we have capable officers in the four sub districts who can take sound decisions,” he argued.

Mr Tlhomelang commended sister councils like Kweneng, Ghanzi and Kgalagadi for their support through trying times. He also extended his gratitude to his deputy Lt. Col Fairbridge Pule for his undivided support and loyalty.

The event also saw the 64 SDC councillors, Mr Tlhomelang’s secretary Ms Finkie Kooitse and retired officer, Ms Morwesi Koogotsitse receive goodies as a token of appreciation for their service.

Kgosi Maisibi of Disaneng in South Africa graced the occasion. Ends