26 Apr 2013

The Deputy District Commissioner for Letlhakeng sub district, Mr George Mogome has advised councillors against the tendency to exaggerate problems in their wards.

Speaking during the Letlhakeng sub council meeting on Wednesday, Mr Mogome said although councillors have the mandate to advocate for their wards, it was important to present issues in the right context as that would help the relevant departments to make proper follow ups and come up with relevant solutions.

He raised concern that in most cases, councillors blow issues in their wards out of proportion, which also takes up most of the council deliberations, adding that a councillor could still drive the point home on issues without having to exaggerate.

The advice came after Councillor for Maboane, Mr Mogomotsi Mokgolele informed the house that there was no administration block at Maboane primary school, and urged the council to act swiftly to address the situation.

On interrogation, cllr Mokgolele conceded that the administration office is available at the said primary school, but it is too small to cater for all the staff members. Cllr Mokgolele had also informed the house that matimela staff at Masupi kraal has no accommodation, and that 12 workers sleep in a single room which also acts as a storeroom.

He argued that this was a health risk as the workers inhale cattle feed and medicine.

However, it later emerged that there are actually four rooms at the Masupi kraal, and that other rooms are used by workers who are not supposed to be accommodated there. Mr Mogome’s concerns were also shared by the sub council chairman, Cllr Tshoganetso Leuwe.

Cllr Mokgolele also expressed concern on committees that assess potential beneficiaries of the poverty eradication schemes, saying they never inform village leaders such as the Village Development Committee chairpersons or councillors when they do assessments in villages.

He said this portrays such leaders in a bad light.

On other issues councillor for Mantshwabisi ward, Mr Mmatli Rasina said that the recent water right requirement introduced by the land boards hampers the funding of youth projects. He said in his constituency there is not a single youth project funded, and said that the youth have expressed concern saying this makes people think they have no interest in applying for funding.

Cllr Rasina also argued that government should consider waving some procedures in favour of the youth. He also raised concern that the Department of Youth spends too much money on workshops and trips instead of funding youth projects. ENDS