17 Nov 2016

The former Southern District Council chairperson,  Mr Mephato Reatile, has urged Mabutsane Sub-district councillors to unite and work hard to speak for the voiceless.

In his farewell speech to the councillors in Mabutsane on November 14, he emphasised the importance of working together to deliver the council mandate.

He said misunderstandings between political leaders could  affect the poor who would not be in a position to speak for themselves.

Mr Reatile resigned from the chairperson position to last month after he joined Parliament as specially elected MP.

He applauded councillors and civil servants for the support they gave him for the past two years.

He pleaded with them to accord the new chairperson the support he would need.

“We had our own quarrels but I am happy that it was a matter of principle and we were able to advise each other and move forward to serve the community. I therefore implore you to continue following the standing orders and the local authority act to advise yourselves accordingly on how to serve your community better,” said Mr Reatile.

He said he had learnt a lot from his fellow councillors and that enabled him to appreciate the challenges faced by  councillors especially in terms of finance and decision making .

He said he also appreciated things on the ground and first-hand information.

Councillor Kebatlotlile Mothobiso of Samane/Thankane also acknowledged Mr Reatile's immense contribution to the council noting that, it was because of the support of his fellow councillors. He pleaded with him to continue advocating for Jwaneng/Mabutsane constituency while in parliament.

The Mabutsane sub vice chaiman Mr Keberekile Pule also encouraged the newly specially elected Member of Parliament to work together with the current Member of Parliament as they both know the challenges of the constituency. He said Mr Reatile has been a councillor before and it will now be easy for him to appreciate the challenges of decision making in local authorities.

“President Khama saw a great potential in you to re-join the parliament and that truly certify that he saw the potential that was seen by your fellow councillors when they elected you to the council Chairmanship,” said the Mabutsane District Commissioner Mr Mosipidi Mokgolele.

For his part the senior assistant council secretary, Mr Omphile Mosweu, also appreciated the pressure that Mr Reatile used to put on them as the civil service to improve service delivery to the community.
He said Mr Reatile had catalysed some of the projects and programmes during his tenure as a chairman and such was worth noting. BOPA