In her endeavor to uplift Batswana from the shackles of abject poverty, the government has over the years introduced a number of initiatives that are geared towards the same. Ipelegeng is one such noble programme though not a permanent job.

Assistant Minister Tshireletso has been touring the country addressing village development committee chairpersons, secretaries, Ipelegeng supervisors, staff and other village leaders on issues of developments. Addressing the town of Lobatse recently, the minister reiterated that Village development committee and Ipelegeng cannot function in isolation. “VDC and Ipelegeng is one thing, there is no how Ipelegeng can prosper without village development committees”. The minister called for support of the programme for it to bear fruits.

Though happy with the program, the residents had some reservations which they shared with the Minister. First they said the program needs to be reviewed; they suggested that the terms of office be increased from 2 to 5 years for maximal results. They also complained about the meager allowance they are getting and pleaded with the Minister to look into matter as a matter of urgency. Other concerns reflected on the need for Ipelegeng guidelines for workers as that will help in allaying some of their numerous concerns.

In response Hon. Tshireletso gave a brief background of the programme saying “it started in 2008 following Presidential directive CAB 19(A) of 2008. It was declared a permanent programme and its main objective being to provide relief whilst an individual is trying to find other better means of survival. She told them that review of the programme is ongoing and that the guidelines have been drawn up inclusive of some of their concerns. She applauded them for their resilience and called for other stakeholders for their assistance and augment government’s efforts of improving the lives of Batswana. “Government cannot go at it alone, let us all play a role in the upliftment of lives of our people”.

In closing, Town Clerk G. Sekwakwa appreciated the support the town is getting from government, private sector, business community and other stakeholders and called for more cooperation going forward. This she said, “the development of Lobatse rests with us, and as such it is upon us to see what opportunities are available and how we tap into them. Cooperation and the support from councilors and the general public is quite phenomenal and bears testimony to the development of Lobatse” she said.