16 Mar 2017

After decrying lack of funds towards the implementation of poverty eradication late last year, Kgatleng District Council is finally addressing poverty eradication backlog.

Speaking in an interview, chief social welfare and community development officer Ms. Chandapiwa Mpolokang said they are seriously addressing poverty eradication backlog as they have distributed equipment to majority of the beneficiaries who patiently waited for the equipment.

Ms Mpolokang said for the past few weeks they have traversed Kgatleng District and covered a large number of beneficiaries who have proved to have waited for their share of equipment and eager to start and run their businesses.

She said they have trained all the beneficiaries and intend to clear the backlog, she also said procurement for more equipment is ongoing.

Ms Mpolokang said they have experienced a challenge with groups as they barely succeed but are yet to raise awareness on group relations and reiterated that they also have success stories of groups that thrived and grew their businesses.

For her part poverty eradication officer Ms Refilwe Ramathudi said they support existing projects by ensuring extensive monitoring of projects once they are funded something she said they will uphold with the current batch of beneficiaries.

She said they evaluate projects and do constant monitoring to see how much the projects capacitate beneficiaries.

Ms Ramathudi said they also focus on group discussions between officers and beneficiaries to ensure and build cordial working relationships and build common understanding.

“Existing beneficiaries are given tenders to train new beneficiaries, we assist them in marketing their goods by taking them to trade fairs to exhibit their products or services, we offer psycho social support during our visits and offer extensive education on group dynamics.”

She said they are currently distributing much of the equipment for all the categories but are still behind with the home based laundry projects that were applied for by 21 beneficiaries.

She added that they have incurred a challenge of suppliers who fail to deliver on time or bring inadequate on incomplete package of equipment or materials something she said worries and slows dismemberment to the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Mr Tshupo Turuka of Bokaa said he was gratified that he finally received his package of 50 chairs, tent, plates, cutlery and accessories.

Mr Tshupa said he applied in 2013 and was trained late last year, adding he is positive and will do all it takes to sustain and grow his business.

He advised the public to take advantage of economic enhancing programmes as poverty eradication to better their lives. Likewise, Ms Ikaneng Turupa of Oodi said she was overjoyed to have received her package and said she will put an extra effort to ensure her business lives on. ENDS