11 Aug 2024

Recognising and appreciating the work and performance of Village/wards development committees (VDCs) in advancing developmental agenda at community level is a welcome initiative. 

Speaking at the second edition of North West District Council VDC excellence awards in Maun Friday, Maun Lodge director, Mr John Wellio said the initiative had the potential to motivate VDCs to go an extra mile in undertaking more sustainable projects as well as attracting expertise and people willing to do voluntary work for communities. 

He said the committees played an advisory role to government and as such, were part of the decision-making process. 

Held under the theme: Strengthening Local Governance at Village Level: Celebrating Excellence in Ward/Village Development, the awards aimed to celebrate achievements made by VDCs in implementing various projects as well as to promote local governance, projects and initiatives that align with the Reset Agenda. 

Mr Wellio said the theme was relevant as having capacitated local structures was important for development of communities citing that many scholars stated that sustainable community development was linked to the presence of strong community leaders. 

“I have no doubt that indeed you are strong leaders who made change and improvement in your respective communities as well as in the district,” he added. 

Furthermore, Mr Wellio acknowledged that development in Botswana were guided by four national principles of democracy, unity, development and self-reliance since independence which were rooted in the traditional culture and used in various development plans. 

He emphasised the need for the VDCs and the community to continue upholding the principles. 

Mr Wellio also appreciated that VDC structures created a platform for communities to engage directly to community governance and local problem solving initiatives hence he called on the public to take them seriously. 

Meanwhile, out of the 47 VDCs, Komana VDC outdid other committees scooping the best overall trophy and other trophies as well monetary prizes for being the best in digital literacy and the best in innovative and effective as well as the best stakeholders’ collaboration and networking categories respectively. 

It was reported that Komana VDC had embraced the mindset change agenda as well as digitization to effectively deliver its mandate. 

The committee has been also doing well in creating partnerships with various stakeholders to undertake some community projects. 

Komana VDC chairperson, Mr Nelson Elias said the secret behind their success was teamwork and cooperation, noting that combined collaboration fostered a healthy work culture. He said each committee member achieved goals through powerful skills and effective work. 

Each member, he said, played their role and applied their skills while also working as one with the entire group to accomplish a goal. 

He also noted that they established rapport with other stakeholders and enjoyed support from them. 

For instance, he said, MMG-Khoemacu Copper Mine donated a computer which enabled them to create a Facebook page where they advertised their products. 

Deputy council secretary, operations, Ms Kebalepile Horatius commended all the VDCs for a job well done, saying they were instrumental in driving developmental projects. 

She said the committees were established in the country in 1968 so that the communities could play a role towards development. 

She said they developed strategic plans and annual plans for their communities. 

Ms Horatius said the committees also mobilised the community to identify projects, coordinate other organisations and stakeholders to enhance effective planning and implementation of projects as well as representing community in development matters. Ends