29 Oct 2024

The Minister of Youth, Sports, Gender and Culture Mr Tumiso Rakgare has emphasised the importance of decentralisation in government, citing its ability to transfer authority, resources and responsibilities from central government to local authorities.

Speaking at the launch of the Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council’s new logo and primary school in Kumakwane, Minister Rakgare explained that this shift had enabled local leaders to engage with their communities and respond effectively to challenges and opportunities specific to their district.

He also highlighted the significance of decentralised governance in ensuring that communities were able to tailor their decision making to their unique needs.

Minister Rakgare also noted that Mogoditshane District Council had been elevated to the status of a fully-fledged district council in the first phase of upgrading sub-districts in December 2022. Previously, it had been one of three sub-districts under Kweneng District Council.

In addition, he highlighted the symbolic importance of the logo, stating that it embodied the collective vision, commitment to transparency, and dedication to the development of local governance. He, therefore praised the designer of the logo, Mr Tshoganetso Mmono, and recognised the input of the Logo Committee in the design process.

Mr Rakgare further emphasised the council’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue with its residents by launching a Toll-Free Line that allowed community members to engage with their local government and offer input on a wide range of topics.

“The Toll-Free Line represents our commitment to amplifying the voices of our community,” he said.

He further addressed the significance of the handover of the newly constructed Seboni Memorial Primary School in Kumakwane and the Diagane Airline Primary School in Mogoditshane. 

He noted the crucial role that education played in the society and government’s commitment to providing quality education facilities for future generations.

He also stressed the importance of community ownership of the schools, and said the buildings represented a legacy of investment from both the government and community members.

Explaining the objectives of the event Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council Secretary Mr Jimmy McKenzie, said the intention was to strengthen partnerships with community members and local businesses, bringing government services closer to the people, and improving service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of Ossy & Sons (Pty) Ltd, the school project contractor, the Project Manager Mr Bakang Ditebo announced that the company was citizen-owned and committed to supporting the local economy.

He said during the construction of the school, the company employed 128 Batswana and purchased all building materials from local suppliers. 

He also said he was delighted to report that the project was completed on time and within budget.

The new council logo, featuring the slogan ‘Mookodi wa Pula’ meaning the source of life showcases several symbols that embody the district’s identity and aspirations.

The logo’s design incorporates cog wheels, representing innovation and progress, a visual of two people helping one another, symbolising the spirit of collaboration and community, hills and heights depicts the district’s natural attractions, and a flowing river, signifying the abundant life and natural resources that enrich the area. ends