15 Dec 2024

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane says the total average monthly feeding cost for Ipelegeng programme beneficiaries is P22 608 000.

Answering a question in Parliament on Thursday, he said there currently were 113 040 Ipelegeng beneficiaries and each was provided with a snack valued at P10 per day for the six hours of work and that amounted to P200 per month for the 20 days worked.

Giving a background on the Ipelegeng sustenance initiative, he said it was introduced as part of the programme in April 2012, with a primary objective to motivate beneficiaries and enhance their productivity while engaged in the programme.

He said the initiative was established after it became evident that beneficiaries often worked on projects located in areas without access to shopping facilities such as shops or kiosks.

Consequently, he said they frequently faced difficulties in obtaining food during working hours leading to prolonged periods without nourishment, a situation that affected their productivity.

He said currently a total of 3 200 Batswana had been engaged nationwide to supply the sustenance meals and were thus beneficiaries of the P22 608 000.

Moreover, Mr Moswaane stated that commitments had already been made with these suppliers at least until March 2025 hence any decision to halt the initiative immediately could have significant implications.

He said his ministry had previously assured Parliament that they had commenced the transformation process of the Ipelegeng programme as part of government commitments to the nation.

Mr Moswaane assured Parliament that the ongoing transformation process included addressing issues related to the sustenance initiative and revising the current wage rate of P619 per month to P2 500 as outlined in the Umbrella for Democratic Change manifesto.

MP for Mogoditshane East, Mr Letlhogonolo Barongwang had asked the minister to state the total average monthly feeding cost of Ipelegeng programme and if he would consider converting the feeding cost to income as an immediate and reasonable approach towards providing a sustainable Ipelegeng programme which was part of UDC’s manifesto.

He further asked the minister to state by how much it would increase the current P619 per month paid to those enrolled. ENDS