Mogoditshane council chair demands new offices, better working conditions

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:27

He expressed concern over the current situation in a recent interview with The Monitor, where the council operates from caravans, highlighting that this setup is far from ideal. 'This situation is far from healthy. Mogoditshane's council offices are merely caravans, and it appears that this has been the case for years without any change. Some officers are cramped into these caravans due to the lack of space,' he emphasised.

As the new chairperson, Selala shared that he intends to push for the construction of proper office buildings for the council. He further stressed that inadequate resources and poor working conditions would inevitably affect the council's efficiency. 'Offices that are demoralising will only hinder the officers' ability to deliver as expected,' Selala added. He also pointed out that the space available for the full council meetings is far too small. Whilst Selala acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the government, he proposed inviting the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to visit the council offices. He believes the visit will help them appreciate the gravity of the situation and provide an opportunity for valuable feedback. 'Other councils have proper offices, and it’s high time we have them too,' he noted.

Moreover, Selala said some of the caravans are old and, at times, unsafe. He warned that soon, council engineers may advise against using them due to potential safety risks. Additionally, he expressed his concern about the long-standing neglect of the Mogoditshane council in various areas. 'Council workers live in constant fear, especially during the rainy season, as the caravans could be unsafe,' Selala said. The chairperson, however, said he believes that Mogoditshane council would be able to execute some of its duties properly since it is now a full council, unlike before when it was a sub-council. He noted that they could manage some things if the council had a decent budget since it oversees three constituencies, Thamaga-Kumakwane, Mogoditshane East and West constituencies. “Our council covers extensive areas, and I believe we work hand in hand with the community for us to be able to serve them,” he continued.